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Home > Drug Category > Skin Medications (Topical/Oral) > Elidel and Equivalent

Elidel Information

Elidel (Pimecrolimus) is an immunosuppressant, used to treat a skin condition called atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) in adults and children aged 3 months and older. It is used in patients who do not have a weakened immune system. Elidel is prescribed the doctors if other medicines have not worked for you or are not suitable for you. Elidel is used for short periods of time. It can be used for intermittent treatment, as directed by your doctor. Intermittent treatment means taking breaks between the periods of time that you use Elidel. Elidel cream works differently than medicines called corticosteroids, to treat inflammation of the skin which causes redness and itching of eczema. Elidel works by decreasing your body's immune system to help slow down the growth of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on your skin.

Elidel Side Effects

The most common side effects of Elidel may include burning, feeling of warmth or redness at skin application site; headache; nasopharyngitis (nose and throat infection); flu-like symptoms, common cold, congestion, stuffy nose and sore throat, fever, viral infection and cough; flushing of the face or skin irritations (rash, burning, itching or swelling) in patients who drink alcohol while using Elidel; skin discoloration. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• A mole that has changed in size or color;
• New or worsened skin symptoms (warts, unusual rash or skin lesions, blistering or oozing);
• Severe pain, burning, itching, or stinging;
• Symptoms of a viral skin infection - cold sores around your mouth, skin sores or blisters, scabs, itching, tingling

Elidel Precautions

Do not use Elidel if you are allergic to Pimecrolimus or to any other ingredients in this medication or if you have any infections of your skin at the site to be treated including chicken pox or herpes; if you are immunocompromised (have any problems with your immune system). Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have been exposed to any illness, or if you have any signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, or flu symptoms; have had skin cancer or if you have skin cancer; have skin lesions that your doctor has told you could become skin cancer; have a rare and inherited skin condition called Netherton’s syndrome; are receiving any form of light therapy (phototherapy or UV) for your skin; are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Elidel and other medications. Avoid sunlight and sun lamps, tanning salons and any treatment with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after applying Elidel, wear clothing that protects the treated area from the sun. In addition, you should ask your doctor what other type of protection from the sun you should use. Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine as it can cause warmth, flushing, or redness in your skin or face.

Do I need a prescription to order Elidel?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Elidel.