Efficacy of topical Tacrolimus in the treatment of oral lichen planus

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Author Details : Jain A, Kabi D

Volume : 3, Issue : 1, Year : 2015

Article Page : 60-63

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Abstract

Introduction: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common benign inflammatory disease affecting mainly middle-aged and elderly people. Various studies have found topical Tacrolimus to be effective in the treatment of OLP and some have also reported a better initial therapeutic response than Triamcinolone. The present study evaluated the efficacy of topical Tacrolimus (0.1%w/v) prescribed for 6 months in the treatment of OLP in Indian population, and also evaluated the relapses after cessation of therapy.
Methods: 35 patients of symptomatic OLP were identified from retrospective review of medical records. All these patients were prescribed Tacrolimus Ointment (0.1%w/v) to be applied 3 times a day for 6 months period. A survey was mailed to all patients to assess the response of therapy to Tacrolimus, continuous use of ointment, adverse effects (if any), and relapse after cessation of therapy. Surveys were completed a mean 9.2 months after initiating the treatment. 81% patients had significant symptomatic improvement with use of topical Tacrolimus Ointment, whereas 84% patients reported lesion clearance/significant reduction. 43% patients reported relapse after cessation of therapy and relapse rate could have been greater with longer follow-up period.
Conclusion: Within limitations of this study, it can be concluded that topical Tacrolimus (0.1%w/v) is safe and effective for the treatment of Oral Lichen Planus, but high relapse rate after cessation of therapy makes its treatment difficult.

Keywords: Tacrolimus, Oral lichen planus, Survey, Inflammatory disease.

How to cite : Jain A, Kabi D, Efficacy of topical Tacrolimus in the treatment of oral lichen planus. J Dent Spec 2015;3(1):60-63

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