Elidel

Pimecrolimus topical What exactly is the topical form of pimecrolimus? Pimecrolimus is an immunosuppressant. It does this by suppressing the immune system in your body, which in turn helps to slow down the progression of atopic dermatitis, often known as eczema, on your skin. When other drugs have not been effective in treating severe atopic dermatitis (eczema), pimecrolimus topical (for the skin) might be used to treat the condition. Warnings If you have an allergy to pimecrolimus or if you have a skin infection caused by bacteria or viruses, you should not take this medication (including herpes or chicken pox). In the event that you suffer from skin cancer or any other kind of skin infection, Netherton's syndrome, a weakened immune system, renal illness, or swelling, redness, or irritation across broad portions of your skin, you should see your physician before beginning treatment with pimecrolimus. Pimecrolimus should not be applied to any areas of the body that have a risk of developing skin cancer. Pimecrolimus has the potential to reduce the number of blood cells in your body that assist in the fight against infections. Because of this, it can be simpler for a virus to cause illness in you. Inform your primary care physician if you have been exposed to any sickness or if you have any symptoms of infection, including fever, chills, a sore throat, or symptoms of the flu, such as these. If, after receiving therapy for six weeks, your symptoms have not improved, it is important that you discuss this with your physician. Before beginning to use this medication If you have an allergy to pimecrolimus or if you have a skin infection caused by bacteria or viruses, you should not take this medication (including herpes or chicken pox). Telling your doctor if you have any of the following conditions may allow them to determine whether or not pimecrolimus is safe for you to take: malignancy of the skin or any other kind of skin infection; Netherton's syndrome, which is an inherited skin condition; a compromised immune system (which can be brought on by illness or by taking certain medications); or a widespread appearance of puffiness, redness, or irritation on the skin. pregnancy category C according to the FDA. It is unknown whether pimecrolimus may cause birth defects in an unborn child. When you are taking this medicine, you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant in the near future. It is unknown whether pimecrolimus gets into breast milk or whether it might cause damage to a baby who is being breastfed. When you are taking this medication, you should avoid breastfeeding your child. It is not recommended to provide pimecrolimus to a child who is younger than 2 years old. After taking the skin drugs pimecrolimus or tacrolimus (Protopic), a very tiny proportion of persons have acquired lymphoma or skin cancer. Nevertheless, it is unknown if any of these medications contributes to the development of skin cancer. Discuss your specific dangers with your attending physician. How exactly should I use the topical pimecrolimus? Be sure to take your medication exactly as directed on the label. Pimecrolimus topical should not be used in dosages that are higher or lower, or for a duration that is longer than what is suggested. Pimecrolimus should not be used for an extended period of time. Pimecrolimus should only be applied to the parts of the skin that are infected with eczema. Once your symptoms have improved, you should stop taking the drug unless your physician has instructed you to continue doing so. If you are not taking pimecrolimus to treat a condition that affects your hands, you should wash your hands both before and after using the drug. Only use the medication on skin that is both clean and dry. Employ the least quantity possible that will still allow you to apply a thin coating to the regions of skin that have been identified as having atopic dermatitis. Massage it in gently. Bandages should not be applied to the skin that has been treated. Wrapping a wound might increase the quantity of medication that is absorbed through the skin, which can have negative consequences. It is not recommended to take a shower, bath, or go swimming immediately after using pimecrolimus topical. The medication might be removed with water. It is possible that you may need to apply a moisturizing cream or lotion immediately after applying pimecrolimus in order to prevent your skin from becoming very dry. Inquire with your physician on the appropriate cream or lotion to use. Pimecrolimus has the potential to reduce the number of blood cells in your body that assist in the fight against infections. This can make it more likely for a virus, such the one that causes chicken pox or herpes, to cause illness in you (cold sores or shingles). Inform your primary care physician if you have been exposed to any sickness or if you have any symptoms of infection, including fever, chills, a sore throat, or symptoms of the flu, such as these. If, after receiving therapy for six weeks, your symptoms have not improved, it is important that you discuss this with your physician. Keep at normal room temperature when storing. Do not freeze. While the drug is not being used, make sure the tube is securely sealed. What should I steer clear of when I'm applying topical pimecrolimus? It is important to keep this drug away from your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, and vaginal areas. In the event that this does occur, wash it off with water. Pimecrolimus should not be applied to any areas of the body that have a risk of developing skin cancer. If your doctor has not given you specific instructions to the contrary, you should refrain from using any other drugs on the regions that you are treating with pimecrolimus. Try to limit your time spent in the sun, in tanning beds, and through phototherapy treatments that use UVA or UVB rays. If you absolutely must go outside, dress in loose clothes that covers the regions of your skin that have been treated with pimecrolimus topical. If your dermatologist has not instructed you to do so, you should avoid applying sunscreen to the treated area of your skin. Consuming alcohol while taking pimecrolimus topical may cause your skin or face to appear flushed, heated, or red. This may be especially noticeable on your face. Pimecrolimus topical side effects If you notice any of the following indications of an allergic reaction, you should seek immediate medical attention: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or neck. Stop using pimecrolimus immediately and contact your physician if you have any major adverse effects, including the following: severe scorching of skin that has been cured; new signs and symptoms of a viral skin infection, such as warts, an atypical rash or skin lesions, blistering or leaking, searing pain, or tingling; worsening skin symptoms; symptoms such as swollen glands and a sore throat; or Flu symptoms include fever, chills, and body pains. Among the less serious potential adverse effects are: a sensation of moderate burning or warmth on the treated skin; headache; signs of a cold, include a stuffy nose and sneezing; hair follicles that are enlarged; blemishes or warts; a sensation on the treated skin that is similar to burning, stinging, tingling, or discomfort (particularly during the first several days of therapy); upset stomach; muscular soreness; or experiencing heightened sensitivity to either warm or cold conditions. What other medications might potentially interact with pimecrolimus topical? Inform your physician about any and all drugs you are currently taking, as well as any you begin or discontinue taking during your treatment with pimecrolimus, especially those listed below: cimetidine (Tagamet) (Tagamet). conivaptan (Vaprisol); nefazodone; a course of treatment with an antibiotic, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, or Pediazole), or telithromycin (Ketek); antifungal medicine such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend); medications for the heart or blood pressure, such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Diltia, Diltzac, Taztia, Tiazac) or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); a healthy diet and regular physical activity; the drugs boceprevir (Victrelis) or telaprevir (Incivek) for the treatment of hepatitis C; or HIV/AIDS medication including saquinavir (Sustiva), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), or ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra) (Invirase).