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Compare Eucrisa vs. Elidel

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Eucrisa (crisaborole) and Elidel (pimecrolimus) are both topical treatments for eczema, but they work differently and have some distinct differences. Eucrisa (crisaborole) is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor that helps reduce inflammation and itching by blocking a protein that controls inflammation in your skin. It is safe for use in children as young as 3 months old and is only available as a brand medication, which can make it expensive. On the other hand, Elidel (pimecrolimus) is a calcineurin inhibitor that works by blocking a protein that activates the immune system, thus reducing inflammation. Elidel (pimecrolimus) is suitable for children 2 years and older and is not recommended for long-term use due to potential risks, including a rare chance of cancer. Unlike Eucrisa, Elidel can be used on the face and neck but should be avoided in people with weakened immune systems. Both medications are applied twice daily and can start showing improvements in about a week.

  • Eucrisa (crisaborole)
    Pimecrolimus (Elidel)
  • Eucrisa (crisaborole)
    Pimecrolimus (Elidel)

  • Summary of Eucrisa vs. Elidel

    Summary for PDE4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Eucrisa (crisaborole) is an ointment that's used to treat eczema for people 3 months and older. The medication is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor that works to help reduce skin inflammation and itching from eczema. The ointment is usually applied to the affected area(s) of skin twice a day. The most common side effect is burning or stinging on the skin where you apply the medication.

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    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 of Eucrisa vs. Elidel

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

  • Pros and Cons of Eucrisa vs. Elidel

    Pros and Const for PDE4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Easy-to-apply ointment
    •Safe to use on children as young as 3 months old
    •Can start to see improvement in your skin in about 1 week
    •An alternative to topical steroids to treat eczema
    Cons
    •Must use twice daily
    •Can cause pain, burning, or stinging on the skin
    •Not approved for severe eczema
    •No lower-cost generic available
    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    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 of Eucrisa vs. Elidel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain, burning, or stinging where the medication is applied (4%)
    Common Side Effects for

    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 of Eucrisa vs. Elidel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Long-term use and risk of cancer
    •Risk of skin infection
    •Swollen lymph nodes

  • Prices with our coupons for Eucrisa vs. Elidel

    Learn more about Eucrisa
    Learn more about Pimecrolimus

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