Elidel is an eczema medication that contains the active ingredient pimecrolimus, which can suppress the immune system to slow down and treat certain conditions caused by inflammation in the skin. Usually, Elidel is prescribed for people with atopic dermatitis and eczema if other medications have not worked to slow their symptoms, and is ideal for people who have not responded well to topical steroids.Eczema is a common skin condition that causes the skin to have allergic-type reactions, making it irritated, itchy, painful and red, and in some cases thickened and flaking. Elidel cream works by changing the immune system and reducing the way that the body responds to triggers, making it less likely to have the allergic reaction that causes eczema.Elidel is a form of immunosuppressant medication intended to treat conditions such as eczema. This medication can treat inflammatory conditions and atopic dermatitis because it helps to slow down the way that your body’s immune system works. Pimecrolimus belongs to a group of drugs called calcineurin inhibitors and you will not be able to take this medication if you have a weakened immune system.
Elidel
What is Elidel?
Elidel is an eczema medication that contains the active ingredient pimecrolimus, which can suppress the immune system to slow down and treat certain conditions caused by inflammation in the skin. Usually, Elidel is prescribed for people with atopic dermatitis and eczema if other medications have not worked to slow their symptoms, and is ideal for people who have not responded well to topical steroids.
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes the skin to have allergic-type reactions, making it irritated, itchy, painful and red, and in some cases thickened and flaking. Elidel cream works by changing the immune system and reducing the way that the body responds to triggers, making it less likely to have the allergic reaction that causes eczema.
Elidel is a form of immunosuppressant medication intended to treat conditions such as eczema. This medication can treat inflammatory conditions and atopic dermatitis because it helps to slow down the way that your body’s immune system works. Pimecrolimus belongs to a group of drugs called calcineurin inhibitors and you will not be able to take this medication if you have a weakened immune system.
When is Elidel used?
It is possible to use Elidel cream on your entire body, with the direction of your doctor or pharmacist. This substance is best used with people who have tried other forms of treatment for eczema, such as topical steroids, but have not seen the results that they hoped for. Elidel can reduce the symptoms of eczema, including scaly skin, rashes, bumps and dryness. It can also be used for psoriasis, to deal with excessive growing in the upper skin layer, itching and thickening spots. Your doctor may also prescribe Elidel if you have a condition that causes painful, itchy white spots on the skin – usually on the genitals. However, this medication will only be prescribed if it is safe for you. Usually, Elidel is a last resort because it can harm the immune system and make it harder to fight off infection.
How do you use Elidel?
Elidel is a topical cream or ointment that needs to be applied directly to the skin. You should not get this substance in your mouth, nose or eyes. If you accidentally get Elidel into your eyes, mouth or nose, make sure that you wash the area thoroughly, and contact a doctor if you are concerned. This medication should not be applied to any infected areas or open wounds. When applying Elidel, make sure that you follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. If you are unsure about anything, you can ask your pharmacist or consult the leaflet included with your Elidel medication.
Before applying this medication, make sure that you wash your hands with soap and water carefully. It is important to ensure that the skin where you are applying the Elidel cream is also as clean as possible. Usually, you will be asked to apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected area of skin, either once or twice a day depending on the severity of your condition. Do not use too much ointment and wash your hands after using this product.
Some doctors will recommend using a moisturizer alongside this medication. If you are going to use a moisturizer, make sure that you leave at least 30 minutes for the Elidel cream to soak into your skin first. You should not cover the treated area of skin with any bandages or clothing if you can help it. Do not swim, bathe or shower directly after using the medication.
Your doctor may instruct you to stop using Elidel cream after your condition begins to clear up. However, you should not stop using this substance without your doctor’s approval. If your condition does not improve after six weeks of using Elidel cream, contact your doctor and ask for further guidance.
What dosages are available?
Your doctor will advise you of how much Elidel cream to use when you are using this treatment, as well as how long you should be applying the medication for. Unless directed otherwise by your doctor, the most common dose for Elidel is one thin layer of ointment applied to the affected area twice per day. This substance is not suitable for use on children under the age of two.
Make sure that you do not deviate from the dose prescribed by your doctor, as this can increase the risk of the medication not working or may also enhance your risk of side effects. Applying more Elidel cream will not help you to get rid of your eczema faster.
What are the side effects of Elidel?
Many people taking Elidel cream will not experience any side effects at all. However, everyone has different levels of sensitivity. It is worth being aware of the common side effects of this substance, so you know not to be overly concerned if they happen to you. Many of the mild side effects associated with Elidel cream can pass on their own when your skin gets used to the medication.
Usually, the most common side effect of Elidel cream is mild irritation or burning at the site of the application. This usually happens during the first few days when you begin taking your treatment. You may also experience a mild headache. If any of these issues persist or get worse, contact a pharmacist or doctor as quickly as possible.
Your doctor will have assessed the risks involved with using Elidel before prescribing it to you. The only reason that you will be taking this medication is that your doctor has deemed the benefit to you as being greater than the risk. However, there are rare occasions where you may experience more significant side effects when using Elidel. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of an infection after using Elidel cream, including a persistent sore throat or a fever. While serious allergic reactions to Elidel are rare, they are possible. Contact an emergency health professional or go to a hospital if you notice any severe rash or itching, or swelling around the face, throat or tongue. Call an ambulance if you have dizziness or trouble breathing. There may be other side effects that you experience when taking Elidel cream. If you are concerned about any symptoms that happen when using this medication, contact a pharmacist or doctor.
When should you not use Elidel?
Elidel cream will not be a suitable treatment for all people with eczema and skin conditions. You will need to have a consultation with your doctor before taking this medication to ensure that it is right for you. To determine whether it is safe for you to take Elidel cream, tell your doctor about your full medical history, as well as any allergies that you may have. Do not take Elidel if you are sensitive to pimecrolimus or any similar ingredients.
Before using Elidel cream, tell your doctor about any current infections that you might have, and if you are using light therapy to overcome any conditions. You should also ensure that your doctor is aware of any skin infections that you have, including chickenpox, shingles and herpes. Do not use Elidel cream if you have any immune system problems, or a condition that weakens your immune system in any way.
This medication may make some people more sensitive to sunlight. Because of this, it is important to limit the time you spend in the sun as much as possible and limit your exposure to tanning booths and sun lamps. Use protective clothing and sunscreen to protect yourself when you are outdoors. Tell your doctor if you get sunburnt when using Elidel cream.
This medication should not be used by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant unless it is clearly needed. It is not known at this time whether Elidel passes into breastmilk. If you are thinking about nursing while using Elidel cream, tell your doctor first.
Does Elidel interact with any other medications?
Medications can interact with other substances and increase the chances of dangerous side effects. Tell your doctor about any substances you are taking as well as Elidel cream, including over-the-counter medications, herbal substances, supplements, recreational drugs, prescription medications and supplements. Do not start or stop any new medications when using Elidel without your doctor’s approval.
Before using Elidel, tell your doctor if you are taking any topical steroids or using any other topical creams for the treatment of eczema. Your doctor may already be aware of the interactions that could occur between Elidel cream and the other substances that you are using. In this case, you will be advised to use the substance with caution.
Where can you buy Elidel?
It is possible to purchase Elidel cream from a local registered pharmacy or you can arrange for us to deliver this medication to an EU pharmacy for you. With medications such as this one that require a prescription, we can also arrange for a consultation with a registered doctor.
Can you get Elidel without a prescription?
You cannot currently buy Elidel cream in the EU without first getting a prescription from a doctor or healthcare expert. Your doctor will need to assess your condition carefully to ensure that this treatment is right for you. Do not try to self-treat without the approval of your doctor.
References:
Drugs.com, 2019, online, Elidel, [accessed on 22 August 2019], Available at https://www.drugs.com/elidel.html
MedlinePlus, 2019, online, pimecrolimus Topical [accessed on 22 August 2019], Available at https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603027.html
RXlist, 2019, online, Brand name: Elidel [accessed on 22 August 2019], Available at https://www.rxlist.com/elidel-drug.htm