What is Elidel?

Elidel is a cream including pimecrolimus. It works by decreasing the immune system of the body so the growth of atopic dermatitis on the skin is slowed down.

Uses

Elidel is used to treat severe atopic dermatitis.

Warnings

Avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning and photo therapy treatments once you are applying Elidel. If you have to go outside then only wear loose clothing so that the medicine should stay intact with the skin.
Inform your doctor about all your prescriptions and the medicines you use. This is because Elidel may interact with your prescribed drugs. This also includes vitamins and herbal medications.
Before hand inform your doctor if you have any skin cancer or skin infection. If you have or had a history of the Netherton's Syndrome then inform your doctor about this.
If you have the above conditions then your dose might be adjusted accordingly or you may need to undergo some medical tests before you might be eligible to use Elidel.
This medicine may bring harm to an unborn baby. Do not use Elidel during pregnancy. Inform your doctor about any future planned pregnancy during the course prescribed. Elidel may also pass into breast milk and may cause ham to a nursing baby.

How should I use Elidel?

Elidel should only be used for patients above 2 years of age.
Stop the application of Elidel if the symptoms get cured. Wash your hand thoroughly before and after the use of Elidel. Do not wash your hands if you are treating any hand condition. Apply the cream to clean and dry skin only. Use only a small amount so that your affected area is covered with a thin layer of this medicine.
Do not expose the treated area to water as it may wash off the medicine. Your skin may get too dry after applying this medicine. You can consult your doctor to find out which moisturizing cream or lotion to apply along with Elidel.
If your skin does not heals after 6 weeks then inform it to your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

For precaution visit your doctor if you feel you have used too much of this medicine.
Elidel does not cause any overdose symptoms.

Elidel side effects

Immediately contact your doctor if you are facing the following side effects:

• Fever;
• Body aches;
• Flu symptoms;
• Swollen glands;
• Skin infection or
• Worsened skin symptoms.

Less serious effects of Elidel include:

• Swollen hair follicles;
• Acne or warts;
• Upset stomach;
• Headache;
• Muscle pain;
• Burning of treated skin;
• Itching of treated area or
• Stuffy nose.

The patient might face side effects other than those listed here. If any unusual symptom is caused by the use of Elidel then contact your doctor immediately.

Proper storage of Elidel

Elidel is to be stored at room temperature. Room temperature: 68 to 77 Degrees F or 20 to 25o C. It is to be kept in a tightly closed container. Keep Elidel away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Do not place it in bathrooms. Keep Elidel out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information

For more information about Elidel consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms get worse after using this drug then inform this to your doctor.
Elidel is to be used only for the person it is prescribed for. Do not share your medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If the patient misses a dose then take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the scheduled next dose is near then skip the missed dose. Continue the rest of the course as usual. Do not take any other medicine to cover up the missed dose.