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.
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.
Avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds, and phototherapy treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you must be outdoors, wear loose clothing over the skin areas treated with pimecrolimus topical. Do not use sunscreen on treated skin unless your doctor has told you to.
Talk to your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after using pimecrolimus topical for 6 weeks.
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.
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.
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.
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.
Pimecrolimus can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from a virus such as chicken pox or herpes (cold sores or shingles). Tell your doctor if you have been exposed to any illness.
FDA pregnancy category C: This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use pimecrolimus without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Pimecrolimus passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
A small number of people have developed skin cancer after using pimecrolimus or 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.