Eucrisa
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.
What is Eucrisa (crisaborole)?
What is Eucrisa (crisaborole) used for?
- Mild-to-moderate eczema
How Eucrisa (crisaborole) works
Eucrisa (crisaborole) is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. It blocks PDE4, a protein that plays a role in eczema and skin inflammation. By blocking PDE4, Eucrisa (crisaborole) is thought to lessen inflammation, itching, and redness to help treat eczema.
Drug facts
Side effects of Eucrisa (crisaborole)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Pain, burning, or stinging where the medication is applied (4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Itchy, red rash (hives)
Eucrisa (crisaborole) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: itchy red rash (hives); severe swelling of the skin; shortness of breath; chest tightness; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
The following Eucrisa (crisaborole) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
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Pros and cons of Eucrisa (crisaborole)
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
Pharmacist tips for Eucrisa (crisaborole)
- Apply Eucrisa (crisaborole) on your skin only. Don't put it in or around your eyes, mouth, or vagina because this can lead to harmful side effects like serious irritation.
- Apply Eucrisa (crisaborole) onto the areas of eczema twice a day. Try to use the ointment around the same times each day and make it a part of your daily routine so you can easily remember to apply the medication.
- Since Eucrisa (crisaborole) can cause skin irritation, it might be helpful to use a small amount of the ointment on a small area of the skin as a test the first time you use the medication. This helps you figure out how your skin reacts to the medication before you use it regularly.
- Wash your hands well after you apply Eucrisa (crisaborole) onto the skin, unless you have hand eczema. If someone is helping you apply the medication, ask them to wash their hands properly after each time. Leftover ointment on your hands can accidentally get onto other places on the body and be irritating (e.g., rubbing your eyes with medication still on your fingers).
- There are several other things you can do to help your eczema from flaring. Use warm (not hot) water when you're showering or bathing. Also avoid using laundry detergent, cleaning products, and soaps that have preservatives, dyes, or fragrances because they can be too harsh.
- Store Eucrisa (crisaborole) at room temperature. Keep the tube tightly closed when you're not using it.
Common questions about Eucrisa (crisaborole)
No, Eucrisa (crisaborole) isn't a steroid. Instead, it belongs to a group of medications called PDE4 inhibitors. Steroids and PDE4 inhibitors work differently. But they both reduce inflammation related to eczema to help with symptoms like redness and itching.
Don't use any other medications with Eucrisa (crisaborole), including hydrocortisone, without asking your dermatologist or primary care provider first. There isn't much information about how safe using topical steroids like hydrocortisone together with Eucrisa (crisaborole) is or how well the combination works for eczema. Speak with your prescriber about your options if using Eucrisa (crisaborole) or hydrocortisone alone isn't enough to relieve your symptoms.
Eucrisa (crisaborole) has been studied for psoriasis, but it isn't currently FDA approved for psoriasis. However, there are other medications in the same class that are approved for this skin condition. Talk to your dermatologist about the best treatment option for you.
Yes, you can apply Eucrisa (crisaborole) on your face if you have eczema there. Keep in mind that the areas of your face can be very sensitive and might get irritated from the medication more easily. Also try not to get Eucrisa (crisaborole) in or near your eyes, since this can cause irritation. If the medication gets in your eyes, flush them well with water.
No, Eucrisa (crisaborole) isn't available over the counter. You'll need a prescription from your healthcare professional.
Yes, Eucrisa (crisaborole) expires. Check the expiration date on the tube of ointment, and don't use it if it's expired. Medications that have expired might not work as well anymore.
In studies, some people saw improvements in their skin after 1 week of treatment. But most people didn't see clear or almost clear skin until after a few weeks of using Eucrisa (crisaborole). Don't be discouraged if you don't see improvement in your skin right away. Work with your dermatologist or primary care provider to create a treatment plan and use Eucrisa (crisaborole) exactly as prescribed. Discuss with your prescriber if you feel like the medication isn't working well for you.
Speak with your prescriber if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant before you use Eucrisa (crisaborole). There isn't enough information to know whether this medication is safe to use while pregnant. So, it isn't known whether the medication can cause harm to your unborn baby. Discuss with your prescriber about the risks and benefits of using Eucrisa (crisaborole) during pregnancy.
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Risks and warnings for Eucrisa (crisaborole)
Eucrisa (crisaborole) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reactions
Some people have had allergic reactions, like hives, to Eucrisa (crisaborole). Stop using the medication right away if you have severe itching, swelling, or skin redness after you apply the ointment onto the skin. And call for emergency medical help as soon as possible if you have an itchy, red rash (hives) or shortness of breath. Discuss other treatment options with your prescriber if you're allergic or sensitive to Eucrisa (crisaborole).
Eucrisa (crisaborole) dosage
Tube of ointment| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60g of 2% | 1 tube | $764.69 | $764.69 |
| 100g of 2% | 1 tube | $1,076.09 | $1,076.09 |
Typical dosage for Eucrisa (crisaborole)
Apply a thin layer of the ointment twice daily on any areas of your skin that's affected by eczema. Once your skin improves, your prescriber might lower your dose to once a day.
How much does Eucrisa (crisaborole) cost?
$764.69
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