Elidel Information:
IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
USES:
Elidel is an immunosuppressant used topically to
treat itching and swelling associated with a certain
skin condition (atopic dermatitis).
BEFORE USING: Some medicines or medical
conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter
medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING
OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking
macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), itraconazole,
ketoconazole, fluconazole, calcium channel blockers,
St. John's Wort, and cimetidine. Inform your doctor
of any other medical conditions, including certain skin
infections such as chicken pox or shingles (varicella
zoster), or herpes (eczema herpeticum, herpes simplex),
allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS
MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of
Netherton's Syndrome. Contact your doctor or pharmacist
if you have any questions or concerns about taking this
medicine.
HOW
TO USE: Follow the directions for using this
medicine provided by your doctor. TO USE THIS MEDICINE:
apply a small amount of medicine to the affected area.
Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed.
Wash your hands after applying this medicine, unless
your hands are part of treated area. DO NOT BANDAGE
OR WRAP the affected area unless directed otherwise
by your doctor. DO NOT apply this medicine to open wounds
or infected areas. AVOID GETTING THIS MEDICINE IN YOUR
EYES or on the inside of your nose or mouth. The U.S.
product should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees
C) away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59
and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.
The Canadian product should be stored at room temperature
between 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away
from heat and light. Use contents within 12 weeks after
opening. Do not freeze. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE,
apply it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to
your regular dosing schedule.
PRECAUTIONS: If your symptoms do not improve
or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Use
this medication exactly as directed. Your doctor may
instruct you to stop using this medicine once your eczema
has cleared up and to restart the medicine if signs
or symptoms reappear. Consult your doctor for details.
DO NOT SWIM, SHOWER, OR BATHE right after applying this
medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE or
start using other ointments, creams, or lotions either
prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor
or pharmacist. If your doctor recommends a moisturizer,
apply it after applying this medicine. AVOID EXPOSURE
TO THE SUN, SUNLAMPS, OR TANNING BOOTHS while you are
using this medicine. Wear protective clothing if you
must be outside for a prolonged period. FOR WOMEN: IF
YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor
the benefits and risks of using this medicine during
pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED
in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while using this
medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS, that may occur
while using Elidel include mild skin burning/irritation,
or headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check
with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE if you experience warts, sores, or new growths
on the skin, or fever. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others. |