Off-Label Use of Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors in Dermatologic Disorders.

Abstract

Off-label prescribing is a common practice in dermatology, particularly when uncommon dermatologic diseases have limited or no approved treatment options. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are approved for the treatment of eczema, and their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and steroid-sparing effects make them an attractive therapeutic option for a wide variety of other dermatologic diseases. This review summarizes and qualifies the available evidence supporting the clinical effectiveness of tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream in non-eczema indications. There is high-quality evidence supporting the effectiveness of topical calcineurin inhibitors in multiple dermatological disorders including vitiligo; psoriasis of the face, folds, and genitals; seborrheic dermatitis; chronic hand dermatitis; contact dermatitis; oral lichen planus; lichen sclerosus; morphea; and cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Lower-quality evidence suggests they may be considered as an option in many other cutaneous disorders.

• Authors: Lyn Guenther, Charles Lynde, Yves Poulin
• Journal: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery (J Cutan Med Surg) 2019 Sep/Oct Vol. 23 Issue 4_suppl Pg. 27S-34S ISSN: 1615-7109 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 31476936 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Calcineurin Inhibitors

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Calcineurin Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Off-Label Use
• Skin Diseases (drug therapy)