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Usage: Elidel is an immunosuppressant. Immunosuppressants decrease the effects of the body's immune system. Elidel is used to treat atopic dermatitis (e.g., eczema).
Side Effects: If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop using Elidel and seek emergency medical attention. It is not unusual to experience skin burning, stinging, itching, or soreness at the site of application of the medication. These side effects are most common during the first few days of treatment and typically improve as the lesions of atopic dermatitis heal. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Elidel and talk to your doctor if you experience: irritation of nose and throat; cough; headache; diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach; or skin infection. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions: Avoid sunlight and sun lamps, tanning beds, and treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you need to be outdoors after applying Elidel, wear loose clothing that protects the treated area from the sun. Also, ask your doctor what other type of protection from the sun may be needed. Do not cover the area being treated with bandages, dressings, or wraps. However, normal clothing can be worn over the treated areas.
Drug Interactions: Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not apply any other skin products on the areas treated with Elidel. Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine that may affect the immune system such as oral or injectable tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), azathioprine (Imuran), sirolimus (Rapamune), or another immunosuppressant medication. You may not be able to use Elidel, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking another medicine that affects the immune system. Although unlikely, other systemic medications (taken by mouth or injection) may interact with Elidel. Talk to your doctor before taking any of the following medicines during treatment with Elidel: an antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or fluconazole (Diflucan); a calcium channel blocker (heart medicine) such as verapamil (Calan, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Tiazac), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), or nicardipine (Cardene); erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., others), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or troleandomycin (TAO); or cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB). Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Elidel. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
If You Take Too Much: If Elidel is ingested, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Elidel overdose are not known.
Missed Dose: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed, and use only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Storage: Store Elidel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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