Tacrolimus is a topical immunosuppressant used for treating moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) when conventional treatments, like corticosteroids, are ineffective or inappropriate. It works by inhibiting T-lymphocyte activation, reducing skin inflammation and itchiness without causing skin thinning, a common side effect of long-term steroid use.
Two products in this class are available in NZ by Special Authority or self-payment. They are Tacrolimus (Zematop) and Pimecrolimus (Elidel).
Tacrolimus is the more potent of the two. Applied twice daily, it is particularly useful in sensitive areas such as the face and neck.
GPs should monitor for side effects at the application site and advise patients to avoid excessive sun exposure due to potential increased sensitivity. George is a UK-based expert in Tacrolimus.
As always, we will answer as many questions as possible during this session.
Presenter
George Moncrieff
FRCP FRCGP DCH DRCOG DPD
George Moncrieff has been a GP in the U.K. for 40 years.
In 1999 he became one of the first GPwSI in Dermatology and ran an Interface Dermatology Service in the community receiving direct referrals from around 50 local GPs.
In the past he’s been an external examiner for the Cardiff Diploma in Practical Dermatology, a senior examiner for the Diploma of Child Health for The Royal College of Physicians, a GP trainer and an undergraduate tutor in Medicine at Oxford University and the Royal Free Hospital in London. He was the RCGP Dermatology Curriculum Guardian from 2010 until 2014, Chair of The Dermatology Council for England from 2014 until July 2018 and a PCDS Committee Member from 2005 until 2018. He remains a Primary Care Advisor to the National Eczema Society.
After retiring from his NHS Practice in 2017, he worked in a private practice in Oxford, as well as doing locums for local GP practices.
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from:
