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Eucrisa vs. Protopic

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Eucrisa

(crisaborole)

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Tacrolimus

(Protopic)

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Summary for Eucrisa

Prescription only

Eucrisa (crisaborole) is an ointment that's used to treat eczema for people 3 months and older. The medication is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor that works to help reduce skin inflammation and itching from eczema. The ointment is usually applied to the affected area(s) of skin twice a day. The most common side effect is burning or stinging on the skin where you apply the medication.

Indications for Eucrisa

Pros and Cons for Eucrisa

Pros

  • Easy-to-apply ointment
  • Safe to use on children as young as 3 months old
  • Can start to see improvement in your skin in about 1 week
  • An alternative to topical steroids to treat eczema

Cons

  • Must use twice daily
  • Can cause pain, burning, or stinging on the skin
  • Not approved for severe eczema
  • No lower-cost generic available

Common Side Effects for Eucrisa

  • Pain, burning, or stinging where the medication is applied (4%)

Warnings for Eucrisa

  • Allergic reactions

Summary for Protopic

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 Protopic

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

Pros and Cons for Protopic

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 Protopic

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 Protopic

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

Prices with our coupons for Eucrisa vs. Protopic

Price Card Drug Icon
Eucrisa1 tube / 60g of 2%
$158.48$939.01
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Price Card Drug Icon
Tacrolimus1 tube / 60g of 0.1%
$62.20$246.73
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