Pimecrolimus

If you have mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis that has not responded to other treatments, your healthcare provider may prescribe pimecrolimus. This medicated cream is applied to affected areas of the skin twice a day, and works by making the immune system less active. Although most people tolerate it well, side effects are possible and can include coughing, headaches, and burning at the application site.

What Is Pimecrolimus?

Pimecrolimus (Elidel^®) is a prescription medication approved to treat mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (commonly referred to as eczema) in certain people who have not adequately responded to other treatments or who cannot use other treatments. It comes in the form of a cream that is applied directly to the skin. Pimecrolimus can be used in adults and children as young as two years old.

(Click What Is Pimecrolimus Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Are There Side Effects?

Just like any medicine, pimecrolimus can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well. If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Common side effects of pimecrolimus include but are not limited to:

Warmth or burning at the application site
Headaches
Common cold
Coughing.

(Click Pimecrolimus Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

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