Pimecrolimus (Elidel) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use topical pimecrolimus?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical pimecrolimus.

• Elidel
• Pimecrolimus
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical pimecrolimus products they stock.

What should I know about topical pimecrolimus before using it?

It is not known if it is safe to use topical pimecrolimus for a long period of time. In rare cases, people who have used topical pimecrolimus have reported cancer, such as skin cancer or lymphoma. But it has not been shown that topical pimecrolimus causes cancer. It is best to do the following. 

• Avoid using this medicine for a very long time without breaks
• Only use this medicine on the affected areas of your skin and use the smallest amount needed to manage your symptoms
• Avoid using this medicine on a child who is younger than 2 years old

During your treatment with topical pimecrolimus, it is important to remember the following. 

• Avoid sun lamps or tanning beds and limit sun exposure, even when the medicine is not on your skin
• If you have to be outside after applying the medicine, wear loose clothing that covers the treated area to protect it from sun
• Avoid covering the treated skin with bandages, dressings, or wraps. You can wear your regular clothes
• Be careful not to get topical pimecrolimus in your eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum. If by accident it does get on these areas, wipe off the medicine from the affected area and rinse the area well with cold water
• To prevent your skin from getting too dry from eczema, you can use moisturizers after applying topical pimecrolimus. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider first about which moisturizers to use
• Avoid applying this medicine to any skin areas affected by cancer

Do not use topical pimecrolimus unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical pimecrolimus with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical pimecrolimus out of the reach of children.

Tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse while using topical pimecrolimus, or if they do not get better after using the medicine for 6 weeks.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical pimecrolimus?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical pimecrolimus is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

 Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

• Netherton syndrome (a rare inherited condition) 
• Any skin infection, such as chickenpox or herpes
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Mononucleosis
• A weak immune system

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical pimecrolimus may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical pimecrolimus, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical pimecrolimus could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical pimecrolimus passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop topical pimecrolimus.