Elidel

Generic name: Pimecrolimus Topical
Brand names: Elidel
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Usage of Elidel

Elidel is an immunosuppressant. It works by decreasing your body's immune system to help slow down the growth of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on your skin.

Elidel cream is a prescription medicine used on the skin for treatment of mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis). in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Elidel cream is used for short periods, and if needed, treatment may be repeated with breaks in between.

Elidel is not for use in people who have a weakened immune system.

Elidel side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Elidel: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe pain, burning, itching, or stinging;

new or worsened skin symptoms (warts, unusual rash or skin lesions, blistering or oozing);

a mole that has changed in size or color; or

symptoms of a viral skin infection - cold sores around your mouth, skin sores or blisters, scabs, itching, tingling.

Common Elidel side effects may include:

burning, stinging, or soreness of treated skin (especially during the first few days of treatment);

viral skin infection;

runny or stuffy nose;

headache; or

fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, swollen glands.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Elidel

You should not use Elidel if you are allergic to pimecrolimus.

Not approved for anyone younger than 2 years old.

To make sure Elidel is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

skin cancer;

a bacterial or viral skin infection (including herpes or chickenpox);

Netherton's syndrome (a genetic skin disorder); or

a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine).

A small number of people using pimecrolimus or tacrolimus skin medications have developed skin cancer or lymphoma. However, it is not known if either of these medicines causes cancer. Ask your doctor about your risk.

It is not known if pimecrolimus topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

Relate drugs

How to use Elidel

Usual Adult Dose for Atopic Dermatitis:

Apply a thin layer to the affected area twice daily and rub in gently and completely.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Atopic Dermatitis:

2 years and older: Apply a thin layer to the affected area twice daily and rub in gently and completely Comments: -The long-term safety and effects of this drug on the developing immune system are unknown. -Therapy should be discontinued when signs (e.g., itch, rash, redness) resolve. -If symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, patients should be reexamined by their health care provider to cOnfirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Use: As second-line therapy for the short-term and noncontinuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised patients, who have failed to respond adequately to other topical prescription treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable

Warnings

Elidel cream is not for long-term use. A small number of people using pimecrolimus or tacrolimus skin medications have developed skin cancer or lymphoma. However, it is not known if either of these medicines causes cancer.

You should not use Elidel if you are allergic to pimecrolimus, or if you have a bacterial or viral skin infection (including herpes or chicken pox).

Before using Elidel Cream, tell your doctor if you have skin cancer or any type of skin infection, Netherton's syndrome, a weak immune system, kidney disease, or swelling, redness, or irritation over large skin areas.

Use Elidel only on skin that is affected by eczema. Avoid applying to an area that may be affected with skin cancer.

Elidel can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from a virus. Tell your doctor if you have been exposed to any illness, or if you have any signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, or flu symptoms.

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.

What other drugs will affect Elidel

Other drugs may affect pimecrolimus topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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