Protopic in Spain: Tacrolimus Ointment for Eczema
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
Protopic is a tacrolimus ointment for eczema, on prescription in Spain. Who can use it, why it burns at first, sun and alcohol tips and warning signs.
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Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
Protopic is a tacrolimus ointment for eczema (atopic dermatitis). It is not a steroid. It calms the immune reaction in the skin, so redness and itch settle. Doctors use it for moderate to severe eczema when steroid creams have not worked or are not suitable. It suits thin skin such as the face. In Spain it needs a prescription.
- Protopic (tacrolimus) is a steroid-free ointment for moderate to severe eczema.
- It needs a prescription in Spain. It has the same name in the UK and the US.
- Burning or itching is common in the first days and usually fades within a week.
- Protect treated skin from the sun and sunbeds. Do not put it on infected skin.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
For a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest local emergency department. Do not wait for a video consultation or an online reply.
What is Protopic used for?
Protopic treats atopic eczema, a long-term skin condition that causes dry, red, itchy patches. It belongs to a group called calcineurin inhibitors. It is used in two ways:
- To treat a flare. You use it on the patches until the skin clears.
- To prevent new flares. Some people with frequent flares keep using it on a few days each week, on the areas that usually flare. Only a doctor sets this plan.
Unlike strong steroid creams, it does not thin the skin. That is why doctors often choose it for the face, the neck and skin folds.
Which strength, and from what age?
Protopic comes as a weaker and a stronger ointment.
- Children aged 2 to 15 use only the weaker strength.
- Adults and teenagers aged 16 and over may use either strength. The doctor chooses which.
- Children under 2 should not use it.
The doctor or the leaflet sets how much to use and how often.
Is Protopic sold under the same name in the UK and US?
Yes. Protopic is the brand name in Spain, the UK and the US.
| Name | What it is | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Protopic | Tacrolimus ointment, two strengths | Spain, UK, US (prescription) |
| Cellmune | Tacrolimus ointment | Spain (prescription) |
| Steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone | A different kind of eczema treatment | Spain, UK, US |
If you used tacrolimus ointment at home, bring the box or the name to your visit.
Does Protopic need a prescription in Spain?
Yes. Both strengths of Protopic are listed as medicamento sujeto a prescripción médica on the AEMPS CIMA database. A pharmacy needs a valid prescription to give it to you. Our guide on which medicines need a prescription in Spain explains the rules.
Eczema flares on your face, or a cream that has stopped helping?
You can book a video visit with a GP licensed in Spain, in English or Spanish. He looks at your skin on camera and talks through the options.
Why does Protopic burn at first?
Burning, stinging or itching where you apply it is very common. It is usually mild and fades within about a week as the skin heals. Applying it to fully dry skin may help. If the burning is strong or does not ease, stop and ask your doctor.
Tips for using Protopic safely
- Sun. Limit time in the sun. Do not use sunbeds or sunlamps. Wear loose clothes and sun protection outdoors. Do not combine it with light therapy unless your doctor agrees.
- Infected skin. Do not put it on skin that is weeping, crusted or infected. Infection needs treating first.
- Eyes and mouth. Keep it out of the eyes, nose and mouth. If it gets in, wipe it off or rinse with water.
- No dressings. Do not cover treated skin with bandages or wraps.
- Moisturisers. Keep using them, but not within two hours before or after Protopic.
- Alcohol. A drink can make your face or skin flush red and hot.
Who should not use Protopic?
- People allergic to tacrolimus.
- People allergic to macrolide antibiotics, such as azithromycin, clarithromycin or erythromycin.
- Children under 2.
Tell the doctor first if you have swollen glands (lymph nodes), a weak immune system, or a skin condition other than eczema. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask before you use it.
What Protopic does not treat
- Skin infections. Infected eczema may need an antibiotic. Our Fucidine guide explains one option.
- Cold sores. It can make a herpes infection spread. See our cold sore page.
- Mild eczema that settles with moisturisers and short courses of a mild steroid.
Our eczema page explains how a doctor reviews it, and our guide on follow-up photos for eczema helps you track flares.
Side effects and when to see a doctor
Common side effects are burning, itching, redness, warmth, tingling and a rash where you apply it. Some people get small spots around hairs (folliculitis) or cold sores. The US label carries a warning about rare reports of skin cancer and lymphoma in people using this type of ointment. It is not clear the ointment caused them. This is why doctors use it on the smallest area for the shortest time that works. See a doctor if:
- Your eczema is no better after two weeks.
- Your glands swell during treatment.
- A patch of skin changes in a way you cannot explain.
- The skin turns weepy, crusted or very painful.
Call 112 if your face, lips or throat swell, or you have trouble breathing. Get urgent care the same day if painful blisters spread fast over your eczema and you feel unwell. This can be eczema herpeticum, a serious herpes infection.
Talking it through with a doctor by video
Dr. Yelamo is a GP licensed in Spain. He sees adults, children and pregnant patients by video, every day from 07:30 to 20:30 (Spain time). In the visit he will:
- Look at your skin on camera and ask about triggers and past treatments.
- Check for signs of infection or anything that needs an in-person exam.
- Explain whether a moisturiser plan, a steroid cream or tacrolimus fits best.
- Tell you when a skin specialist should see you.
He does not promise any test or prescription before the visit. Where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation. Treatment and prescriptions are issued solely at the doctor's discretion based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
See how the Urgent Care video visit works. It lasts 15 minutes and costs €50.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
What is Protopic?
A tacrolimus ointment for eczema (atopic dermatitis). It calms the skin's immune reaction without a steroid. It comes in two strengths.
Does Protopic need a prescription in Spain?
Yes. Both strengths are prescription-only on the AEMPS CIMA database. A pharmacy cannot supply it without a valid prescription.
Can I use Protopic on my face?
Yes, the product information allows the face and neck. Keep it out of the eyes, nose and mouth. Ask your doctor before using it close to the eyes.
Is it normal for Protopic to burn?
Yes, burning or itching is very common in the first days. It usually fades within about a week. Tell your doctor if it does not settle.
Can children use Protopic?
Only from age 2, and only the weaker strength until age 16. It is not for children under 2.
Can I drink alcohol while using Protopic?
Alcohol can make the face or skin flush red and feel hot. This is a known effect. Ask your doctor if it bothers you.
Sources
- AEMPS CIMA: Protopic package leaflet
- European Medicines Agency: Protopic
- MedlinePlus: Tacrolimus topical
Related guides
Medical Citations & Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following official health authorities.
