[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Paul B. at 24 Sep 2002 14:21:18: Re: Tacrolimus/ Estrace
As an answer to: Tacrolimus/ Estrace & Welcome written by Dee Troll at 24 Sep 2002 06:18:16:
> By the way the latest studies with the Protopic (tacrolimus) after a year follow up shows very little systemic absorption even with children.
Well, the whole point of topical administration - of any drug, is that it is absorbed, but the actual dose is minuscule and thus has no overall effect, as it dilutes through the whole body. So the use of fluorinated steroids to treat phimosis should be of no concern as long as it is applied in the tiny amount necessary, only the the part you wish to respond - the tight part of the foreskin itself.
This is quite different to the situation of widespread eczema, where you might want to apply them to large areas of the body.
> A new report came out today with a study of 1554 patients, stating no infections associated with it (Tacrolimus) either,
I presume you refer to Protopic - topical Tacrolimus.
including bacterial, fungal OR viral. Previous to that it was suggested if one already had Herpes that it 'may' bring on an outbreak.
Either herpes simplex, or herpes Zoster ("Shingles") - yes, that might be a concern. However, if it only acts locally, you would have to be unlucky for the virus to be retained in that specific area. Presumably Tacrolimus given systemically does carry that risk (like steroids. I am not that familiar with it, to be honest).
> They'll apparently have to re-adjust their literature.
Maybe, maybe not. It is a common problem now, that do avoid "duty of disclosure" lawsuits, drug literature includes both known and theoretically possible problems, even those not actually reported but theoretically if only remotely possible, "just in case" and they may choose not to regard that study as absolute proof. At least until they are sued for "scaring" people out of using a treatment with too many warnings.
> Also happy to hear you didn't reject the notion of an estrogen cream.
My slant is that the only side-effect of particular concern, gynaecomastia, would if not 100% "reversible" as such, tend to disappear with continued growth, and just as the counter to your personal use of Testosterone, there is some present naturally anyway, so it's not that outlandish or "foreign".
> a URL to check out for boys using it (Oestrogen for phimosis). (from Pub Med.)
I'll "hot" it up for you:
It's very sad that even in that article (Japanese), this is described as "may be an alternative to surgery".
> About the Testosterone? *wink*
Yes, I'll bet it did!
> but that's for women, not sure about you men out there.
Well, there are various considerations there. Testosterone should not have much effect if a man already has normal levels, just as Oestrogen (I'm of English extraction ;-) should not do to much to a pre-menopausal woman.
> Also wanted to pass on that I had one woman try the THUJA oil..... BAD results, she said the burning was unbearable and threw it out,
I can't speak to it, and have no reason to support that as a valid treatment at all, but nevertheless as a general principle, if she were however to notice some improvement even so, it might just be worth it.
> PS.. I prefer the uncircumsized penis ... LOL More to play with.
Oh dear, it seems you've got our Ralesk all excited with that talk!