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Elidel |
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What is Elidel and why is it prescribed? Elidel is a non-steroidal cream that relieves mild to moderate symptoms of eczema, a skin condition marked by itchy red patches that often crust, scale, and ooze. Elidel is approved for use in adults and children over 2 years old. It can be used for short-term treatment or on-and-off treatment over longer periods of time. Elidel is considered an effective alternative for people who cannot tolerate or do not respond to conventional eczema therapies. Because Elidel may make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, you should minimize your exposure to sunlight and tanning beds while using Elidel. How should you take Elidel? Follow your doctors directions for taking Elidel. Apply a thin layer of Elidel to the affected skin twice daily and rub in gently and completely. Do not wrap the treated area with bandages or other coverings unless your doctor tells you to do so. Elidel is for use on the skin only. Be careful to keep it out of your eyes. If you miss a dose apply the cream as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next application, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Store Elidel at room temperature. Do not freeze. Are there any Elidel side effects? Elidel side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Elidel side effects may include allergic reaction, bronchitis, burning or warmth at the application site, constipation, cough, diarrhea, fever, flu, headache, herpes infection, inflammation of the throat and nasal passages, inflammation of the tonsils, nausea, painful menstruation, scabby skin eruptions, sore throat, stomach pain, stomach and intestinal inflammation, viral infection, and vomiting. Less common or rare Elidel side effects may include allergic reaction at the application site, asthma, back pain, bacterial infection, breathing problems, chickenpox, ear and eye infections, earache, hives, inflammation of the sinuses, itching and redness or swelling at the application site, joint pain, loose stools, nosebleeds, pimples, stuffy or runny nose, toothache, viral skin infection, viral upper respiratory tract infection, and warts. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Elidel? If Elidel is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Elidel with Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs (such as Calan, Cardizem, and Procardia), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Erythrocin), Fluconazole (Diflucan), Itraconazole (Sporanox), or Ketoconazole (Nizoral). Are there any special warnings about Elidel? Elidel may cause skin reactions including mild to moderate feelings of warmth or burning. These reactions are more common during the first few days of treatment and usually last no more than 5 days. If the reaction is severe, however, or lasts more than 1 week, call your doctor immediately. Avoid wrapping treated areas with bandages and other coverings unless your doctor says to do so. Remember to avoid or minimize your exposure to sunlight and tanning beds while using this medication. Elidel may foster development of sunlight-induced skin tumors. Check with your doctor if your eczema gets worse or your symptoms go away. Treatment usually should be stopped. Your doctor may also stop the treatment if your skin hasn't improved after 6 weeks. Use Elidel only on non-infected skin. It's important to note that eczema, and possibly Elidel treatment, can make you more prone to skin infections such as herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. Be sure to tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms such as blisters or red spots. He or she may decide to stop your treatment with Elidel. Very rare cases of enlarged lymph nodes have occurred during Elidel treatment. Skin warts have also been reported. Call your doctor immediately if you develop either of these symptoms, since they may mean you have an infection. |
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