Elidel (Pimecrolimus)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Elidel Used For?
Elidel is a steroid-free topical medication that treats inflammation of the skin caused by eczema (also called atopic dermatitis).
Primary Uses
Elidel treats the early signs and symptoms of eczema such as itching, redness, tiny bumps, and thickening of the skin. It can be used in infants 3 months or older, children, teenagers, and adults. It’s designed to treat repeated episodes of eczema and prevent early symptoms from progressing to more severe symptoms that might require steroid creams.
How It Works
Elidel works in specific cells in the skin that cause inflammation and the characteristic redness and itching of eczema. It’s a steroid-free medicine that targets skin inflammation directly.
Good to know: Elidel is steroid-free, making it a good alternative for long-term eczema management without the side effects associated with topical steroids.
How to Take Elidel
Elidel is a topical cream that should be applied directly to affected skin areas as directed by your doctor.
Dosage Instructions
Apply a thin layer of cream to affected skin twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening). Wash and dry your hands before application. Squeeze cream onto your finger, apply a thin layer covering the affected skin completely, rub in gently and completely, then replace the cap and wash your hands. Do not cover treated skin with occlusive dressings, but normal clothing can be worn. For infants up to 2 years: treatment should usually last no more than 3 weeks per episode. For older children, teenagers, and adults: treatment can continue for up to 6 weeks per episode if necessary.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to apply the cream, apply it as soon as possible and then continue your normal routine.
Important: Do not use this medicine continuously for long periods without interruption. Begin treatment as soon as you notice first signs and symptoms, and stop when redness ends.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Temporary feeling of warmth and/or burning
- Irritation, itching, or reddening
- Rash, pain, feeling of prickling
- Dryness, flaking, swelling
- Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles)
- Cold sores (blisters around lips, nose, or chin)
- Genital herpes symptoms
- Shingles (painful, red skin rash or blister-like sores)
- Eczema herpeticum (clusters of itchy or painful blisters)
- Signs of skin infection different from usual eczema symptoms
- New spots, freckles, moles, or changes to existing ones
- Skin color changes
- Swelling of lymph nodes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden signs of allergy: rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/body parts
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble breathing
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations and medical conditions to discuss with your doctor before using Elidel.
Who Should Not Take Elidel
Do not use Elidel if you are allergic to pimecrolimus, macrolactams, or any ingredients in the cream. Do not use if you are having light therapy (phototherapy) for your skin condition. Do not use on areas with active viral infections like cold sores or chicken pox, infected skin, inside nose/eyes/mouth, on breasts while breastfeeding, or on recent vaccination sites until redness/swelling disappears.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: previous skin cancers or pre-cancerous skin changes, swollen lymph nodes, skin infections, generalized erythroderma, Netherton syndrome, or a weakened immune system (from conditions like HIV, diabetes, cancer, or immune-suppressing medications).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is not enough information to recommend use during pregnancy – discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. While the amount absorbed into bloodstream is very low, it’s unknown if pimecrolimus passes into breast milk. Discuss benefits and risks with your doctor if breastfeeding.
Cancer Risk: A very small number of people using Elidel have developed skin cancer or lymphoma, but a direct link has not been proven. The number of cases is small and lower than average in the general population. Use only as directed by your doctor.
Drug Interactions
While it’s unlikely that other medicines will interfere with Elidel, always inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- Other topical creams or ointments used on the skin
- Any prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or supplements
Alcohol & Sun Exposure
Special precautions are needed regarding alcohol consumption and sun exposure while using Elidel.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you experience facial flushing or skin irritation when drinking alcohol during Elidel treatment. Rarely, facial flushing or skin irritation (rash, burning, itching, or swelling) can occur in people who drink alcohol while using Elidel.
Sun Exposure
Avoid sun exposure on skin areas treated with Elidel. Do not use sunlamps or tanning tables. When outdoors, wear protective clothing and use at least SPF 15+ low-irritant sunscreen.
Storage
Store the tube of cream in the outer carton in a cool, dry place below 25°C with the cap tightly closed. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep away from heat and dampness. Store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, away from children. Once opened, use within 12 weeks maximum.
Overdose Information
If you accidentally apply more cream than directed, simply wipe it off – it will not harm you. If anyone swallows the cream, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Elidel should be started as soon as the first signs and symptoms of eczema appear. Treatment continues until the end of redness, which can take up to 3 weeks for infants under 2 years, and up to 6 weeks for older children and adults.
Yes, you can use moisturizers and other skin products with Elidel. Wait until the first product is completely absorbed into your skin before applying the next one. If using a moisturizer, apply it after using Elidel.
No, Elidel is not addictive. However, it should not be used continuously for long periods without interruption. Treatment should be stopped when redness ends and restarted if symptoms return.
You should stop using Elidel when the redness ends, as directed. If signs and symptoms return, you can start treatment again. There are no withdrawal effects from stopping Elidel.
You should avoid sun exposure on skin areas treated with Elidel and not use sunlamps or tanning tables. When outdoors, wear protective clothing and use at least SPF 15+ low-irritant sunscreen.
Elidel can be used on affected skin areas as directed by your doctor, but avoid the inside of your nose, eyes, or mouth. If you accidentally apply cream to these areas, wipe it off and rinse well with clean water.
Once opened, Elidel should be used within 12 weeks maximum. Store it in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from heat, dampness, and children’s reach.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.