Crisaborole Topical
Crisaborole is used to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis; a skin condition which causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes) in adults and children 3 years of age and older. Crisaborole is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in the body that cause inflammation.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Crisaborole comes as an ointment to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day. Use crisaborole at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use crisaborole exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
The ointment is only for use on the skin. Be careful not to get crisaborole ointment in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.
To use the ointment, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Be sure that the skin in the affected area is dry.
- Apply a thin layer of crisaborole ointment to all affected areas of your skin. Rub the ointment into your skin gently and completely.
- Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any leftover crisaborole ointment. Do not wash your hands if you are treating them with crisaborole ointment. If a caregiver has applied the ointment, they should wash their hands after applying the ointment.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
🔔 Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
🔔 What special precautions should I follow?
Before using topical crisaborole,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to crisaborole, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in crisaborole ointment. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal or topical products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using crisaborole, call your doctor.
🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Given the high cost of medical care, it’s hardly a shock that patients are drowning in medical debt. Almost 20% of American households have delinquent medical bills that affect their credit report, according to NBC News. Having medical bills in collections makes it more difficult for patients to engage in other economic activities, such as purchasing a home or securing a loan to start a business.
🔔 What should I do if I forget a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra ointment to make up for a missed dose.
🔔 What side effects can this medication cause?
Crisaborole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- burning or stinging on the area of skin where the ointment was applied
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- hives
- skin redness, itching, or swelling where crisaborole was applied or anywhere on the body
Crisaborole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
🔔 What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the tube it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
🔔 In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
🔔 What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
