Elidel (pimecrolimus) is a topical prescription cream used to manage symptoms associated with a skin condition called eczema. This medication is steroid-free and can be used in people over the age of 2 who cannot use other eczema medications. Elidel works by inhibiting the body's immune response, which limits the appearance of the skin symptoms associated with eczema. Speak with your doctor if you are concerned by potential Elidel drug side effects.
Skin Irritation
The most common side effect associated with Elidel use is skin irritation. After applying this medication to your skin, you can develop sensations of burning, stinging or warmth at the application site. Additional skin-related side effects can include skin redness, soreness or tenderness at the location where this medication is applied. Such side effects are typically temporary and should subside within a few days following your initial Elidel treatment. If these skin side effects of Elidel persist for more than one week or if you develop blistering skin lesions, contact your doctor immediately.
Flu-like Symptoms
During treatment with Elidel, you can experience a number of flu-like symptoms as side effects of this medication, report health officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Such side effects can include nasal congestion, cough, fever, sore throat or swollen lymph nodes. Diarrhea can also occur during treatment, which can cause additional side effects of abdominal pain, bloating or cramping. Certain people may also develop ear discharge, pain or infection during treatment with this medication. Flu-like symptoms that develop during Elidel use are usually mild and progressively subside with recurrent treatment.
Headache
While receiving Elidel treatment, you can develop recurrent headaches as a side effect. Headache symptoms are typically mild and can occur within any region of your head. Headaches tend to progressively subside with repeated use of this medication.
Viral Skin Infections
Treatment with Elidel can cause you to be more susceptible to contracting viral skin infections. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop chicken pox, cold sores or abnormal growths, bumps or skin warts while receiving treatment with this medication, warn health professionals at Medline Plus, an informational health website provided as a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Side effects of skin infection can cause crusting or itching, which may cause you to scratch at the affected skin. Viral skin infections can also cause eczema-related symptoms to worsen in some patients receiving treatment with Elidel.
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