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Elidel Cream
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Important Resources for Elidel Cream:
Elidel Cream (containing 1% pimecrolimus) is a prescription cream used for the treatment of a skin condition called eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Elidel belongs to a family of immunosuppressive drugs called calcineurin inhibitors. Other members of this family are tacrolimus and cyclosporin.
Elidel is marketed by Novartis.
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Uses
Elidel Cream is specifically indicated as second-line therapy for the treatment of eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children two years of age and older, who have normal immune systems and have failed to respond to other topical creams.
How Elidel Cream is Taken
A thin layer of Elidel Cream is applied to the affected skin twice daily.
If the eczema persists beyond six weeks of treatment, the patient needs to stop using Elidel Cream and be re-examined by their physician. Chronic use of Elidel Cream is not advisable.
How Elidel Cream Works
The mechanism of action of pimecrolimus in eczema is not completely understood.
It is known that pimecrolimus inhibits the production of chemicals called cytokines in T cells (white blood cells involved in autoimmune reactions typical of eczema).
How the Body Affects Elidel Cream
Blood levels of pimecrolimus are typically negligible.
Pimecrolimus is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A.
81% of the original dose is excreted in the feces as metabolites.
Side Effects
Over several clinical trials, approximately 3-4% of treated patients discontinued therapy due to side effects.
These side effects were mainly skin infections and reactions at the application site.
Risks and Precautions
Due to its immunosuppressive effects, doctors usually do not advise using Elidel Cream for an extended period of time.
Drug Interactions
Since pimecrolimus is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A, drugs that are CYP3A inhibitors (such as erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, calcium channel blockers and cimetidine) are to be used cautiously with Elidel.
Effectiveness
A number of studies have shown Elidel to be an effective treatment for the management of mild to moderate eczema.[1]
References
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