From the FDA Drug Label
The patient or care giver should apply a thin layer of ELIDEL (pimecrolimus) Cream 1% to the affected skin twice daily. The patient or caregiver should stop using when signs and symptoms (e.g., itch, rash and redness) resolve and should be instructed on what actions to take if symptoms recur. If signs and symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their health care provider to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.
The recommended treatment protocol for atopic dermatitis using Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream is to apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected skin twice daily. Treatment should be stopped when signs and symptoms resolve, and patients should be instructed on what to do if symptoms recur. If symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis 1. Key points:
- Apply a thin layer of Elidel cream to affected skin
- Apply twice daily
- Stop treatment when signs and symptoms resolve
- Re-examine patients if symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks Elidel cream is indicated as second-line therapy for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised adults and children 2 years of age and older 1.
From the Research
Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream 1% is recommended for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis as a second-line, non-steroidal treatment option, applied twice daily to affected skin areas. The treatment protocol for atopic dermatitis using Elidel cream involves applying a thin layer to affected skin areas, gently rubbing it in completely until no longer visible, as supported by studies such as 2 and 3. Treatment should continue until symptoms resolve, but reassess if no improvement occurs after 6 weeks. Elidel works best when applied at the first signs of itching, redness, or rash to prevent flare progression, as noted in 4. It should not be used continuously long-term, on infected skin, or in children under 2 years old. Unlike topical corticosteroids, Elidel doesn't cause skin thinning, making it suitable for sensitive areas like the face, neck, and skin folds, as highlighted in 5 and 6. Pimecrolimus works by inhibiting calcineurin, which blocks T-cell activation and inflammatory cytokine production, reducing the inflammatory response in atopic dermatitis. Patients should avoid sun exposure during treatment and continue basic skin care with regular moisturizing and trigger avoidance as part of the overall management plan.
Some key points to consider when using Elidel cream for atopic dermatitis include:
- Apply a thin layer to affected skin areas twice daily
- Avoid using on infected skin or in children under 2 years old
- Suitable for sensitive areas like the face, neck, and skin folds due to lack of skin thinning effects
- Works by inhibiting calcineurin to reduce inflammatory response
- Patients should avoid sun exposure and continue basic skin care during treatment
It's also important to note that Elidel cream has been shown to be effective in improving the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and can help to prevent the progression of early symptoms to flares, as supported by studies such as 2 and 3. Overall, Elidel cream is a valuable treatment option for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, and can be used as part of a comprehensive management plan to help control symptoms and improve quality of life, as noted in 6 and 3.