uses
What is topical pimecrolimus used for?Topical pimecrolimus is commonly used for short-term treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, which is a type of eczema, in some people who do not have a weakened immune system. Topical pimecrolimus may be used when other topical medicines for eczema cannot be used or do not work.Topical pimecrolimus may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. How does topical pimecrolimus work (mechanism of action)In eczema, you can have inflammation and irritation, possibly due to your body’s immune response to certain triggers. Topical pimecrolimus works by calming down this immune response. It may do this by blocking a specific protein called calcineurin, which is involved in the immune response. By blocking the activity of calcineurin, topical pimecrolimus helps to reduce inflammation and relieve itching.How is topical pimecrolimus supplied (dosage forms)?Topical pimecrolimus is available as Elidel and generic topical pimecrolimus in a 1% topical cream that is applied to the skin.How should I store topical pimecrolimus?Topical pimecrolimus should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze this medicine.
how to use
cream that is applied to the skin
drug interactions
Does topical pimecrolimus interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between topical pimecrolimus and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical pimecrolimus.Does topical pimecrolimus interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using topical pimecrolimus.Ketoconazole, fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which is a medicine used for fungal infectionsCertain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin or erythromycinA calcium channel blocker, such as verapamil, diltiazem, or amlodipine, which is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, or other heart conditionsCimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburnAny other product for use on your skinAny medicine that could weaken your immune systemThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical pimecrolimus. Always check with your healthcare provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of topical pimecrolimus?The most common side effects of topical pimecrolimus are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Burning, itching, warmth, or redness where it is appliedHeadache Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptomsFlu-like symptomsCoughFeverViral skin infections, such as cold sores, chickenpox, or shingles Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes)Tell your healthcare provider if you get a skin infection or if you have a side effect that does not go away.There may be other side effects of topical pimecrolimus that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of topical pimecrolimus?While less common, the most serious side effects of topical pimecrolimus are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical pimecrolimus may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical pimecrolimus and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint pain
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical pimecrolimus?If you or someone else has used too much topical pimecrolimus, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of topical pimecrolimus?If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use topical pimecrolimus?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical pimecrolimus.ElidelPimecrolimusAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical pimecrolimus products they stock.What should I know about topical pimecrolimus before using it?It is not known if it is safe to use topical pimecrolimus for a long period of time. In rare cases, people who have used topical pimecrolimus have reported cancer, such as skin cancer or lymphoma. But it has not been shown that topical pimecrolimus causes cancer. It is best to do the following. Avoid using this medicine for a very long time without breaksOnly use this medicine on the affected areas of your skin and use the smallest amount needed to manage your symptomsAvoid using this medicine on a child who is younger than 2 years oldDuring your treatment with topical pimecrolimus, it is important to remember the following. Avoid sun lamps or tanning beds and limit sun exposure, even when the medicine is not on your skinIf you have to be outside after applying the medicine, wear loose clothing that covers the treated area to protect it from sunAvoid covering the treated skin with bandages, dressings, or wraps. You can wear your regular clothesBe careful not to get topical pimecrolimus in your eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum. If by accident it does get on these areas, wipe off the medicine from the affected area and rinse the area well with cold waterTo prevent your skin from getting too dry from eczema, you can use moisturizers after applying topical pimecrolimus. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider first about which moisturizers to useAvoid applying this medicine to any skin areas affected by cancerDo not use topical pimecrolimus unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share topical pimecrolimus with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep topical pimecrolimus out of the reach of children.Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse while using topical pimecrolimus, or if they do not get better after using the medicine for 6 weeks.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical pimecrolimus?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical pimecrolimus is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.Netherton syndrome (a rare inherited condition) Any skin infection, such as chickenpox or herpesSwollen lymph nodesMononucleosisA weak immune systemOther Medicines and Supplements. Topical pimecrolimus may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical pimecrolimus, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical pimecrolimus could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical pimecrolimus passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop topical pimecrolimus.