Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBSERVATIONS: All patients had symptomatic vulvar lichen planus recalcitrant to other treatments. Of 16 patients, 15 (94%) experienced a symptomatic response to tacrolimus treatment within 3 months (mean, 4.2 weeks) and had a partial or complete resolution of the lesions. Six patients (38%) reported mild adverse effects, including irritation, burning, and tingling. With continued use of the medication, these adverse effects resolved. When patients stopped treatment, lichen planus returned in 10 (83%) of 12 patients within 6 months after discontinuation of therapy (median, 1 week; range, 0.3-24 weeks), but in 6 patients the lesions were less severe than the lesions before treatment; all 10 patients resumed use of topical tacrolimus. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective series of 16 women with vulvar lichen planus, topical tacrolimus therapy effectively controlled symptoms and improved lesions in all but 1 patient. The effect may be temporary, requiring continued use of tacrolimus, which appears to be safe and effective in controlling disease activity.
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Authors | Julie A Byrd, Mark D P Davis, Roy S Rogers 3rd |
Journal | Archives of dermatology
(Arch Dermatol)
Vol. 140
Issue 6
Pg. 715-20
(Jun 2004)
ISSN: 0003-987X [Print] United States |
PMID | 15210463
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Tacrolimus
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Topics |
- Administration, Cutaneous
- Aged
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage)
- Lichen Planus
(drug therapy, epidemiology, pathology)
- Medical Records
- Middle Aged
- Minnesota
(epidemiology)
- Recurrence
- Retrospective Studies
- Tacrolimus
(administration & dosage)
- Treatment Outcome
- Vulvar Diseases
(drug therapy, epidemiology, pathology)
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