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Elidel vs. Protopic

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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%)

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