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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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.
How should I take pimecrolimus topical?
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.
Do not use pimecrolimus topical on a child 2 years of age or younger.
Stop using the medicine once your symptoms have cleared up, unless your doctor has told
you otherwise.
Wash your hands before and after using pimecrolimus, unless you are using the
medication to treat a hand condition.
Apply the medicine only to clean, dry skin. Use the smallest amount needed to apply a
thin layer to the skin areas diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Rub in gently. Do not cover the
treated skin with a bandage.
Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying pimecrolimus topical. Water may
wash off the medicine.
Right after applying pimecrolimus, you may need to rub in a moisturizing cream or lotion
to keep your skin from getting too dry. Ask your doctor about which cream or lotion to use.
Talk to your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after using pimecrolimus
topical for 6 weeks.
Store pimecrolimus topical at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep the cap on the
cream tube when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose of pimecrolimus topical?
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.
Where can I get more information about pimecrolimus topical?
Your pharmacist has information about pimecrolimus topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pimecrolimus topical?
Stop using pimecrolimus and get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using pimecrolimus and call your doctor if you have:
-
worsened skin symptoms;
-
signs of a skin infection (redness, swelling, itching, oozing);
-
swollen glands; or
-
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue using
pimecrolimus and talk with your doctor if you have any of these side effects:
-
burning, stinging, tingling, or soreness of treated skin (especially
during the first few days of treatment);
-
swollen hair follicles;
-
acne or warts;
-
upset stomach;
-
muscle pain;
-
runny or stuffy nose;
-
headache; or
-
feeling more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.
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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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 avoid while taking pimecrolimus topical?
Avoid using any other skin product that has not been recommended by your doctor.
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.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol while you are using pimecrolimus topical
may cause your skin or face to feel hot and become flushed or red.
What other drugs will affect pimecrolimus topical?
Before using pimecrolimus topical, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following
drugs:
-
cimetidine (Tagamet).
-
erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S. and others);
-
an antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole (Nizoral),
itraconazole (Sporanox), or fluconazole (Diflucan); or
-
a heart medicine such as verapamil (Calan, Verelan),
diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Tiazac), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), or nicardipine
(Cardene).
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.
What happens if I have an overdose of pimecrolimus topical?