Key takeaways
Crisaborole (Eucrisa) and tacrolimus (Protopic) are both topical medications used to treat eczema, but they belong to different medication classes. Crisaborole is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, while tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor. Crisaborole is approved for mild-to-moderate eczema in people 3 months and older, whereas tacrolimus is used for moderate-to-severe eczema in adults and children ages 2 years and older. Crisaborole is applied as an ointment twice daily, and it does not have a generic version available, making it potentially more expensive. Tacrolimus also requires twice-daily application and is available in both brand-name and lower-cost generic forms. Common side effects of crisaborole include burning or stinging at the application site, while tacrolimus can cause more frequent side effects like skin burning, itchiness, and flu-like symptoms. Additionally, tacrolimus has warnings about long-term use due to potential cancer risks and increased sensitivity to sunlight, which are not associated with crisaborole.
