Elidel (Pimecrolimus)

Do's

• Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medication.  
• Apply a thin layer of Elidel cream to the affected areas of skin as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily.  
• Rub the medication into the skin gently and completely.  
• Wash your hands after using this product unless your hands are being treated. 
• Apply moisturizer after using Elidel if recommended by doctor. 
• Use Pimecrolimus only on skin.  
• Use Elidel exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may instruct you to stop using it once your eczema has cleared up and to start using it again if signs or symptoms reappear. 
• Consult your doctor if your condition does not improve after 6 weeks of using this medication or if your condition worsens at any time. 

Don'ts

• Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. 
• Do not apply Elidel to open wounds or infected areas. 
• Do not cover the treated area with plastic or waterproof bandages unless directed by your doctor. 
• Avoid bathing, showering, or swimming immediately after applying this medication. 

Elidel (pimecrolimus) is a topical cream used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis or eczema. 

Common Side Effects:

• Skin irritation, such as burning, stinging, itching, or redness.
• Dry skin.
• Headache.
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, or cough.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Viral skin infection.

Serious Side Effects:

Although rare, certain side effects may require medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Allergic reaction: Rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Severe skin irritation or redness.
• Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or sore throat.
• Changes in vision or eye irritation.

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Elidel,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Before taking Elidel, it is important to be aware of certain warnings and precautions:

Long-term Safety: The long-term safety of topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Elidel, has not been established. Although a causal relationship has not been established, rare cases of malignancy (such as skin and lymphoma) have been reported in patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors. Continuous long-term use of Elidel should be avoided, and application should be limited to areas of involvement with atopic dermatitis.

Age Restrictions: Elidel cream is not indicated for use in children less than 2 years of age. Use in infants (3-23 months) should be limited to the smallest practicable body surface area, and treatment should generally be limited to no more than 3 weeks.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The use of Elidel during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare provider. It is not known if Elidel is safe to use during pregnancy or if it passes into breast milk.

Skin Infections: Elidel should not be used on infected skin. If you develop a skin infection while using Elidel, consult your healthcare provider.

Sunlight Exposure: Minimize exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds, while using Elidel. If exposure cannot be avoided, use sunscreen and protective clothing over the treated areas.