|
Elidel |
 |
|
Elidel is an immunosuppressant used topically to treat itching and swelling associated with a certain skin condition (atopic dermatitis). |
|
 |
| Elidel (Pimecrolimus) 1% 30 gm - 1 Tube | $148.09 |  |
| Elidel (Pimecrolimus) 1% 30 gm - 2 Tubes | $228.99 | |
| Elidel (Pimecrolimus) 1% 30 gm - 3 Tubes | $317.23 | |
|
 |
ACTIVE INGREDIENT: PIMECROLIMUS (pi-meh-KROE-li-mus)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Elidel
USES:
- Elidel is an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants decrease the effects of the body's immune system.
- Elidel is used to treat atopic dermatitis (e.g., eczema).
- Elidel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
HOW TO USE:
- Apply Elidel exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
- Apply Elidel twice a day, about 12 hours apart, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Wash your hands before and after each application, unless you are using Elidel to treat a hand condition.
- Before applying Elidel after a shower or bath, be sure the skin is completely dry.
- Apply a thin layer of Elidel to all skin areas that your doctor has diagnosed as having atopic dermatitis (e.g., eczema). Rub the medication gently and completely into the skin.
- Do not cover the area being treated with bandages, dressings, or wraps. However, normal clothing can be worn over the treated areas.
- Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with Elidel.
- Do not bathe, shower or swim right after applying Elidel. This could wash off the medication.
- Use Elidel on the skin. Do not swallow this medication.
- Even though your skin will begin to look and feel better, it is important to keep using Elidel as instructed by your doctor. Elidel should be used for as long as the symptoms of atopic dermatitis persist or as directed by your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor if the condition does not improve or if it gets worse during the first few weeks of treatment.
- Store Elidel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
SIDE EFFECTS:
- If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop using Elidel and seek emergency medical attention.
- It is not unusual to experience skin burning, stinging, itching, or soreness at the site of application of the medication. These side effects are most common during the first few days of treatment and typically improve as the lesions of atopic dermatitis heal.
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Elidel and talk to your doctor if you experience:
· irritation of nose and throat;
· cough;
· headache;
· diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach; or
· skin infection.
- 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.
PRECAUTIONS:
- Do not cover the area being treated with bandages, dressings, or wraps. However, normal clothing can be worn over the treated areas.
- Avoid sunlight and sun lamps, tanning beds, and treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after applying Elidel, wear loose clothing that protects the treated area from the sun. Also, ask your doctor what other type of protection from the sun may be needed.
- Even though your skin will begin to look and feel better, it is important to keep using Elidel as instructed by your doctor. Elidel should be used for as long as the symptoms of atopic dermatitis persist or as directed by your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor if the condition does not improve or if it gets worse during the first few weeks of treatment.
- Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with Elidel.
- The FDA has issued a public health advisory to inform healthcare providers and patients about a potential cancer risk from use of Elidel when applied to the skin. This concern is based on information from animal studies, case reports in a small number of patients, and how these drugs work. It may take human studies of ten years or longer to determine if use of Elidel is linked to cancer. In the meantime, this risk is uncertain and FDA advises that Elidel should be used only as labeled, for patients who have failed treatment with other therapies.
- Do not use Elidel without first talking to your doctor if you have the congenital skin disorder Netherton's syndrome.
- Before using Elidel, tell your doctor if you:
· are taking oral or injectable tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), azathioprine (Imuran), sirolimus (Rapamune), or another immunosuppressant medication;
· have a skin infection;
· have a disease of the immune system; or
· are using any other type of skin product (e.g., cream, ointment, lotion, etc.).
- You may not be able to use Elidel, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Elidel is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Elidel will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether Elidel passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Elidel is not approved for use by children younger than 2 years of age.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
- Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with Elidel.
- Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine that may affect the immune system such as oral or injectable tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), azathioprine (Imuran), sirolimus (Rapamune), or another immunosuppressant medication. You may not be able to use Elidel, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking another medicine that affects the immune system.
- Although unlikely, other systemic medications (taken by mouth or injection) may interact with Elidel. Talk to your doctor before taking any of the following medicines during treatment with Elidel:
· an antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or fluconazole (Diflucan);
· a calcium channel blocker (heart medicine) such as verapamil (Calan, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Tiazac), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), or nicardipine (Cardene);
· erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., others), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or troleandomycin (TAO); or
· cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Elidel. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
OVERDOSE:
- If Elidel is ingested, seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a Elidel overdose are not known.
NOTES: Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
MISSED DOSE: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed, and use only the next regularly scheduled dose.
STORAGE: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
|
|
