ELIDEL

Elidel is a cream containing pimecrolimus, an immunosuppressant. It works by decreasing your body's immune system to help slow down the growth of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on your skin.

Elidel is used to treat severe atopic dermatitis when other medications have not worked well.

Elidel may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Important information about Elidel

Do not use Elidel on a child 2 years of age or younger.

A small number of people have developed skin cancer after using tacrolimus (Protopic) skin medications. However, it is not known if either of these medicines causes skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.

Use this medication only on the skin, exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Elidel is not for long-term use.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds, and phototherapy treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you must be outdoors, wear loose clothing over the skin areas treated with Elidel. Do not use sunscreen on treated skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Talk to your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after using Elidel for 6 weeks.

If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

There may be other drugs or skin products that can affect Elidel. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Elidel:

Burning sensation, stinging, soreness, or feeling of warmth at the application site; cough; headache; nose or throat irritation; stuffy nose.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Elidel:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); flu syndrome (eg, fever, muscle aches); severe or persistent burning sensation at the application site; skin infection (eg, redness, swelling, pus discharge); swollen lymph nodes (glands); warts, sores, or other new growths on the skin, including herpes skin infections (eg, cold sores, chickenpox, shingles); worsening of your condition.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.