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Alternative Medicine



Table of Contents > Drugs >  Pimecrolimus
Pimecrolimus
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(pim e KROE li mus)

Brand Names
Elidel®

Therapeutic Categories
Immunosuppressant Agent; Topical Skin Product

Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years of age.
  • If you have an allergy to pimecrolimus or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have a skin infection.

  • What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat skin irritation.

  • How does it work?
  • Pimecrolimus prevents inflammation.

  • How is it best taken?
  • Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.
  • If you are not treating the skin on your hands, wash your hands after applying.
  • Stop medicine when condition is gone.
  • Restart medicine if signs and symptoms reappear.

  • What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

  • What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have a weakened immune system, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

  • What are the common side effects of this medicine?
  • Short-term discomfort after use. Usually improves within 5 days.
  • Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Risk of infection. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Cough.
  • Mouth irritation. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing mouth may help.

  • What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

  • Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Swollen gland.
  • Appearance of warts.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

  • How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.

  • General statements
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

  • Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved

     
    The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.

      
      

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