Elidel is the brand name in the United States for pimecrolimus. It is a prescription drug administered as a cream for the treatment of eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. As a topical calcineurin inhibitor, the Mayo Clinic reports, Elidel reduces the inflammation of the affected portion of your skin. It generally is prescribed when other treatments for eczema have failed. All serious common side effects of Elidel require medical aid, so speak with your doctor about them.
Abdominal Side Effects
Elidel may produce common serious side effects far from the area of application on your skin, including problems in your abdomen. For example, pain in your stomach or abdominal area may occur when using the drug. It also may throw your system into imbalance, resulting in diarrhea or loose stools. This imbalance also may make you feel nauseous and you may throw up. Elidel also may make you feel as if you are unable to eat.
Cold Symptom Side Effects
Flu-like symptoms also are common when you apply Elidel to your skin. If you do not have a cold or flu, such symptoms as chills, a fever, a runny nose and congestion of your nose or ears may be common serious side effects of the drug. Sneezing is another flu-like side effect that is possible, as are chest tightness, shivering and sweating. A cough might develop, too, that produces mucus. You also may experience malaise, which is an overall feeling of illness.
Pain and Breathing Side Effects
Using pimecrolimus cream on your skin may cause you some pain. The most obvious of these common serious side effects may occur at the site on your skin where you use the medication. Pain also may appear as general aches throughout your body or as earaches and headaches. Pain in your joints also is common. Elidel also may affect how you breathe, such as causing you to have shortness of breath and making a high-pitched noise when you exhale.
Vocal Side Effects
Two other serious common side effects of Elidel may affect your speech. It can make your voice change, getting deeper or higher, or you may develop some other alteration in the way it sounds. The other is a loss of your voice.
Member Comments