Tacrolimus

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Apr 16, 2024

Side Effects


Tacrolimus (Protopic) Side Effects

Possible side effects of tacrolimus are listed below. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects if they are severe or continue after a few days.

  • Temporary skin irritation (skin burning, redness, soreness, itching, stinging, or tingling)
  • Increased sensitivity of treated skin to hot or cold temperatures
  • Infected or swollen hair follicles
  • Acne
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches or back pain
  • Nausea
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Stuffy or runny nose

Sometimes, tacrolimus ointment can cause more serious side effects. Contact your health care professional without delay or seek immediate medical attention if you develop:

  • Skin rash
  • Signs of skin infection (blistering, crusting, or oozing)
  • Swollen glands
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Viral infections like chicken pox or cold sores (lip sores)
  • Swelling of the hands, lower legs, ankles, or feet

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of tacrolimus. Contact your health care professional if your side effects are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tacrolimus (Protopic) Overdose: In case of an overdose, call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center or national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if a person cannot be awakened, has trouble breathing, has collapsed, or has had a seizure.

Source: FDA