Desonide vs. Tacrolimus for Eczema: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Desonide

Tacrolimus

(Protopic)

Summary for Desonide

Prescription only

Desonide is a topical steroid used on the skin to reduce inflammation, itching, and redness from certain skin conditions, including eczema. It comes in many forms, such as a cream, lotion, gel, and ointment. You apply it directly to the affected skin 2 to 4 times a day, depending on how serious the condition is. Potential side effects include burning, itching, and stinging where it's applied.

Indications for Desonide

Skin rashes and other skin irritations - cream, lotion, and ointment
Eczema in adults and children 3 months and older - gel only

Pros and Cons for Desonide

Pros

Applied directly to the affected area(s) of skin
Low strength topical steroid, so it has lower risk of side effects
Comes in forms like an ointment, cream, lotion, and gel

Cons

Short-term use only, otherwise it might cause skin changes
Doesn’t treat the cause of skin conditions, only the symptoms
Requires a prescription

Common Side Effects for Desonide

Cream:

Itching (1%)
Pain (1%)
Rash (1%)
Redness (1%)
Irritation (1%)
Burning (1%)

Lotion:

Irritation (3%)
Peeling of the skin (3%)
Itching (3%)
Redness (3%)
Dryness (3%)

Ointment:

Redness (6%)
Itching (6%)
Irritation (6%)
Oily skin (6%)

Gel:

Headache (2%)
Burning (1%)
Rash (1%)
Itching (1%)

Warnings for Desonide

Changes in stress hormone levels
Skin infection
Skin irritation

Summary for Tacrolimus

Prescription only

Tacrolimus (Protopic) is a prescription non-steroid ointment used short-term on the skin to treat moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). It's a calcineurin inhibitor that helps lower the immune system’s response so it doesn’t cause inflammation and make eczema worse. Tacrolimus (Protopic) is approved for both adults and children ages 2 years and older who don't have a weakened immune system. It comes as both a brand-name and generic ointment that you apply to the affected area twice daily. Common side effects include stinging, itching, and a burning sensation at the application site.

Indications for Tacrolimus

Moderate-to-severe eczema in adults and children ages 2 years and older

Pros and Cons for Tacrolimus

Pros

Non-steroid option for treating eczema
Usually starts to work as early as 1 week
Can be used in both adults and children
Can be applied to the face, neck, groin, around the eyes, or in skin folds

Cons

Not a first-choice medication for treating eczema
Typically only used short term
Can cause burning and stinging where you apply it
Unknown if safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Tacrolimus

Adults:

Skin burning (up to 58%)
Itchiness (up to 46%)
Flu-like symptoms (up to 31%)
Skin redness (up to 28%)
Headache (up to 20%)

Children:

Skin burning (up to 43%)
Itchiness (up to 41%)
Flu-like symptoms (up to 34%)

Warnings for Tacrolimus

Long-term use and risk of cancer
Risk of infection
Swollen lymph nodes
Sun exposure
Sudden kidney failure

Prices with our coupons for Desonide vs. Tacrolimus

Desonide1 tube / 15g of 0.05%

$15.42$45.31

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Tacrolimus1 tube / 60g of 0.1%

$54.18$464.98

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Desonide vs. Tacrolimus

Desonide

Tacrolimus

Summary for Desonide

Indications for Desonide

Pros and Cons for Desonide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Desonide

Warnings for Desonide

Summary for Tacrolimus

Indications for Tacrolimus

Pros and Cons for Tacrolimus

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tacrolimus

Warnings for Tacrolimus

Prices with our coupons for Desonide vs. Tacrolimus

Compare other Eczema drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Desonide

Tacrolimus

Summary for Desonide

Indications for Desonide

Pros and Cons for Desonide

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Desonide

Warnings for Desonide

Summary for Tacrolimus

Indications for Tacrolimus

Pros and Cons for Tacrolimus

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tacrolimus

Warnings for Tacrolimus