Elidel

Generic name: Pimecrolimus

What is Elidel?

Elidel cream is a prescription medicine used on the skin to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis), and is in a class of medicines called topical calcineurin inhibitors. This drug is for people ages 2 and older who do not have a weakened immune system. Elidel cream is used on the skin for short periods, and if needed, treatment may be repeated with breaks in between.

What is the most important information I should know about Elidel?

The safety of using Elidel cream for a long period of time is not known. A very small number of people who have used Elidel cream have had skin cancer or lymphoma. However, a link with the use of Elidel cream has not been shown. Because of this do not use Elidel cream continuously for a long period of time, use this cream only on areas of your skin that have eczema, and do not use this on a child under 2 years old.

Look at "How should I take this medication?" for proper procedures on how to use this product.

Elidel is for external use only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get it in your eyes, rinse at once with cool tap water.

If your condition worsens, does not improve after 6 weeks of using Elidel, or if a feeling of warmth or a burning sensation at the application site is severe or persists for more than 1 week contact your doctor.

Elidel may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Elidel. Use sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Elidel may be harmful if swallowed. If you ingest it, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.

Who should not take Elidel?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Also, this drug should not be used on children under age 2.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Elidel?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Elidel. Also, talk to your doctor about you complete medical history, especially if you have a skin disease called Netherton's syndrome (a rare inherited condition), have chicken pox or herpes, have a weak immune system, are receiving any form of light therapy (phototherapy, UVA, or UVB), or if you are pregnant/planning to become pregnant/breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: Elidel cream is usually applied to the affected skin twice daily, until symptoms disappear. This drug should not be used for prolonged periods of time. If signs and symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their doctor to confirm the initial diagnosis.

How should I take Elidel?

Wash your hands before using Elidel cream. When applying the cream after a bath or shower, make sure your skin is dry. Apply a thin layer only to the affected skin areas, twice a day, as directed by your doctor. Do not bathe, shower or swim right after applying Elidel Cream. This could wash off the cream.

You can use moisturizers with Elidel Cream. Make sure you check with your doctor first about the products that are right for you. Because the skin of patients with eczema can be very dry, it is important to keep up good skin care practices. If you use moisturizers, apply them after Elidel Cream.

What should I avoid while taking Elidel?

Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying Elidel cream. This could wash off the cream.

Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or get treatment with ultraviolet light therapy during treatment with Elidel cream. Limit sun exposure during treatment, even when the medicine is not on your skin. If you need to be outdoors after applying Elidel cream, wear loose fitting clothing that protects the treated area from the sun. Ask your doctor what other types of protection from the sun you should use.

Do not cover the skin being treated with bandages, dressings or wraps. You can wear normal clothing.

Do not use Elidel Cream in the eyes. If Elidel Cream gets in your eyes rinse your eyes with cold water.

Do not swallow Elidel Cream. If you do, call your doctor

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Elidel?

If Elidel is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Elidel with the following: azole antifungals such as ketoconazole; calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem; and macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin.

What are the possible side effects of Elidel?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: burning, chicken pox, cold sores, common cold/stuffy nose, cough, fever, flu, headache, shingles, sore throat, swollen glands, warts.

The most common side effect at the skin application site is burning or a feeling of warmth. These side effects are usually mild or moderate, happen during the first 5 days of treatment, and usually clear up in a few days. Call your doctor if the burning feeling is severe or lasts for more than 1 week.

Can I receive Elidel if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Elidel during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Elidel?

If you miss a dose of Elidel, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

How should I store Elidel?

Store Elidel at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Do not leave Elidel in your car in cold or hot weather. Make sure the cap on the tube is tightly closed. Keep Elidel out of the reach of children.