INTRODUCTION ABOUT TAKFA FORTE LOTION
TAKFA FORTE LOTION contains Tacrolimus which belongs to the group of medicines called Immunosuppressants. It is used to manage moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) when other conventional therapies fail to provide adequate results.
Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin condition that makes your skin itchy, red, dry and irritated. It is characterized by small, raised bumps on the skin with pus accompanied by severe skin itching, redness and inflammation.
TAKFA FORTE LOTION is suitable for use both in adults and children (aged 16 years or older). Apply a thin layer of TAKFA FORTE LOTION on the affected skin areas. You may use your regular skin moisturizer and/or other skin lotions along with TAKFA FORTE LOTION, but make sure to apply them after 2 hours of applying TAKFA FORTE LOTION.
Do not use TAKFA FORTE LOTION for more than the stipulated duration recommended by your doctor. Regularly visit your doctor (once a year or as instructed) for reviewing your condition even if your condition remains under control.
Before using TAKFA FORTE LOTION inform your doctor if you have any other skin disease apart from eczema such as skin cancer, skin infections or lesions at the application site, any inherited skin barrier disease or generalised erythroderma (severe skin redness and scaling).
You must also inform your doctor if you have a weak immune system, liver problems or any autoimmune disease conditions. Consult your doctor before using TAKFA FORTE LOTION if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
While undergoing therapy with TAKFA FORTE LOTION, avoid exposing your skin towards direct sunlight or towards any artificial light sources. Wear loose-fitting protective clothes and apply sunscreen while going outdoors. Also, avoid the consumption of alcohol as it may make your skin look more flushed. Do not smoke or go near naked flames as it may increase the risk of burns.
The most common side effects of applying TAKFA FORTE LOTION are skin irritation, burning sensation, redness or warmth at the site of application. Consult your doctor if this side effect troubles you.
USES OF TAKFA FORTE LOTION
It is used in adults and in children (aged 16 years or older) to manage and prevent:
- Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema)
HOW TAKFA FORTE LOTION WORKS
TAKFA FORTE LOTION is an immunosuppressive agent. It works by blocking the release of certain chemicals in the body (such as T-cells) that cause allergic and inflammatory reactions. When applied topically, it suppresses the immune system and manages the abnormal immune response towards allergens. This reduces skin dryness, redness, itching and inflammation associated with auto-immune skin conditions.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Apply a small amount of TAKFA FORTE LOTION into the affected skin areas or directed by the physician. It is for topical use only. Wash your hands before and after application unless your hands are also managed.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending on your age, body weight and health condition. Do not stop using or overuse TAKFA FORTE LOTION without consulting your doctor.
Avoid contact of TAKFA FORTE LOTION with your eyes, mouth, ears, nose or with open wounds. Do not cover the application site with bandages, dressings or clothes.
SIDE EFFECTS OF TAKFA FORTE LOTION
COMMON
- itching or burning sensation at the site of application
- skin redness, flushing or pain
- increased skin sensitivity towards heat or cold
- skin infections
- inflamed or infected hair follicles on the skin
- facial flushing among alcoholics
UNCOMMON
- acne (pimples)
RARE
Stop using TAKFA FORTE LOTION and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects such as:
- enlarged or swollen lymph nodes
- changes in skin colour
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Application Site Reactions:
Place an icepack on the affected skin areas to ease the irritation. Avoid using harsh chemicals or soaps on the affected areas. Wear protective loose-fitting clothes while going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. Avoid exposing your skin towards direct sunlight. If the condition did not improve, contact your doctor.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
TAKFA FORTE LOTION should be used in pregnant women only if considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before using it.
BREASTFEEDING
TAKFA FORTE LOTION should be used in breastfeeding women only if considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before using it.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
TAKFA FORTE LOTION is unlikely to affect your ability for driving and using machinery. However, do not drive or handle any heavy tools or machines if your ability is affected by TAKFA FORTE LOTION.
ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while using TAKFA FORTE LOTION as it may make your skin look more flushed.
LIVER
TAKFA FORTE LOTION should be used with caution in patients with liver problems (such as liver failure). Therefore, consult your doctor before using it.
ALLERGY
Talk to your doctor before using TAKFA FORTE LOTION if you are allergic to Tacrolimus or to any macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, azithromycin).
OTHERS
Before using TAKFA FORTE LOTION inform your doctor if you:
- have skin cancer
- have a weak immune system
- have any skin conditions that hinder absorption through the skin (such as Netherton’s syndrome or lamellar ichthyosis)
- have generalised erythroderma (severe skin redness and scaling)
- have any autoimmune diseases
- have cutaneous graft versus host disease (immune reactions on the skin caused due to bone marrow transplantation)
- have swollen lymph nodes
- have any skin infections or lesions at the site of application
- are undergoing any light therapy
Use in pediatrics:
TAKFA FORTE LOTION should be used in children and adolescents (aged 16 years or older) only if prescribed by the physician. It is not recommended for use in children aged below 16 years. Therefore, consult your doctor before using it.
Use in geriatrics:
TAKFA FORTE LOTION should be used with caution in elderly patients. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug – Drug interaction:
Before using TAKFA FORTE LOTION inform your doctor if you are taking the following medicines such as:
- erythromycin (a medicine used to manage bacterial infections)
- medicines used to manage fungal infection (Ex. ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- diltiazem (a medicine used to manage heart problems)
- cimetidine (a medicine used to manage stomach ulcers)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally swallowed TAKFA FORTE LOTION, consult your doctor for advice or visit the nearby hospital.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Tacrolimus |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Calcineurin Inhibitors |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Atopic dermatitis |
| Dosage Forms | : | Capsules, Tablets, Ointment, Lotion, solution, Topical Solution, Oral gel, eye ointment |
MORE INFORMATION
- Keep TAKFA FORTE LOTION out of reach of children
- Store TAKFA FORTE LOTION at room temperature
FAQs ABOUT TAKFA FORTE LOTION
What is the use of TAKFA FORTE LOTION?
TAKFA FORTE LOTION is used to manage moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) when other conventional therapies fail to provide adequate results.
How TAKFA FORTE LOTION works?
TAKFA FORTE LOTION is an immunosuppressive agent. It works by blocking the release of certain chemicals in the body (such as T-cells) that cause allergic and inflammatory reactions. When applied topically, it suppresses the immune system and manages the abnormal immune response towards allergens. This reduces skin dryness, redness, itching and inflammation associated with auto-immune skin conditions.
How to use TAKFA FORTE LOTION?
Apply a small amount of TAKFA FORTE LOTION into the affected skin areas or directed by the physician. It is for topical use only. Wash your hands before and after application unless your hands are also managed.
What precautions must be followed while using TAKFA FORTE LOTION?
TAKFA FORTE LOTION is for topical use only. Avoid contact of TAKFA FORTE LOTION with your eyes, mouth, ears, nose or with open wounds. Do not cover the application site with bandages, dressings or clothes. Wash your hands before and after application. Before using TAKFA FORTE LOTION inform your doctor if you have any other skin disease apart from eczema such as skin cancer, skin infections or any inherited skin barrier disease. Consult your doctor before using TAKFA FORTE LOTION if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid exposing your skin towards direct sunlight and wear protective loose-fitting clothes and sunscreen while going outdoors.
Is TAKFA FORTE LOTION safe?
TAKFA FORTE LOTION may cause skin irritation, burning sensation, redness and warmth at the site of application. Consult your doctor if this bothers you.
What are the common side effects of using TAKFA FORTE LOTION?
The most common side effects of applying TAKFA FORTE LOTION are skin irritation, burning sensation, redness or warmth at the site of application. Consult your doctor if this side effect troubles you.
What to do if I forget to apply TAKFA FORTE LOTION?
If you forgot to apply a dose of TAKFA FORTE LOTION, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose of TAKFA FORTE LOTION, skip the missed dose and apply the next one regularly. Do not apply a double dose of TAKFA FORTE LOTION to compensate for the missed ones.
How long will it take for TAKFA FORTE LOTION to heal my condition?
You need to apply TAKFA FORTE LOTION as long as your doctor prescribes you the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.
Can I use other topical medicines while using TAKFA FORTE LOTION?
Avoid using any other topical medicines along with TAKFA FORTE LOTION without consulting your doctor.
Can TAKFA FORTE LOTION be used in pregnant women?
TAKFA FORTE LOTION should be used in pregnant women only if considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before using it.
Can TAKFA FORTE LOTION be used in children?
TAKFA FORTE LOTION should be used in children and adolescents (aged 16 years or above) only if prescribed by the physician. It is not recommended for use in children aged below 16 years. However, consult your doctor for advice.
Can I use TAKFA FORTE LOTION for psoriasis?
TAKFA FORTE LOTION is usually prescribed for the management of eczema. Consult your doctor for advice if you are wishing to use this medicine to manage psoriasis.
Can I use TAKFA FORTE LOTION for my 4-year-old son?
TAKFA FORTE LOTION is not recommended for use in children aged below 16 years. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice. Your doctor may prescribe a suitable lower dose of tacrolimus for your child depending upon their age, body weight and severity of the disease.
REFERENCES
1. KD. Tripathi. Autocoids and related drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 8th edition. 2019. Page – 940-941.
2. Mamitaro Ohtsuki, Hiroshi Morimoto and Hidemi Nakagawa. Tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of adult and pediatric atopic dermatitis: Review on safety and benefits. 1. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC. PubMed Central. August 2018. [Accessed on 25th October 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6099320/
3. Accord Healthcare Limited. United Kingdom. Electronic Medicines compendium (EMC) [Revised in February 2021] [Accessed on 26th October 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9757.pdf
4. Astellas Toyama Co., Ltd. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [Revised in November 2011]. [Accessed on 26th October 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/050777s018lbl.pdf
5. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA. Tacrolimus Ointment 0.03% Ointment 0.1%. [Revised in March 2021]. [Accessed on 26th October 2022] https://glenmarkpharma-us.com/wp-content/uploads/Tacrolimus-Ointment-Medication-Guide.pdf
AUTHOR DETAILS
