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Pimecrolimus is used to control the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (a skin disease that is also called eczema). Pimecrolimus is only used to treat patients who cannot take other medications for atopic dermatitis, or whose symptoms were not controlled by other medications. Pimecrolimus is in a class of medications called immunosuppressants. It works by stopping the immune system from producing substances that cause eczema.
Pimecrolimus comes as a cream to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day for up to 6 weeks at a time. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Apply pimecrolimus cream exactly as directed. Do not apply more or less of it or apply it more often than prescribed by your doctor. You should not use pimecrolimus cream regularly for a long time. You should only apply pimecrolimus cream when you have symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Call your doctor when your symptoms go away to find out if you should stop using pimecrolimus. Also call your doctor as soon as you notice that your symptoms have come back to find out if you should start using pimecrolimus again. It may take 2 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of pimecrolimus, but your symptoms should improve within 6 weeks. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen at any time during treatment or do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment. To use the cream, follow these steps: Wash your hands with soap and water. Apply a thin layer of pimecrolimus cream to all affected areas of your skin. You can apply pimecrolimus to all affected skin surfaces including your head, face, and neck. Be careful not to get the cream in your eyes or mouth. Rub the cream into your skin gently and completely. Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any leftover pimecrolimus cream. Do not wash your hands if you are treating them with pimecrolimus cream. You may cover the treated areas with normal clothes, but do not use any bandages, dressings, or wraps. Be careful not to wash the cream off affected areas of your skin. Do not swim, shower, or bathe immediately after applying pimecrolimus cream. |