• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

What is pimecrolimus topical?
Pimecrolimus is an immunosuppressant. It works by decreasing your body's immune system to help slow down the growth of atopic dermatitis (eczema) on your skin. Pimecrolimus topical is used to treat severe atopic dermatitis when other medications have not worked well. Pimecrolimus may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Back to Top

What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

Back to Top

What are the possible side effects of pimecrolimus topical?

Stop using pimecrolimus and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using pimecrolimus and call your doctor if you have:

• worsened skin symptoms;

• signs of a skin infection (redness, swelling, itching, oozing);

• swollen glands; or

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue using pimecrolimus and talk with your doctor if you have any of these side effects:

• burning, stinging, tingling, or soreness of treated skin (especially during the first few days of treatment);

• swollen hair follicles;

• acne or warts;

• upset stomach;

• muscle pain;

• runny or stuffy nose;

• headache; or

• feeling more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Back to Top

How should I use pimecrolimus topical?
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. Pimecrolimus is not for long-term use. Do not use pimecrolimus topical on a child 2 years of age or younger. Stop using the medicine once your symptoms have cleared up, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Wash your hands before and after using pimecrolimus, unless you are using the medication to treat a hand condition. Apply the medicine only to clean, dry skin. Use the smallest amount needed to apply a thin layer to the skin areas diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Rub in gently. Do not cover the treated skin with a bandage.

Back to Top

What is the most important information I should know about pimecrolimus topical?
Do not use pimecrolimus topical 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. Pimecrolimus is not for long-term use. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Back to Top

What happens if I miss a dose?
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.

Back to Top

What other drugs will affect pimecrolimus topical?
Before using pimecrolimus topical, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs: cimetidine (Tagamet). erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S. and others); an antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or fluconazole (Diflucan); or a heart medicine such as verapamil (Calan, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Tiazac), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), or nicardipine (Cardene). There may be other drugs or skin products that can affect pimecrolimus. 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.

Back to Top

Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Pimecrolimus topical has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of maternal or fetal toxicity after dermal administration. Embryofetal toxicity occurred at high oral doses. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Pimecrolimus topical is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

There are no data on the excretion of pimecrolimus topical into human milk. The manufacturer recommends that due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Back to Top

Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to pimecrolimus or any ingredient in the formulation.

Back to Top

What does my medication look like?
Pimecrolimus topical is available with a prescription under the brand name Elidel. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Elidel 1% cream

Back to Top

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Pimecrolimus is not expected to cause overdose symptoms.

Back to Top

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using pimecrolimus topical?
Before using pimecrolimus topical, tell your doctor if you have: skin cancer or a skin infection (including herpes or chicken pox); Netherton's syndrome (a genetic skin disorder); a weak immune system (from cancer treatments, HIV/AIDS or certain medicines such as steroids); kidney disease; or swelling, redness, or irritation of large areas of your skin. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use pimecrolimus or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Back to Top

Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Back to Top

I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

Back to Top

Where can I get more information?
More Information

Back to Top