Pimecrolimus topical

Generic name: Pimecrolimus Topical
Brand names: Elidel
Dosage form: topical cream (1%)
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Usage of Pimecrolimus topical

Pimecrolimus topical (for the skin) is used short term to treat mild to moderate eczema in adults and children at least 2 years old.

pimecrolimus topical is not for use in people who have a weak immune system.

Pimecrolimus may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Pimecrolimus topical side effects

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

Pimecrolimus topical may cause serious side effects. 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 side effects of pimecrolimus topical 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 Pimecrolimus topical

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

Not approved for anyone younger than 2 years old.

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 Pimecrolimus topical

Usual Adult Dose for Atopic Dermatitis:

Apply a thin layer to the affected area twice daily and rub in gently and completelyComments:-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

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 completelyComments:-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

pimecrolimus topical 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.

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

What other drugs will affect Pimecrolimus topical

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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