Information on Elidel and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

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Elidel Consumer Information

ELIDEL

Generic Name: pimecrolimus topical (PIH meh crow lih mus TAH pih kal)

Brand Names: Elidel

What is the most important information I should know about pimecrolimus topical?

  • Avoid sunlight and sun lamps, tanning beds, and treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after applying pimecrolimus topical, wear loose clothing that protects the treated area from the sun. Also, ask your doctor what other type of protection from the sun may be needed.
  • Even though your skin will begin to look and feel better, it is important to keep using pimecrolimus topical as instructed by your doctor. Pimecrolimus topical should be used for as long as the symptoms of atopic dermatitis persist or as directed by your doctor.
  • Talk to your doctor if the condition does not improve or if it gets worse during the first few weeks of treatment.
  • Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with pimecrolimus topical.

What is pimecrolimus topical?

  • Pimecrolimus is an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants decrease the effects of the body's immune system.
  • Pimecrolimus topical is used to treat atopic dermatitis (e.g., eczema).
  • Pimecrolimus topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using pimecrolimus topical?

  • Do not use pimecrolimus topical without first talking to your doctor if you have the congenital skin disorder Netherton's syndrome.
  • Before using pimecrolimus topical, tell your doctor if you:
    • are taking oral or injectable tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), azathioprine (Imuran), sirolimus (Rapamune), or another immunosuppressant medication;
    • have a skin infection;
    • have a disease of the immune system; or
    • are using any other type of skin product (e.g., cream, ointment, lotion, etc.).
  • You may not be able to use pimecrolimus topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
  • Pimecrolimus topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether pimecrolimus topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant during treatment.
  • It is not known whether pimecrolimus passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
  • Pimecrolimus topical is not approved for use by children younger than 2 years of age.

How should I use pimecrolimus topical?

  • Apply pimecrolimus topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
  • Apply pimecrolimus topical twice a day, about 12 hours apart, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
  • Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using pimecrolimus topical to treat a hand condition.
  • Before applying pimecrolimus topical after a shower or bath, be sure the skin is completely dry.
  • Apply a thin layer of pimecrolimus topical to all skin areas that your doctor has diagnosed as having atopic dermatitis (e.g., eczema). Rub the medication gently and completely into the skin.
  • Do not cover the area being treated with bandages, dressings, or wraps. However, normal clothing can be worn over the treated areas.
  • Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with pimecrolimus topical.
  • Do not bathe, shower or swim right after applying pimecrolimus topical. This could wash off the medication.
  • Use pimecrolimus topical on the skin. Do not swallow this medication.
  • Even though your skin will begin to look and feel better, it is important to keep using pimecrolimus topical as instructed by your doctor. Pimecrolimus topical should be used for as long as the symptoms of atopic dermatitis persist or as directed by your doctor.
  • Talk to your doctor if the condition does not improve or if it gets worse during the first few weeks of treatment.
  • Store pimecrolimus topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed, and use only the next regularly scheduled dose.

What happens if I overdose?

  • If pimecrolimus topical is ingested, seek emergency medical attention.
  • Symptoms of a pimecrolimus topical overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using pimecrolimus topical?

  • Avoid sunlight and sun lamps, tanning beds, and treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after applying pimecrolimus topical, wear loose clothing that protects the treated area from the sun. Also, ask your doctor what other type of protection from the sun may be needed.
  • Do not cover the area being treated with bandages, dressings, or wraps. However, normal clothing can be worn over the treated areas.

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Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.