Elidel (pimecrolimus)

Elidel is used to treat atopic dermatitis, otherwise called eczema.

Buy Elidel online

The Online Clinic can allow patients to order Elidel online following an online consultation with a GP. Simply complete the free consultation form and a doctor will review and respond to you with a diagnosis and possibly an offer of a prescription to purchase online for next day delivery.

What is Elidel?

Elidel is formulated with pimecrolimus. Pimecrolimus is an immunomodulatory agent, meaning it regulates cells of the immune system. It blocks signal pathways in white blood cells known as T cells, thereby inhibiting the synthesis of inflammatory products, and also blocks the discharge of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mediators. Elidel is specifically used in the treatment of eczema, which is characterised by inflamed, red and itchy skin.

How to use Elidel

Elidel is a cream that contains 10 mg/g of pimecrolimus. It is for external skin use only. The cream is used twice a day on the skin surface (once each morning and once each evening), and may be used anywhere on the body, including the face. It is not to be used on areas of infected skin, such as on cold sores; your doctor may advise a treatment for the skin infection before starting Elidel or to stop using Elidel if you get a skin infection at the application site.

After washing and drying your hands, break the tube seal using the point in the cap top (on first use only). Squeeze enough the cream onto your finger to enable a thin layer of cream to cover the affected area of skin. Gently and thoroughly rub the cream into the skin, and then put the top back on the tube. You must not cover the treated skin area, such as with dressings or bandages. Do not shower or bathe as soon as you have applied the cream (or it may be washed off) and, if you use skin moisturisers (emollients), apply them shortly after using this product. Additionally, do not expose your skin to excess sunlight or artificial light sources (sun lamps) and use sunscreens for protection.

Wipe off any excess cream if you use too much. Apply a forgotten application when you remember (but only if not too near the time of the next dose) and then continue your regimen as you would normally. Completely wipe off and rinse with water if you get it in your mouth, nose or eyes. Get medical advice if you swallow any.

If your eczema does not improve after 6 weeks of Elidel use, then see your doctor. Over the long term, Elidel should not be used continuously. Start it when your skin becomes red and itchy to stop a severe flare-up from developing, and stop it when these eczema signs and symptoms have disappeared. Your doctor will advise you when to discontinue Elidel.

Who can use Elidel?

This medicine is for use by adults, adolescents, and children aged 2 years and older. It is used when other medicines or moisturisers do not work or cannot be used. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Elidel, while those trying for a baby should seek medical advice.

Only use Elidel if you do not have an allergy to pimecrolimus or any of the other ingredients (several ingredients may cause skin irritation). Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have an immunocompromised (weak) immune system, the skin conditions erythroderma or Netherton's syndrome, or skin tumours. You cannot use ultraviolet light treatments or systemic immunosuppressive agents while also using Elidel

Elidel side effects

Most side effects involve temporary, mild or moderate skin reactions at the site of Elidel application, occurring soon after treatment starts. However, rarely/very rarely angioedema (an allergic reaction involving swelling beneath the skin) or anaphylactic reactions occur. These have similar signs, which may include swelling of hands, feet, area around eyes, lips, tongue and throat, with skin rash, urticaria, and breathing and swallowing difficulties. Stop Elidel treatment and see a doctor immediately if you develop these signs.

Skin reactions are common side effects; these include heat/burning, irritation, and reddening of the skin at the application site. Other skin reactions are less common, such as rash, prickling, dryness, and pain. Skin infections, including folliculitis, impetigo, herpes infections (e.g., cold sores, shingles, and eczema herpeticum), warts and boils, may occur. Rarely, drinking alcohol while using Elidel causes skin to flush, itch, burn, or swell or develop a rash. Also rare are cases of skin colour change. Cancer, including skin and lymphoma, has been reported. Although an association has not been demonstrated, enlarged lymph glands have also been reported during treatment with Elidel; tell you doctor if you get swollen lymph nodes.