Elidel (Pimecrolimus Cream) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Atopic Dermatitis »

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a very common, often chronic (long-lasting) skin disease that affects a large percentage of the world's population. It is also called eczema, dermatitis, or atopy. Most commonly, it may be thought of as a type of skin allergy or sensitivity. The atopic dermatitis triad includes asthma, allergies (hay fever), and eczema. There is a known hereditary component of the disease, and it is seen more in some families. The hallmarks of the disease include skin rashes and itching.

The word "dermatitis" means inflammation of the skin. "Atopic" refers to diseases that are hereditary, tend to run in families, and often occur together. In atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes extremely itchy and inflamed, causing redness, swelling, cracking, weeping, crusting, and scaling. Dry skin is a very common complaint and an underlying cause of some of the typical rash symptoms.

Although atopic dermatitis can occu...

Read the Atopic Dermatitis article »

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Elidel Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Elidel

Generic Name: pimecrolimus topical (Pronunciation: pih meh KRA lih muss TOP ik al)

What is pimecrolimus topical (Elidel)?

Pimecrolimus 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.

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

Pimecrolimus may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What are the possible side effects of pimecrolimus topical (Elidel)?

Stop using pimecrolimus and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using pimecrolimus and call your doctor if you have:

worsened skin symptoms;
signs of a skin infection (redness, swelling, itching, oozing);
swollen glands; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue using pimecrolimus and talk with your doctor if you have any of these side effects:

burning, stinging, tingling, or soreness of treated skin (especially during the first few days of treatment);
swollen hair follicles;
acne or warts;
upset stomach;
muscle pain;
runny or stuffy nose;
headache; or
feeling more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about pimecrolimus topical (Elidel)?

Do not use pimecrolimus topical on a child 2 years of age or younger.

A small number of people have developed skin cancer after using tacrolimus (Protopic) skin medications. However, it is not known if either of these medicines causes skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.

Use this medication only on the skin, exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Pimecrolimus is not for long-term use.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds, and phototherapy treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you must be outdoors, wear loose clothing over the skin areas treated with pimecrolimus topical. Do not use sunscreen on treated skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Talk to your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after using pimecrolimus topical for 6 weeks.

If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

There may be other drugs or skin products that can affect pimecrolimus. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

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