A personal note from Vladimir Fanshil & Eleanor Lyons
Live at Yours began in the most unexpected way — in our own living room. In 2020, when the world fell silent, we refused to believe that music should exist only on screens. So we gathered a handful of people, pulled the chairs close, and performed for twenty guests at a time. Those evenings were small, fragile, unforgettable — and they reminded us why we became musicians: to share something real, something human, something that only exists when people come together.
A New Way to Experience Music
In the first years, we travelled across NSW and the ACT, giving more than 50 performances in lounge rooms, coffee roasteries, tin sheds in the outback, art galleries, churches, synagogues and regional theatres.
It was in those intimate settings that we connected deeply with locals, listened to their feedback, and discovered what Australians truly value in live music: informal yet refined, relaxed yet deeply sincere, intimate yet world-class.
Those conversations shaped everything — from our welcoming tone to having no intervals, allowing the emotional arc to flow without interruption. This is how we crafted the ultimate listening experience we offer today: personal, natural and genuinely shared.
From a lounge room to a national stage
Live at Yours has now grown far beyond our living room — into concert spaces across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Orange, Castlemaine and beyond — yet the essence remains unchanged.
Every venue is chosen for its story and atmosphere. Every performance is lit and shaped to feel close, warm and immersive. And every artist who joins us shares our belief in vulnerability, honesty and connection.
World-class artists, up close
Extraordinary artists, shared in intimate spaces — where every detail comes alive.
Richard Tognetti
Yamen Saadi
Alexander Gavrylyuk
Emily Sun
Elena Kats-Chernin
Andrew Haveron
Kristian Winther
Rosanna Rolton
Vatche Jambazian
Elina Faskhi
Stefanie Farrands
Simon Tedeschi
Committed to the next generation
As Live at Yours grows, so does our responsibility to young musicians. Through masterclasses, mentoring, and partnerships with ANAM and the Sydney Conservatorium, we help the next generation experience the same intimacy and inspiration that shaped our early years.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
We can’t wait to welcome you — up close, and personal.
Protopic: A Dermatologist’s Guide to Clearer, Calmer Skin Without the Steroid Worry
If you’re over 30 and still battling the relentless itch, embarrassing redness, and endless cycle of creams that never quite deliver, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not out of options. As a dermatologist practicing in Australia, I meet patients every week who feel trapped: they fear the long-term effects of topical corticosteroids, yet they’re exhausted by the sheer persistence of their eczema. Today, I want to walk you through Protopic (tacrolimus ointment)—a targeted, non-steroidal treatment that has genuinely transformed how we manage moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. By the end of this review, you’ll understand exactly why Protopic might be the reliable, modern solution your skin deserves, and you’ll be ready to have an informed discussion with your doctor.
What Conditions Does Protopic Treat?
Protopic ointment is indicated for the short-term and intermittent long-term treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children who do not respond adequately to, or who are intolerant of, conventional therapies such as topical corticosteroids. In simple terms, it’s designed for the stubborn eczema that keeps coming back—the patches on your eyelids, neck, inner elbows, or behind your knees that make you self-conscious and disrupt your sleep. Because Protopic works differently from steroids, it is particularly valuable for sensitive areas where the skin is thin and more prone to damage from prolonged steroid use. While its primary TGA-approved use is atopic dermatitis, many dermatologists also prescribe it off‑label for difficult-to-treat conditions like vitiligo, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and even hand eczema, always under careful medical supervision.
How Does Protopic Work? (Attention to Safety and TGA Approval)
Protopic’s active ingredient, tacrolimus, belongs to a class of medicines called topical calcineurin inhibitors. It acts locally in the skin to suppress the overactive immune cells responsible for the redness, itching, and thickening of eczema—without the widespread immunosuppression seen with oral drugs. Crucially, Protopic is fully approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in Australia, meaning it has undergone rigorous evaluation for both safety and efficacy. The TGA approval covers two strengths: 0.03% for children and later maintenance in adults, and 0.1% for initial adult treatment. This regulatory backing should give you confidence that Protopic is not an experimental gamble but a thoroughly vetted therapeutic option.
Protopic vs Corticosteroids: Which Is Better for Your Skin?
This is the question I hear most often. Topical corticosteroids have been the cornerstone of eczema management for decades—and they still have a place—but they come with well-known drawbacks that become more worrying as you age. Ongoing use of strong steroids can lead to skin atrophy (thinning), telangiectasias (broken blood vessels), and in extreme cases, adrenal suppression. If you’ve ever noticed your skin becoming papery or easily bruised after years of steroid creams, you’ve experienced this firsthand. Protopic completely avoids this because it does not interfere with collagen production. It can be safely used on the face, eyelids, and skin folds—the very areas where you most fear steroid damage. In head‑to‑head studies, tacrolimus 0.1% has shown comparable or superior efficacy to a mid‑potency steroid on the face and neck, with a far more favourable long‑term safety profile. When I want a treatment that maintains efficacy without sacrificing skin integrity, Protopic is my go‑to.
Protopic Price Comparison with Similar Drugs in Australia
Cost is a legitimate concern for anyone managing a chronic condition. Protopic is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in patients who have failed to respond to optimal topical corticosteroid therapy. This means if you hold a Medicare card and your doctor deems it clinically appropriate, you can access Protopic for a subsidised price—making it an affordable, ongoing option. Below is a quick comparison of the PBS‑listed costs (general and concessional) for Protopic and other treatments you might encounter. Prices are approximate, based on 2025 PBS data, and always confirm with your pharmacist.
| Medication (Active Ingredient) |
Form & Strength |
PBS Listed |
Approximate Cost (General Patient) |
Approximate Cost (Concessional Patient) |
Key Features |
| Protopic (tacrolimus) |
Ointment 0.03% & 0.1% |
Yes (restricted benefit) |
$31.60 per tube |
$7.70 per tube |
Non‑steroidal; safe for face and flexures; TGA‑approved for eczema |
| Elidel (pimecrolimus) |
Cream 1% |
Yes (similar restriction) |
$31.60 |
$7.70 |
Another calcineurin inhibitor; slightly less potent than tacrolimus 0.1% |
| Advantan (methylprednisolone aceponate) |
Fatty ointment/cream 0.1% |
Yes (various forms) |
$30.70 |
$7.70 |
Topical corticosteroid; effective but carries long‑term atrophy risk |
| Methotrexate (oral) |
Tablets 2.5 mg, 10 mg |
Yes (for severe psoriasis/eczema) |
$31.60 per pack |
$7.70 |
Oral immunosuppressant; requires regular blood monitoring; reserved for severe refractory disease |
| Cibinqo (abrocitinib) |
Oral tablets 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg |
Yes (authority required for severe atopic dermatitis) |
$31.60 per pack |
$7.70 |
JAK inhibitor; systemic treatment; requires specialist initiation and monitoring |
Note: PBS co-payments are subject to change. Private prescriptions may cost significantly more.
Protopic vs Methotrexate and Protopic vs Abrocitinib: Topical Power vs Systemic Punch
Many patients I see are fearful of stepping up to systemic medications. Methotrexate, while an effective oral option for widespread eczema, demands regular blood tests to guard against liver toxicity and bone marrow suppression. Abrocitinib (Cibinqo) is a groundbreaking JAK inhibitor for severe atopic dermatitis, but it remains a systemic therapy with its own risk profile—including potential for serious infections, blood clots, and the need for screening bloods before and during treatment. Protopic sits beautifully in the gap: it provides the targeted therapeutic strength you need to control moderate eczema without the systemic exposure, needle‑based monitoring, or lifestyle upheaval. For the vast majority of adults who haven’t failed all topicals, Protopic is the logical, safer step before considering oral immunosuppressants.
Protopic and Antifungals Interaction – Can They Be Used Together?
Eczema‑prone skin is often colonised by yeast or susceptible to fungal infections, and I regularly hear the worry: “If I need an antifungal cream, must I stop my eczema treatment?” The reassuring answer is no. Protopic works within the skin and has negligible systemic absorption. There is no clinically significant interaction between topical tacrolimus and topical antifungal preparations such as clotrimazole or miconazole. You can safely apply an antifungal cream in the morning and Protopic in the evening, or as directed by your doctor. Even if you require a short course of oral antifungal medication like fluconazole, the increase in systemic tacrolimus exposure from topical use is minuscule and not considered a safety concern. Always inform your doctor about all your medications, but rest assured that managing both fungal flare‑ups and eczema at the same time is entirely possible—and often leads to faster healing.
Protopic and Cancer Patients: Addressing the Fear Head‑On
Perhaps the most persistent concern I encounter is the old “black box” warning regarding lymphomas and skin cancers. This warning originated from the use of oral tacrolimus in organ transplant patients at high doses, and from theoretical risks based on the drug’s mechanism. Over two decades of real‑world experience and extensive registries have provided a clear picture: when used topically as prescribed, Protopic does not increase the risk of lymphoma or non‑melanoma skin cancer. The TGA and international regulatory bodies continue to monitor the evidence and maintain that the benefit‑risk profile remains positive. For patients who have a personal history of skin cancer, I often prefer Protopic over prolonged corticosteroids precisely because it does not cause local immunosuppression that may theoretically impair DNA repair. If you’ve conquered cancer and now face chronic eczema, Protopic can be a safe and reliable ally—discuss your individual history with your dermatologist for personalised reassurance.
Why Patients Over 30 Are Making the Switch
As we move through our 30s, 40s, and beyond, our skin becomes less resilient. The cumulative effect of years of untreated inflammation—or years of steroid exposure—manifests as premature ageing, fragile texture, and a lingering feeling that “nothing works for long.” Protopic addresses the root of the itch and inflammation quickly, often within the first week, and when used proactively twice weekly, it can dramatically reduce the frequency of flares. You regain control, sleep through the night, and trust your skin again. Its non‑steroidal mechanism means you are not sacrificing tomorrow’s skin for today’s relief—a trade‑off that becomes increasingly unacceptable as you age.
Your Next Step: A Conversation Worth Having
Protopic is available on prescription only, so the action is simple yet powerful. Book an appointment with your GP or dermatologist and discuss whether Protopic fits your pattern of eczema. Bring a copy of this article, list the treatments you’ve already tried, and speak openly about your fears—whether it’s steroid‑related thinning, systemic drug side effects, or cost. With PBS subsidy, Protopic is within reach for most Australians, and for many it becomes the cornerstone of a long‑term management plan that finally feels both safe and effective. Don’t let another flare‑up dictate your confidence or your comfort. Take a proactive step toward healthier, happier skin—ask your doctor about Protopic today.
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