Elidel: Patient Product Information
Key points
- ELIDEL is a prescription medicine you put on your skin (topical) to treat atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.
- You can use it on all affected areas of your skin, including your face and neck.
- If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, you should use ELIDEL only if your doctor determines that it is clearly necessary.
- If you have a skin condition called Netherton's syndrome, ask your doctor before you start using ELIDEL.
What is ELIDEL?
ELIDEL is a prescription medicine you put on your skin (topical) to treat atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. ELIDEL is for use on the skin only. ELIDEL is for adults and children age 2 years and older. You can use ELIDEL for short or intermittent long periods of treatment. Intermittent means starting and stopping repeatedly, as directed by your doctor.
You can use it on all affected areas of your skin, including your face and neck.
Who should not use ELIDEL?
If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, you should use ELIDEL only if your doctor determines that it is clearly necessary. It is not known if the medicine in ELIDEL will pass through your milk to the baby.
If you have a skin condition called Netherton's syndrome, ask your doctor before you start using ELIDEL.
If you are allergic to ELIDEL or any of its ingredients. The active ingredient is pimecrolimus. If you need to know the inactive ingredients, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you think you have a viral infection of your skin, like chicken pox or herpes, do not apply ELIDEL on these areas. Check with your doctor about what to do. Before you start using ELIDEL, tell your doctor if you are:
- using any other prescription medicines, non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines, supplements or herbal medicines. Some medicines should be used carefully if you use ELIDEL.
- receiving any form of light therapy (phototherapy, UVA or UVB) on your skin.
- using any other type of skin product.
- pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
ELIDEL may not be right for you.
How should I use ELIDEL?
Use ELIDEL only to treat eczema that has been diagnosed by a doctor. Wash your hands before using ELIDEL.
Use ELIDEL only on your skin. Apply a thin layer of ELIDEL to the affected skin twice daily as directed by your doctor. You can apply ELIDEL Cream on affected areas on all skin surfaces, including your face, head, and neck. Avoid contact with your eyes.
You can use moisturizers with ELIDEL. Because the skin of patients with eczema can be very dry, you should discuss good skin care practices with your doctor to keep your skin healthy and moisturized. If you use moisturizers, apply them after .
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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