The Use of Topical Tacrolimus (FK506/Protopic) in Cutaneous Manifestations of Autoimmune Diseases

Abstract

The cutaneous manifestations of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, are common and often recalcitrant to treatment. Unfortunately, therapy for lupus and other autoimmune skin diseases has not advanced and relies heavily on the use of oral and topical corticosteroids. Frequently, treatments prove less than ideal, either from toxicity or lack of efficacy. A topical form of the immunomodulating transplant medication, tacrolimus (FK-506, Protopic), has recently been developed and approved for use in treating atopic dermatitis. Its mechanism of action and local route of administration render tacrolimus a potentially attractive novel therapeutic alternative for the treatment of various autoimmune dermatologic conditions. We report our successful experience using this drug in 3 patients with autoimmune dermatologic disease who were referred to a tertiary care subspecialty clinic.

Comparison of effectiveness of topical tacrolimus 0.1% vs topical halobetasol propionate 0.05% as an add‐on to oral hydroxychloroquine in discoid lupus erythematosus

“…5 Side effects are usually limited to transient burning, erythema, and irritation. 6 Although there are some studies on the efficacy of topical tacrolimus in diverse forms of CLE, including DLE, [7][8][9] they were performed on limited number of patients and our knowledge about its usefulness is still limited. In addition, information about halobetasol propionate in DLE is scarce.…”