Pimecrolimus

Pimecrolimus is a prescription medication used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

• Pimecrolimus is available under the following different brand names: Elidel

Adult  and pediatric dosage

Cream

• 1%

Atopic Dermatitis

Adult dosage

• Apply a thin layer to the affected area every 12 hours; limit the application to the affected area; continue as long as symptoms persist

Pediatric dosage

• Aged below 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Aged above 2 years: Apply a thin layer to the affected area every 12 hours; limit the application to the affected area; continue as long as symptoms persist

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of the Pimecrolimus include:

• mild burning or warm feeling of treated skin,
• headache,
• cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sneezing),
• swollen hair follicles,
• acne or warts,
• burning, stinging, tingling, or soreness of treated skin,
• upset stomach,
• muscle pain, and
• feeling more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures

Serious side effects of the Pimecrolimus include:

• severe burning of treated skin,
• warts,
• rash or skin lesions,
• blistering or oozing,
• burning pain or tingling,
• worsened skin symptoms,
• swollen glands,
• sore throat,
• fever,
• chills,
• body aches, and
• flu symptoms

Rare side effects of the Pimecrolimus include:

• none

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur due to the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Pimecrolimus has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Pimecrolimus has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Pimecrolimus has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Pimecrolimus has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Age below 2 years
• Not recommended in Netherton's syndrome, immunocompromised patients

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Pimecrolimus?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Pimecrolimus?”

Cautions

• Preferably use as second-line agents for short-term and intermittent treatment in unresponsive to, or intolerant of other treatments
• Re-evaluate if symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks
• Do not use with occlusive dressings; do not apply to areas of active cutaneous viral infection
• The potential risk of lymphoma and skin cancer; papilloma/warts, observed with the use
• Reassess diagnosis of atopic dermatitis if symptoms do not improve within 6 weeks of treatment
• Safety not established in patients with generalized erythroderma

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy
• Lactation
  • Not known whether distributed in breast milk; may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies