Elidel vs. Protopic for Eczema: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Pimecrolimus

(Elidel)

Tacrolimus

(Protopic)

Summary for Elidel

Prescription only

Pimecrolimus (Elidel) is a topical calcineurin inhibitor cream used to treat mild-to-moderate eczema in adults and children ages 2 years and older. It's typically given short term to people whose immune system is working well and who have tried (or can’t take) other medications for eczema. You apply it to the affected areas of the skin twice a day. It's available both in brand-name and generic versions. Side effects include a higher risk of certain infections as well as a burning sensation at the application site.

Indications for Elidel

Mild-to-moderate eczema in people ages 2 years and older

Pros and Cons for Elidel

Pros

A recommended option for treating mild or moderate eczema
Can start to work as early as 1 week
Can be given to children as young as 2 years old

Cons

Not recommended for treating severe eczema
Not the best choice for people with a weakened immune system
Needs to be applied twice daily

Common Side Effects for Elidel

Adults

Application-site burning (26%)
Other application-site reactions (e.g., stinging, dryness) (15%)
Flu (10%)
Common cold symptoms (8%)
Skin infection (7%)
Headache (7%)
Application-site irritation (6%)
Application-site itching (5%)

Children

Common cold symptoms (27%)
Headache (25%)
Cough (16%)
Flu (13%)
Fever (13%)
Bronchitis (11%)
Application-site burning (9%)
Diarrhea (8%)
Sore throat (8%)
Viral infection (7%)
Stomach flu (7%)
Vomiting (7%)
Upper stomach pain (6%)
Swelling of the tonsils (6%)

Side effects above are from studies where pimecrolimus (Elidel) was taken for 1 year.

Warnings for Elidel

Long-term use and risk of cancer
Risk of skin infection
Swollen lymph nodes

Summary for Protopic

Prescription only

Tacrolimus (Protopic) is a prescription non-steroid ointment used short-term on the skin to treat moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). It's a calcineurin inhibitor that helps lower the immune system’s response so it doesn’t cause inflammation and make eczema worse. Tacrolimus (Protopic) is approved for both adults and children ages 2 years and older who don't have a weakened immune system. It comes as both a brand-name and generic ointment that you apply to the affected area twice daily. Common side effects include stinging, itching, and a burning sensation at the application site.

Indications for Protopic

Moderate-to-severe eczema in adults and children ages 2 years and older

Pros and Cons for Protopic

Pros

Non-steroid option for treating eczema
Usually starts to work as early as 1 week
Can be used in both adults and children
Can be applied to the face, neck, groin, around the eyes, or in skin folds

Cons

Not a first-choice medication for treating eczema
Typically only used short term
Can cause burning and stinging where you apply it
Unknown if safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Protopic

Adults:

Skin burning (up to 58%)
Itchiness (up to 46%)
Flu-like symptoms (up to 31%)
Skin redness (up to 28%)
Headache (up to 20%)

Children:

Skin burning (up to 43%)
Itchiness (up to 41%)
Flu-like symptoms (up to 34%)

Warnings for Protopic

Long-term use and risk of cancer
Risk of infection
Swollen lymph nodes
Sun exposure
Sudden kidney failure

Prices with our coupons for Elidel vs. Protopic

Pimecrolimus1 tube / 30g of 1%

$80.09$97.31

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Tacrolimus1 tube / 60g of 0.1%

$54.18$464.98

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Elidel vs. Protopic

Pimecrolimus

Tacrolimus

Summary for Elidel

Indications for Elidel

Pros and Cons for Elidel

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Elidel

Warnings for Elidel

Summary for Protopic

Indications for Protopic

Pros and Cons for Protopic

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Protopic

Warnings for Protopic

Prices with our coupons for Elidel vs. Protopic

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Browse medications by letter

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Pimecrolimus

Tacrolimus

Summary for Elidel

Indications for Elidel

Pros and Cons for Elidel

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Elidel

Warnings for Elidel

Summary for Protopic

Indications for Protopic

Pros and Cons for Protopic

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Protopic

Warnings for Protopic