Elidel is a medicated ointment used to treat eczema. The generic name for Elidel is pimecrolimus. The old standard treatment for eczema was prescription strength corticosteroid cream. Elidel does not contain steroids. Though the corticosteroid cream is still used, Elidel is often successful treating people whose eczema did not respond well to non-medicated treatment or corticosteroid cream.

Elidel contains a medication that has been used as an immunosuppressant medication for people who have had organ transplantation surgery. Because eczema is a reaction caused by an overactive immune system, it makes sense to use a medication that will suppress the immune system.

The use of Elidel for eczema does not suppress the patient’s immune system. Therefore, the patient needs not worry about becoming ill due to a compromised immune system. However, eczema clinical trial results for Elidel show that it can be used as an effective treatment for eczema.

Medications like Elidel are called immune modulators. When Elidel is used on the skin, it seems to calm the immune response in that location on the skin only. It does not interfere with the immune system. However, it should not be used by people who have compromised or weak immune systems.

There have been recent concerns about eczema clinical trial results for Elidel. Studies have shown that there is a very small increase in the risk of skin cancer and lymphoma with prolonged use of Elidel. The United State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered the makers of Elidel to put special warnings in their product information about the slight risk of cancer. If someone with eczema is concerned about this small risk, the patient should discuss this risk with their doctor.

Elidel should not be used on children under two years old. People should wash their hands before applying Elidel. Moisturizer can be used after Elidel is applied. Patients using Elidel should limit exposure to the sun and avoid using tanning beds. Elidel is for temporary use during eczema flair-ups. It should not be used for extended periods of time. If the eczema fails to improve with the use of Elidel, the patients should contact their doctor.

Before prescribing Elidel, the doctor should have a thorough medical history. The patient should let the doctor know about any and all medications and dietary supplements that the patient is taking. The doctor should know if the patient is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.