What is Tbis Ointment? A Guide to Tacrolimus for Eczema

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Eczema Association, atopic dermatitis affects over 31 million people in the United States alone. For individuals whose eczema hasn't responded to conventional topical treatments, they may ask, "What is Tbis ointment?" Tbis ointment is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient tacrolimus, designed to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis by modulating the immune system.

Quick Summary

Tbis ointment is a non-steroidal, immunosuppressant topical medication with the active ingredient tacrolimus, used primarily for treating moderate-to-severe eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo. It works by calming the immune response in the skin that causes inflammation.

Key Points

Active Ingredient: Tbis ointment contains tacrolimus, a potent topical immunosuppressant used for skin conditions.
Primary Use: The medication is primarily prescribed for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children over 2 years of age.
Non-Steroidal Alternative: Tbis is a non-steroidal option for those who cannot use or have not responded to traditional corticosteroid treatments.
Immune System Modulation: It works by suppressing the immune cells in the skin that cause inflammation, reducing itching, redness, and swelling.
Application Best Practices: Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin as directed by a healthcare professional and avoid tight bandages or prolonged use.
Sunlight Precautions: The ointment can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, requiring careful protection from UV exposure.

What is Tbis Ointment and its Active Ingredient?

Tbis ointment is a topical prescription medication used to manage inflammatory skin conditions, with its primary application being the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). The key to its effectiveness is its active ingredient, tacrolimus, which is classified as a calcineurin inhibitor. Unlike traditional steroid-based ointments, Tbis offers a non-steroidal alternative for patients who may not have responded to, or cannot tolerate, corticosteroid treatments. In addition to eczema, the ointment is also prescribed for other inflammatory skin conditions such as vitiligo and psoriasis.

The Role of Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus is a macrolide immunosuppressant that was originally used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. In its topical form, the medication works by binding to a protein within skin cells called FKBP-12, forming a complex that inhibits the action of calcineurin phosphatase. This mechanism prevents the activation of T-lymphocytes, immune cells responsible for initiating the inflammatory response in the skin. By calming this immune overreaction, tacrolimus effectively reduces the redness, itching, and swelling associated with conditions like eczema.

How to Use Tbis Ointment for Best Results

To ensure efficacy and minimize side effects, it is crucial to follow a dermatologist's or physician's instructions carefully when applying Tbis ointment. The following steps outline the general best practices for administration:

Wash and dry the affected area: Before applying, clean the affected skin with a gentle cleanser and pat it completely dry. This helps the ointment absorb more effectively.
Apply a thin layer: Dispense a small amount of ointment onto your fingertip and apply a very thin layer to cover the affected skin, rubbing it in gently and completely. Only a small amount is needed.
Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying, unless the hands are the area being treated.
Timing with moisturizers: If you use a moisturizer, wait at least two hours after applying Tbis ointment to prevent interference.
Avoid occlusive dressings: Do not cover the treated area with bandages or airtight dressings unless explicitly instructed by your doctor.
Follow prescribed duration: Apply the ointment as directed by your healthcare provider until symptoms clear. If there is no improvement after a few weeks, inform your doctor.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While Tbis ointment is a powerful treatment, patients should be aware of potential side effects and necessary precautions. The most common side effect is a temporary burning or stinging sensation at the application site, which often subsides after the first few days of treatment.

Common Side Effects

Application site reactions (burning, itching, redness, tingling)
Increased skin sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Headache
Flu-like symptoms, including fever or cough
Acne or inflamed hair follicles

Important Precautions and Warnings

Sunlight sensitivity: Tbis ointment can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. Patients should avoid excessive exposure to natural and artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds) and use high-SPF sunscreen and protective clothing.
Alcohol interaction: Drinking alcohol while using Tbis ointment can cause facial flushing and redness.
Risk of cancer: Long-term use of tacrolimus ointment has been associated with a slightly increased risk of skin cancer and lymphoma, although systemic absorption is minimal. Patients should discuss long-term use with their doctor and should not use the medication continuously for extended periods.
Children and pregnant women: Specific strengths of Tbis are recommended for different age groups. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use, as studies have shown potential risks.
Infections: This ointment should not be applied to infected or broken skin.

Tbis (Tacrolimus) vs. Topical Corticosteroids

For many years, topical corticosteroids were the primary treatment for inflammatory skin conditions. Tbis ointment offers a non-steroidal alternative with key differences that can make it preferable for certain patients, particularly for use on sensitive skin areas or for long-term management.


Feature	Tbis (Tacrolimus) Ointment	Topical Corticosteroids (e.g., Triamcinolone)
Mechanism	Calcineurin inhibitor; modulates immune response directly.	Anti-inflammatory; suppresses immune response systemically.
Associated Risks	Increased sun sensitivity, minor cancer risk with long-term use.	Skin thinning (atrophy), adrenal gland suppression, more systemic side effects.
Primary Use	Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, second-line therapy.	Various inflammatory skin conditions, first-line therapy.
Application Area	Can be safely used on sensitive areas like the face and neck.	Should be used cautiously on sensitive areas due to skin thinning risk.
FDA Approval	Approved for adults and children over 2 (specific strengths).	Approved for a wide range of uses, but with varying strengths.

Conclusion

Tbis ointment, with its active ingredient tacrolimus, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions like moderate-to-severe eczema. As a non-steroidal topical immunosuppressant, it provides a valuable alternative for patients who have not found relief with traditional corticosteroid creams. Its targeted mechanism of action, which calms the underlying immune response, offers effective symptom relief while avoiding the risk of steroid-induced side effects such as skin thinning. However, like any powerful medication, its use requires careful consideration of potential side effects and adherence to proper application guidelines, especially regarding sun exposure and long-term use. For individuals struggling with persistent eczema, discussing whether Tbis ointment is a suitable option with a qualified healthcare provider is a critical step toward finding effective relief.

For more detailed information on topical medications for eczema and their comparisons, resources like the National Eczema Association can be valuable.

For more information, please consult the National Eczema Association at https://nationaleczema.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may see improvement in your skin condition within one to two weeks of using Tbis ointment. If symptoms do not improve after two weeks, or if they worsen, consult your doctor.

Continuous, long-term use of Tbis ointment should be avoided and should be managed under a doctor's supervision. In some cases, a physician may prescribe it for intermittent use to prevent flares.

Tbis ointment is available in different strengths for different age groups. The 0.1% strength is generally not recommended for children under 16, while a lower 0.03% strength is typically intended for children over 2 years old, but always consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate strength and usage.

Common side effects include a burning or stinging sensation, itching, or redness at the application site, especially during the first few days. More serious side effects are rare.

You should avoid excessive sun and UV light exposure, as Tbis increases skin sensitivity. You should also avoid drinking alcohol, which can cause skin flushing.

No, Tbis ointment is not a steroid. It is a non-steroidal topical immunosuppressant that works by a different mechanism, which means it doesn't cause skin thinning or other steroid-related side effects.

The primary active ingredient in Tbis ointment is tacrolimus. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant that works by modulating the immune system to reduce inflammation in the skin.

The frequency of application for Tbis ointment should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual's condition and needs. Always follow the specific instructions given by your doctor.

Tbis ointment can be used on sensitive areas like the face and neck, but it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for your specific needs and to receive proper application instructions.

Tbis ointment is available in different strengths, which are typically prescribed based on the patient's age and the severity of the skin condition. A healthcare professional will determine the appropriate strength for you or your child.

Yes, Protopic is a brand name for a topical ointment that also contains tacrolimus as its active ingredient. Tbis is another brand name for tacrolimus ointment.

Tbis ointment is primarily used to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). It may also be prescribed for other inflammatory skin conditions such as vitiligo and psoriasis.