Elidel Eczema Atopic Dermatitis Prescription: Questions & Answers

Elidel Cream - nonsteroidal prescription treatment for eczema - atopic dermatitis

WHAT IS ELIDEL CREAM?

ELIDEL Cream (pimecrolimus), a NEW prescription treatment for eczema, is a steroid-FREE anti-inflammatory cream specifically developed to treat atopic dermatitis commonly referred to as eczema. Elidel cream, manufactured by Novartis, is part of the NEW class of topical medications called topical immunomodulators, which is the newest breakthrough for the treatment of eczema in 40 years. Elidel is proven in clinical studies to reduce the incidence of eczema flares and to reduce itching within a week of use in up to 70% of patients with less side effects than topical steroids. FDA has approved Elidel cream for short-term and intermittent long-term therapy for patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised patients in whom the use of conventional therapies is inadvisable or not adequately effective.

HOW DOES ELIDEL CREAM WORK?

Pimecrolimus, the active agent of Elidel, is a natural substance produced by Streptomyces that inhibits T-lymphocyte cell production of cytokines, which play a key role in causing the inflammation, redness and itching associated with eczema. Pimecrolimus is a skin-selective inflammatory cytokine inhibitor meaning that Elidel cream works on the surface of the skin where it is needed.

HOW DOES ELIDEL DIFFER FROM TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROIDS?

Elidel cream is the NEWEST nonsteroidal topical treatment for eczema and it is safe and effective for intermittent LONG-TERM treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults. Corticosteroid topical treatments can not be used for longer than 2 consecutive weeks. Also unlike corticosteroids, Elidel is safe for dermatologic use ANYWHERE on the body including the face, neck, around the eyes, groin or in skin folds. Topical corticosteroids can not be used on the face, groin or in skin folds. Elidel is skin-selective and , unlike corticosteroids, targets ONLY those cells that cause the inflammation, redness and itching associated with eczema. In addition, unlike corticosteroids, Elidel demonstrates NO cutaneous atrophy or adrenal suppression. Elidel cream is not associated with the side effects associated with topical steroids such as skin thinning, stretch marks and skin discoloration. ELIDEL offers a SAFE and EFFECTIVE long term treatment option alternative to those suffering from moderate to severe eczema.

WHAT IS ECZEMA?

Eczema Atopic Dermatitis lesions: Elidel Cream Eczema Treatment

Over 15 million Americans suffer from the chronic, life-altering disease of atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, characterized by painfully itchy, flaky, skin disorder. Eczema is a complex condition and there is usually no one single cause for a person's eczema. External Factors such as climate, contact with irritants, clothing fibers as well as Internal Factors such as stress, diet and medications can affect eczema outbreaks. Most people with eczema, atopic dermatitis, have family members with similar problems or history of allergies, hay fever and asthma, about 20% have no family history. Eczema often presents itself in childhood or young adults but can occur at any age, and about 50% of patients are affected throughout life. Eczema is NOT contagious. Eczema typically affects the inside of the elbows, back of knees and the face, but it can cover most of the body. The severity of the conditions ranges from a few dry red ITCHY patches to widespread involvement. The itching may be so intense that patients often scratch until their skin bleeds and crusts. When this happens the skin can get infected. DO NOT USE ELIDEL CREAM IF YOUR ECZEMA LESIONS ARE INFLAMED, WEEPING OR INFECTED!

HOW DO I KNOW IF ELIDEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Elidel cream is a new kind of treatment that offers hope to non-immunocompromised individuals suffering from mild to moderate eczema who did not respond well to conventional therapy. Elidel is not a steroid or antihistamine and it won't cause thinning of your skin or drowsiness. Elidel can be used on any affected area of the body, including the face, eye area (but not in the eye) and the neck. Elidel can be used for extended period of time intermittently - starting and stopping treatment as necessary.

WHEN & HOW OFTEN DUE I USE ELIDEL CREAM?

Elidel cream is a simple and easy to use non-greasy, odor-free, quick absorbing cream. Elidel should be applied twice a day at the first signs of redness and symptoms of itching to help control flares of the disease and to prevent the disease from progressing. A razor-thin layer is applied to the affected areas twice a day about 12 hours apart for as long as symptoms persist. When signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis have resolved, one should discontinue therapy with Elidel. Emollients and moisturizer can be applied immediately after using Elidel. Always apply any moisturizers AFTER applying Elidel. Do not cover treated skin with occlusive dressings or bandages. Wear loose clothing and avoid sun exposure.

CAN ELIDEL BE SAFELY APPLIED TO THE EYELID AREA?

Elidel cream, unlike topical steroids, can be used safely on all parts of the body including the face, neck, hands, groin and in skin fold areas. Avoid getting cream directly in the eye. Elidel cream is for EXTERNAL use only!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ELIDEL TO WORK?

Elidel cream can provide rapid relief of your condition. When using Elidel cream you can start to notice dramatic improvement in about 1 - 3 weeks. Elidel relieves the most bothersome symptom of eczema, itching, within one week in 70% of patients. If signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment or the condition worsens at any time during treatment, one must visit their own physician.

DOES ELIDEL CURE ECZEMA? HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO USE ELIDEL?

Eczema CANNOT be cured, but it can be controlled. Elidel cream can be used for short term and intermittent long term use. Therefore, even though your skin may start to heal and feel better within the first few weeks of treatment. After resolutions of signs and symptoms Elidel cream usage should be stopped. Eczema or atopic dermatitis can recur within several weeks of stopping treatment. Since Elidel has been approved for long term use and it is not a steroid, you can intermittently continue to treat eczema outbreaks until they occur. Elidel cream treatment should be initiated at the first signs of redness and symptoms of itching to control flare ups. IF YOU NOTICE THAT YOUR ECZEMA GETS WORSE WITHIN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF TREATMENT, STOP ELIDEL AND CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION!

CAN I CONTINUE TO USE MOISTURIZERS WITH ELIDEL?

Eczema suffers most often have dry skin and important part of routine skin care is moisturizing. Always apply any moisturizers AFTER you have applied Elidel cream.

CAN ELIDEL BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TOPICAL PRESCRIPTIONS?

Elidel cream should NOT be combined with any other topical skin products or topical prescription medications. Do NOT use topical steroids in combination with Elidel cream.

WHILE USING ELIDEL CAN I USE TANNING BEDS OR SUNBATHE?

While using Elidel you must AVOID sunlight and sun lamps, tanning beds and treatment with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after applying Elidel, wear loose fitting clothing that protects-the treated area from the sun. In addition use sunscreens / sunblocks. Pimecrolimus, the active ingredient in Elidel, has been shown to make the "time to skin tumor formation" shorter in animal studies but NOT in humans.

CAN ELIDEL BE USED SAFELY WITH SUNSCREENS?

Yes. Studies have demonstrated that commercially available sunscreens do not affect the chemical stability of Elidel cream. Of course, you need to avoid sunlight as much as possible while using Elidel.

HOW SHOULD I STORE ELIDEL?

Elidel should be stored at room temperature. Do not freeze. Never leave Elidel in the car in cold or hot weather Keep out of reach of children.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS of ELIDEL ?

The most common side effects of Elidel cream are temporary stinging or burning sensation or a feeling of warmth at the application site. The burning feeling is usually mild or moderate, occurring in the first 5 days of treatment, and the burning usually clears up in a few days. See your doctor if an application site reaction is severe or persists for more than one week.

Other common side effects include headache, and with long-term intermittent use, nasopharyngitis (common cold/stuffy nose), influenza, pharyngitis (sore throat), fever, viral infection and cough. Some people may get herpes skin infections ( like cold sores, chicken pox or shingles), warts or swollen lymph nodes (glands).

Elidel cream may be associated with an increased risk of cutaneous infections, chicken pox, shingles, herpes simplex virus infection, or eczema herpeticum. Also Elidel may accentuate the adverse effects of ultraviolet light on the skin. Therefore patients using Elidel cream should avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds and treatment with UVA and UVB light.

If you have any concerns or and side effects continue or become a problem, you should see your doctor.

WHO SHOULD NOT USE ELIDEL CREAM? WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR ELIDEL?
Do NOT use ELIDEL if you are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant. Do NOT use ELIDEL if you are breast feeding. Do NOT take ELIDEL if you are allergic or have hypersensitivity to the active ingredient pimecrolimus or any of the inactive ingredients, if unsure check with your pharmacist and/or physician. Do NOT use ELIDEL if your eczema lesions are inflamed, weeping or infected! People with eczema are prone to infections, especially staph and herpes. Increased redness, pus-filled bumps (pustules), weeping of lesions are early signs of infections and you must NOT use ELIDEL Cream. If you experience signs of infections DISCONTINUE use of ELIDEL and consult your physician immediately! Dp NOT apply ELIDEL cream to areas of active cutaneous viral infections such as herpetic lesions, shingles, warts etc. Do NOT use ELIDEL if you suffer from Netherton's Syndrome. Although Elidel cream is approved for pediatric use, you must be 18 years or older to qualify for an online Elidel prescription. Do NOT combine with ultraviolet light treatment! Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, sun lamps, UVA and UVB photolight treatments while using ELIDEL. Do NOT combine with other topical medications. Do NOT use other over-the-counter topical medications or topical prescription medications with ELIDEL Cream. ELIDEL Cream is for EXTERNAL use only! Continue to moisturize your skin as directed. Always apply moisturizer AFTER applying Elidel cream. Continue to use sunscreens and sunblocks. Wait until ELIDEL cream completely absorbed into skin before applying.
We will not prescribe Elidel cream to anyone under the age of 18. Also Elidel cream should NOT be used by pregnant women, women attempting to become pregnant or women who are breast feeding. Elidel cream is NOT to be used on infected, weeping or oozing eczema lesions.