Pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel Cream 1%)
Brands Names: Elidel
- Form of administration: Pills or suspension
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Why is the drug here:
An important cream for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adults that does not contain steroids.
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Purpose of treatment:
For the treatment of atopic dermatitis in infants over the age of 3 months, children, and adults.
Mostly used as second line treatment for patients who did not respond to treatment with topical steroids or as a preventative/maintenance treatment.
- Ingredients: The active ingredient is called pimecrolimus and it belongs to a class of drugs known as topical calcineurin inhibitors.
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How to use:
Apply on the affected skin twice a day. It can be applied anywhere on the skin, including the face and head but should not be applied on damp or wet skin.
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Benefits:
The main benefit is that it is a drug that does not contain steroids.
However, usually the first line of treatment for atopic dermatitis are drugs containing steroids, and drugs belonging to this class (calcineurin inhibitors) are less useful for flares and more helpful as preventative or maintenance treatment.
Two additional important points:
# Seemingly, prolonged use of this drug increases the risk of superficial skin infections.
# There are theories that the drug could act as a carcinogenic (cancer stimulating) – this was first found in animals that received the drug by mouth. However, a study that examined the topical use of this drug on humans for 6 weeks did not find an increased rate of cancer in the 10 years following its use in these people. Or in the other words, and according to systematic reviews and metanalysis “the potential increased risk attributable to topical calcineurin inhibitors use for any individual patient is likely very small”.
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Side Effects:
Mainly local – burning sensation, redness and irritation. This is also one of the reasons why it is preferable to start with topical steroids and move on to calcineurin inhibitors as maintenance therapy after the skin has recovered.
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Another word from the doctor:
Treatment of atopic dermatitis in children (and adults) is an art. If the dermatitis does not respond to “simple” topical steroids, it is best to consult with a pediatric dermatologist who will be able to determine whether Elidel cream is a good option for your child.
Learn more about atopic dermatitis in the link here.