Type of medicine: immunosuppressant
Generic and brand names: pimecrolimus, topical; Elidel
This medicine is put on the skin to treat mild to moderate eczema (a skin condition) in people over 2 years of age. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed. Using too much may increase the risk of side effects.
This medicine should only be used when you have symptoms. Treatment usually should be stopped when your symptoms go away or if your skin has not improved after 6 weeks. Ask your healthcare provider about anything you do not understand.
Before you use this medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a towel.
Put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it. Rub it in gently and completely. Do not shower, bathe, or swim right after putting on the medicine. Do not use a tight bandage or cover the area unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Be careful to keep it out of your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you get this medicine into your eyes, flush them with plenty of cool water.
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling this medicine.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
If used for a long time, this medicine may increase your risk for lymph node or skin cancer. Use it exactly as prescribed for only as long as prescribed.
Call your healthcare provider right away if your eczema gets worse or you develop any new symptoms such as blisters, red spots, warts, or enlarged lymph nodes. These symptoms may mean you have an infection. Do not put this medicine on infected skin.
This medicine may cause a mild feeling of warmth or burning on your skin for the first few days of use. Call your provider if the burning is severe or if it lasts longer than a week.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Skin infection, blisters, red spots, warts, worsening of your skin condition, unexplained fever or swollen glands in neck, sore throat, trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, muscle aches and pains.
Other: Cough, headache, feeling of burning on the skin, stuffy or runny nose, nausea, diarrhea.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these medicines together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
