Elidel

Elidel (Pimecrolimus) cream is applied as a thin layer to the affected skin area(s) twice daily (about 12 hours apart). Elidel (Pimecrolimus) can be applied to all affected areas of your skin, including your face and neck. Elidel (Pimecrolimus) should not be used continuously for a prolonged period of time. Stop using the cream after the symptoms of dermatitis have cleared, unless your doctor advises you otherwise.

Avoid contact with eyes. If your hands are not being treated, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after applying Elidel (Pimecrolimus).

Do not cover the treatment area with bandages, dressings, or wraps that do not breathe. Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying Elidel (Pimecrolimus), as this could wash off the medication. Before you apply Elidel (Pimecrolimus) after taking a bath or shower, be sure your skin is completely dry. Do not use Elidel (Pimecrolimus) cream in your nose, eyes or mouth.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Elidel (Pimecrolimus) usually begins to provide relief from the symptoms of eczema within one week of use. If you do not notice an improvement in symptoms within the first 3 weeks of use, or if your eczema seems to be getting worse, you should stop using Elidel (Pimecrolimus) and contact your doctor.

Elidel (Pimecrolimus) is for external use only. Do not take it by mouth.

It is important to use Elidel (Pimecrolimus) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of Elidel (Pimecrolimus), apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for the next application, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply a double amount to make up for a missed dose. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Elidel (Pimecrolimus) at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children. Discard any cream that remains in the tube more than 12 months after opening the tube.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun; it may cause stinging or itching; when used, it may cause a temporary burning sensation; it may cause local redness; it may cause local irritation. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each g of cream contains Elidel (Pimecrolimus) 10 mg (1%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, mono- and di-glycerides, oleyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium cetostearyl sulfate, sodium hydroxide, stearyl alcohol, triglycerides, and water.

Do not use Elidel (Pimecrolimus) cream if you:

• are allergic to Elidel (Pimecrolimus) or any ingredients of the medication
• have reduced immune function (e.g., people with AIDS, transplant recipients taking anti-rejection medications)
• have a skin infection in the area that needs to be treated

When applied to a large area of the body, there may be an interaction between Elidel (Pimecrolimus) and any of the following:

• alcohol
• anticancer medications (e.g., Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine, Etoposide, Vincristine)
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole)
• Diltiazem
• grapefruit juice
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• imatinib
• immunosuppressant medications (e.g., Cyclosporine, mycophenolate, Sirolimus, Tacrolimus)
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• medications applied to the skin (e.g., tretinoin)
• monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Infliximab, Rituximab)
• oral corticosteroid medications (e.g., Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisone)
• topical corticosteroid medications (e.g., beclomethasone, hydrocortisone, mometasone)
• Verapamil

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Elidel (Pimecrolimus). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Elidel (Pimecrolimus).

Eyes: Elidel (Pimecrolimus) should not be used in the eye. If it comes in contact with your eye(s), flush with plenty of water and call your doctor.

Immune system: Elidel (Pimecrolimus) should not be used by people who have problems with their immune system. If you have an immune condition or are taking medication to reduce the activity of your immune system, discuss with your doctor whether to continue using Elidel (Pimecrolimus) cream, how this mediation may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Medical conditions: Do not use Elidel (Pimecrolimus) if you have Netherton's syndrome (a rare, inherited skin disorder).

Skin infections: Do not apply Elidel (Pimecrolimus) to skin that is infected (e.g., chickenpox, cold sores, shingles, bacterial). If you develop skin infections while using Elidel (Pimecrolimus), contact your doctor immediately.

Sunlight: Avoid natural or artificial exposure to sunlight while using Elidel (Pimecrolimus). Use appropriate sun protection:

• avoid tanning beds and sunlamps
• stay out of direct sunlight between 10 am and 3 pm when possible
• wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a hat
• use sunscreen cream and lip balm with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15

Pregnancy: Elidel (Pimecrolimus) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Elidel (Pimecrolimus), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Elidel (Pimecrolimus) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Elidel (Pimecrolimus), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Elidel (Pimecrolimus) cream is not recommended for children less than 3 months of age. Children between 3 months and 2 years of age are at a higher risk of side effects. The effects of Elidel (Pimecrolimus) on the developing immune system are unknown.

This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed one. Do not apply more to try to catch up. If you drink alcohol, a moderate consumption is recommended. Talk to your health care professional to find out exactly how much alcohol you can drink.