Brand name: Elidel /Cream
Pronounced: ELL-ih-dell
Generic name: Pimecrolimus
Why is Elidel prescribed?
Elidel is a non-steroidal cream that relieves mild to moderate symptoms
of eczema, a skin condition marked by itchy red patches that often
crust, scale, and ooze. Elidel is approved for use in adults and children
over 2 years old; it can be used for short-term treatment or on-and-off
treatment over longer periods of time. Elidel is considered an effective
alternative for people who cannot tolerate or do not respond to conventional
eczema therapies.
Most important fact about Elidel without Rx / Prescriptions
Because Elidel may make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light,
you should minimize your exposure to sunlight and tanning beds while
using this product.
Apply a thin layer of Elidel to the affected skin twice daily and
rub in gently and completely. Do not wrap the treated area with bandages
or other coverings unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Elidel is for use on the skin only. Be careful to keep it out of your
eyes.
--If you miss a dose...
Apply the cream as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for
your next application, skip the one you missed and go back to your
regular schedule.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
Elidel side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue using Elidel.
* Side effects may include:
Allergic reaction, bronchitis, burning or warmth at the application site, constipation,
cough, diarrhea, fever, flu, headache, herpes infection, inflammation of
the throat and nasal passages, inflammation of the tonsils, nausea, painful
menstruation, scabby skin eruptions, sore throat, stomach pain, stomach and
intestinal inflammation, viral infection, vomiting
Why should Elidel not be prescribed?
If you find that Elidel causes an allergic reaction, you'll be unable
to use it.
Elidel is not recommended for people with Netherton's syndrome (a
congenital disorder marked by scaly, reddened skin) or those with weak
immune systems.
Special warnings about Elidel
Elidel may cause skin reactions including mild to moderate feelings
of warmth or burning. These reactions are more common during the first
few days of treatment and usually last no more than 5 days. If the
reaction is severe, however, or lasts more than 1 week, call your doctor
immediately.
Avoid wrapping treated areas with bandages and other coverings unless
your doctor says to do so. Remember to avoid or minimize your exposure
to sunlight and tanning beds while using Elidel. Elidel may foster
development of sunlight-induced skin tumors.
Check with your doctor if your eczema gets worse or your symptoms
go away; treatment usually should be stopped. Your doctor may also
stop the treatment if your skin hasn't improved after 6 weeks.
Use Elidel only on non-infected skin. It's important to note that
eczema--and possibly Elidel treatment--can make you more prone to skin
infections such as herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. Be sure to tell
your doctor if you develop any new symptoms such as blisters or red
spots. He or she may decide to stop your treatment with Elidel.
Very rare cases of enlarged lymph nodes have occurred during Elidel
treatment; skin warts have also been reported. Call your doctor immediately
if you develop either of these symptoms, since they may mean you have
an infection.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Elidel
If Elidel is used 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:
Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Calan, Cardizem, and
Procardia
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Erythrocin)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
Elidel should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
It is not known whether Elidel appears in breast milk. Because the
drug could harm an infant, you'll need to choose between Elidel therapy
or nursing your baby.
Recommended dosage for Elidel
ADULTS AND CHILDREN OVER 2 YEARS
Overdosage
