Drug Uses

Elidel is a topical prescription medicine that is used for treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). This medicine is used only on the skin and is indicated for adults and children older than 2 years of age. Elidel may be used for short or intermittent long periods of treatment. Intermittent treatment means that you start and stop the therapy repeatedly. Elidel may be used on all affected skin areas, including the face and neck.

How Taken

A thin layer of Elidel cream 1% is applied on the affected areas of the skin twice a day. The cream should be rubbed completely. Elidel may be used on all affected skin areas, including the head and neck. The medicine should be used twice a day until the signs and symptoms disappear. Discontinue the usage of Elidel if a resolution of the disease develops. The patient should be re-examined if the symptoms do not disappear within 6 weeks. Elidel should not be used with occlusive dressings.

Warnings/Precautions

Consult your doctor before using Elidel in case you have the congenital skin disorder Netherton's syndrome. Also, inform your doctor if you 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 been able to use Elidel or your dosage may have to be adjusted, or you may have to be monitored during the treatment if you suffer from any of the above mentioned diseases. Elidel falls into the FDA category C which means that it is not clear if it may harm a fetus. Talk to your doctor before using Elidel in case you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the treatment with the medicine. Also, consult your doctor before taking Elidel if you are breast feeding because it is not clear if the medicine passes into breast milk. Elidel is not approved for usage by children younger than 2 years of age.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and take the regular dose. Do not take a double dose to catch up the missed one.

Possible Side Effects

The most usual side effect caused by Elidel is burning or a feeling or warmth at the area of application. The burning is commonly mild to moderate and occurs in the first five days of the treatment. The feeling of warmth usually disappears in the first few days. Consult your doctor if the reaction on the area of application is severe and continues more than a week. Other adverse effects may include headache, and with long-term intermittent use, common cold/stuffy nose, influenza, sore throat, fever, viral infection, and cough. Some patients may experience herpes skin infections (like cold sores, chicken pox, or shingles), warts, or swollen lymph nodes (glands).

Storage

Elidel should be stored at a temperature of 25°C (77°F); fluctuations allowed to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F). Avoid freezing.

Overdose

An overdose of Elidel cream 1% has not been reported. Search for medical help and advice in case of ingestion.

More Information

You should avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds and treatments with UVA or UVB lights during a treatment wit Elidel. If you have to go outdoors after you have applied Elidel, protect the treated area from the sun. Consult your doctor about the needed type of sun protection. Do not apply other skin products on the treated areas unless your doctor advised you so.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.