Elidel

• In Aotearoa New Zealand Elidel is available as a 1% cream.
• Always use Elidel cream exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much cream to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.
• The cream is usually applied twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.
• Elidel should be used until your symptoms get better. Your doctor will advise you on how long to use the cream for. The following is a guide:
  • Eczema: Continue treatment for each episode of eczema for up to 6 weeks. Stop if your eczema worsens or if you don’t see any improvement after 6 weeks.
  • Psoriasis: Continue treatment for up to 4 weeks.
• If you forget to apply your cream, apply it as soon as you remember that day. But if it is nearly time to apply your next dose, just apply it at the right time. Do not put on double the amount.

• Wash and dry your hands.
• Open the tube. The first time you use the tube you will need to break the seal using the spike in the top of the cap.
• Squeeze cream onto your finger. Apply a thin layer of cream and completely cover the affected skin.
• Rub in gently and completely.
• Replace the cap on the tube.
• Wash your hands after applying the cream.

If you are applying the cream to your face, try to avoid getting it near to your eyes or to the inside of your nose or mouth. If this does happen accidentally, wipe it off straightaway.

You can use moisturisers (emollients) and sunscreen with Elidel cream. If you use moisturisers, they should be applied immediately after Elidel. Do not bath, shower or swim right after applying Elidel as this could wash the cream off. 

Here are some things to know when you're using Elidel. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Skin infection: Do not apply Elidel cream to infected skin areas including areas of the skin affected by viral infection such as cold sores (herpes simplex) or chicken pox. If your skin becomes infected during treatment with Elidel, you should inform your doctor. Your doctor may ask you to stop using Elidel until the infection has been adequately controlled.
• Sun protection: Elidel cream makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. It's important to avoid unnecessary sun exposure and sunlamps and, when outdoors, protect your skin by applying a good sunscreen (SPF 30+).
• Vaccination site: If you have had a vaccination recently, do not apply the cream to the site of vaccination until reddening of the skin and/or swelling disappears. If you accidentally applied the cream to this area, wipe it off and rinse well with clean water.
• Dressings: Do not cover the skin being treated with bandages or dressings. However, you can wear normal clothing. Bandaging can increase the amount of the medicine you absorb through your skin and may cause harmful effects. 
• Avoid or limit alcohol: Drinking alcohol while you are using Elidel cream may cause your skin or face to feel hot and become flushed or red.

Like all medicines, Elidel cream can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.