What are examples of calcineurin inhibitors?
Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are composed of three drugs (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and pimecrolimus).
What is CIPS disease?
Calcineurin inhibitor-induced pain syndrome (CIPS) is a rare but severe side effect of calcineurin inhibitors (CIs), such as CsA and tacrolimus (FK). This syndrome is characterized by severe, disabling, bilateral leg pain and preceding intolerable dermal pruritus without a skin rash.
What happens if calcineurin is inhibited?
A calcineurin inhibitor stops calcineurin working, by binding to proteins in the cells called immunophilins. The results are: Reduced release of the cytokine interleukin-2 from the T cells. Reduced T-cell proliferation.
What is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant?
Calcineurin is an enzyme that activates T-cells of the immune system. T-cells (also called T-lymphocytes) are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in cell-mediated immunity. Because calcineurin inhibitors suppress the immune system they are known as immunosuppressants.
Are topical calcineurin inhibitors steroids?
TCIs are “steroid sparing.” This means that using a TCI avoids side effects possible with topical corticosteroids, such as thinning skin. TCIs have a good safety record when used as directed. The most common side effects are burning and stinging, which are normal and tend to disappear as the skin heals.
What is CRPS in medical terms?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a poorly understood condition where a person experiences persistent severe and debilitating pain. Although most cases of CRPS are triggered by an injury, the resulting pain is much more severe and long-lasting than normal.
Does tacrolimus cause bone pain?
Tacrolimus, like cyclosporine A, is an immunosuppressive agent that inactivates the enzyme calcineurin phosphatase. A bone pain syndrome was reported in 1989 in organ transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine A. Our cases suggest that tacrolimus may induce the same syndrome.
What is a TCI cream?
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) are a new, steroid-free class of agents developed for the therapy of AD. There are 2 main representatives: tacrolimus ointment (Protopic® 0.03% and 0.1%) and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel® 1%).
How do calcineurin inhibitors work?
Is Protopic safe to use around eyes?
A safer, effective treatment is the topical immunomodulators, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel). These can be used twice daily to the affected area until the rash clears. They are safe to use around the eyes and do not have the side effects associated with topical corticosteroid use.