Minimum Age for Eucrisa (Crisaborole) in Atopic Dermatitis Treatment
Eucrisa (crisaborole) ointment 2% is approved for use in patients aged 3 months and older for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. 1
Efficacy and Safety Profile
Crisaborole is a topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor that provides a steroid-sparing alternative for treating mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. The medication has demonstrated efficacy and safety in various age groups:
- Clinical evidence: A multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase IV trial showed safety and effectiveness in infants aged 3 to <24 months with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis 1
- Approval status: The Taiwan FDA approved crisaborole in December 2021 for patients aged 3 months and above 1
- Mechanism: As a PDE-4 inhibitor, crisaborole reduces inflammation without the side effects associated with topical corticosteroids 1
Treatment Considerations
Placement in Treatment Algorithm
Crisaborole serves as an alternative to:
- Topical corticosteroids (TCS)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs)
For mild atopic dermatitis:
- First-line: Reactive therapy with low to medium potency TCS
- Alternative options: Topical PDE-4 inhibitor (crisaborole) or TCI (pimecrolimus) 1
For moderate atopic dermatitis:
- First-line: Proactive and reactive therapy with low to medium potency TCS
- Alternative options: Proactive and reactive therapy with TCIs or topical PDE-4 inhibitor (crisaborole) 1
Side Effects and Safety
The most common adverse effect associated with crisaborole is:
- Application site discomfort (stinging or burning) 1
This side effect profile is generally favorable compared to:
- TCS (risk of skin atrophy, telangiectasia, and rebound flares)
- TCIs (burning sensation and theoretical concerns about malignancy risk)
Practical Application
When prescribing crisaborole for pediatric patients:
- Apply twice daily to affected areas
- Can be used on all body areas including sensitive locations
- Suitable for continuous, long-term use as demonstrated in extension studies
- No maximum duration of use limitations (unlike topical corticosteroids)
Important Considerations
- Crisaborole is specifically indicated for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis 1
- For severe or very severe atopic dermatitis, other treatment options such as immunomodulators or biologics may be more appropriate 1
- The medication has been studied in various pediatric age groups with consistent efficacy and safety profiles 2
In summary, Eucrisa (crisaborole) is a safe and effective non-steroidal topical treatment option for patients as young as 3 months of age with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.