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Generic name: Pimecrolimus
Brand names: Elidel

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

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.

How should you take Elidel?

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.

What side effects may occur?

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.

• More common 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

ADULTS AND CHILDREN OVER 2 YEARS

Apply a thin layer of Elidel to the affected area 2 times a day. Rub in gently and completely. Elidel can be applied to all skin areas, including the head, neck, and skin folds (such as between the toes).

Overdosage

There are no studies about the effects of an Elidel overdose. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, or accidentally swallow some Elidel, seek medical attention immediately.