Brand Names: Elidel

Generic Name: Pimecrolimus (PIM-e-KROE-li-mus)

What is Elidel?

Elidel is used to treat severe atopic dermatitis when other medications have not worked well.

Elidel is a cream containing pimecrolimus, 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 may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Elidel is used for:

Elidel is a topical immunomodulator, which means it modulates or "changes" the body's immune system in some way. In eczema, it works by preventing the activation of certain immune cells and blocks the release of certain chemicals that cause inflammation, redness, and itching of the skin.

Treating atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, in patients who cannot take or whose symptoms do not respond to other treatments.

How Taken

Apply a thin layer of Elidel cream 1% to the affected skin twice daily and rub in gently and completely. Elidel may be used on all skin surfaces, including the head, neck. Elidel should be used twice daily for as long as signs and symptoms persist. Treatment should be discontinued if resolution of disease occurs. If symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, the patient should be re-evaluated. The safety of Elidel Cream under occlusion, which may promote systemic exposure, has not been evaluated. Elidel cream should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Elidel without first talking to your doctor if you have the congenital skin disorder Netherton\'s syndrome. Before using Elidel, tell your doctor if you: have a skin infection; have a disease of the immune system; or are using any other type of skin product (e.g., cream, ointment, lotion, etc.). You may not be able to use Elidel, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above. Elidel is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Elidel will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Elidel passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Elidel is not approved for use by children younger than 2 years of age.

Missed Dose

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed, and use only the next regularly scheduled dose.

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effect at the site of application is burning or a feeling of warmth. The burning feeling is usually mild or moderate, occurring in the first 5 days of treatment, and the burning usually clears up in a few days. See your doctor if an application site reaction is severe or persists for more than 1 week. Other common side effects include headache, and with long-term intermittent use, common cold/stuffy nose, influenza, sore throat, fever, viral infection, and cough. Some people may get herpes skin infections (like cold sores, chicken pox, or shingles), warts, or swollen lymph nodes (glands).

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F). Do not freeze.

Overdose

There has been no experience of overdose with Elidel cream 1%. If oral ingestion occurs, medical advice should be sought.

More Information

Avoid sunlight and sun lamps, tanning beds, and treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after applying Elidel, wear loose clothing that protects the treated area from the sun. Also, ask your doctor what other type of protection from the sun may be needed. Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with Elidel.

General information:

If you have any questions about Elidel , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.