Pimecrolimus Topical

A small number of patients who used pimecrolimus cream or another similar medication developed skin cancer or lymphoma (cancer in a part of the immune system). There is not enough information available to tell whether pimecrolimus cream caused these patients to develop cancer. Studies of transplant patients and laboratory animals and an understanding of the way pimecrolimus works suggest that there is possibility that people who use pimecrolimus cream have a greater risk of developing cancer. More study is needed to understand this risk.

Follow these directions carefully to decrease the possible risk that you will develop cancer during your treatment with pimecrolimus cream:

• Use pimecrolimus cream only when you have symptoms of eczema. Stop using pimecrolimus cream when your symptoms go away or when your doctor tells you that you should stop. Do not use pimecrolimus cream continuously for a long time.
• Call your doctor if you have used pimecrolimus cream for 6 weeks and your eczema symptoms have not improved. A different medication may be needed.
• Call your doctor if your eczema symptoms come back after your treatment with pimecrolimus cream.
• Apply pimecrolimus cream only to skin that is affected by eczema. Use the smallest amount of cream that is needed to control your symptoms.
• Do not use pimecrolimus cream to treat eczema in children who are younger than 2 years old.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had cancer, especially skin cancer, or any condition that affects your immune system. Ask your doctor if you are not sure if a condition that you have has affected your immune system. Pimecrolimus may not be right for you.
• Protect your skin from real and artificial sunlight during your treatment with pimecrolimus cream. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds, and do not undergo ultraviolet light therapy. Stay out of the sunlight as much as possible during your treatment, even when the medication is not on your skin. If you need to be outside in the sun, wear loose fitting clothing to protect the treated skin, and ask your doctor about other ways to protect your skin from the sun.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with pimecrolimus and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.

Talk to your doctor about the risks of using pimecrolimus.

🔔 Why is this medication prescribed?

Pimecrolimus is used to control the symptoms of eczema (atopic dermatitis; a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). Pimecrolimus is only used to treat patients who cannot use other medications for eczema, or whose symptoms were not controlled by other medications. Pimecrolimus is in a class of medications called topical calcineurin inhibitors. It works by stopping the immune system from producing substances that may cause eczema.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Pimecrolimus comes as a cream to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day for up to 6 weeks at a time. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Apply pimecrolimus cream exactly as directed. Do not apply more or less of it or apply it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Pimecrolimus cream is only for use on the skin. Be careful not to get pimecrolimus cream in your eyes or mouth. If you get pimecrolimus cream in your eyes, rinse them with cold water. If you swallow pimecrolimus cream, call your doctor.

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To use the cream, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Be sure that the skin in the affected area is dry.
3. Apply a thin layer of pimecrolimus cream to all affected areas of your skin. You can apply pimecrolimus to all affected skin surfaces including your head, face, and neck.
4. Rub the cream into your skin gently and completely.
5. Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any leftover pimecrolimus cream. Do not wash your hands if you are treating them with pimecrolimus cream.
6. You may cover the treated areas with normal clothing, but do not use any bandages, dressings, or wraps.
7. Be careful not to wash the cream from affected areas of your skin. Do not swim, shower, or bathe immediately after applying pimecrolimus cream. Ask your doctor if you should apply more pimecrolimus cream after you swim, shower, or bathe.
8. After you apply pimecrolimus cream and allow time for it be completely absorbed into your skin, you may apply moisturizers, sunscreen, or makeup to the affected area. Ask your doctor about the specific products you plan to use.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.