Part Two of Elidel Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of pimecrolimus topical?

  • If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop using pimecrolimus topical and seek emergency medical attention.
  • It is not unusual to experience skin burning, stinging, itching, or soreness at the site of application of the medication. These side effects are most common during the first few days of treatment and typically improve as the lesions of atopic dermatitis heal.
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use pimecrolimus topical and talk to your doctor if you experience:
    • irritation of nose and throat;
    • cough;
    • headache;
    • diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach; or
    • skin infection.
  • 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.

What other drugs will affect pimecrolimus topical?

  • Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with pimecrolimus topical.
  • Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine that may affect the immune system such as oral or injectable tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), azathioprine (Imuran), sirolimus (Rapamune), or another immunosuppressant medication. You may not be able to use pimecrolimus topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking another medicine that affects the immune system.
  • Although unlikely, other systemic medications (taken by mouth or injection) may interact with pimecrolimus topical. Talk to your doctor before taking any of the following medicines during treatment with pimecrolimus topical:
    • an antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or fluconazole (Diflucan);
    • a calcium channel blocker (heart medicine) such as verapamil (Calan, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Tiazac), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), or nicardipine (Cardene);
    • erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., others), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or troleandomycin (TAO); or
    • cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with pimecrolimus topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about pimecrolimus topical written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 2.02. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

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