Astellas Pharma U.S., Inc, manufacturer of Protopic (tacrolimus), is now facing several lawsuits that the drug may cause cancer. Protopic has been on the market for the last five years as a topical medication for eczema. Since its launch, both Protopic and similar drug Elidel (pimecrolimus) have been prescribed to 7.5 million people, including children. Elidel is manufactered by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Both Protopic and Elidel were marketed as effective and safe drugs for people with moderate eczema. After all, both these drugs are steroid free and have been considered as suitable alternatives to corticosteroids (traditionally the method of treatment for eczema). Read the rest of this entry »