Pimecrolimus

(pim e KROE li mus)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Long-term use may raise your chance of cancer. This drug is not for use in children younger than 2 years of age.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. They can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.
• Please read the medication guide.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child is younger than 2 years of age.
• Not if your child has an allergy to pimecrolimus or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has a skin infection.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat skin irritation.

How does this drug work?

• Pimecrolimus stops swelling.

How is this drug given?

• Do not give by mouth. Use on your child's skin only. Keep out of your child's mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Put a thin layer on the affected part and rub in gently.
• Stop this drug when health problem is gone.
• Restart this drug if signs show up again.
• If your child's signs do not get better after 6 weeks of care, talk with your child's doctor.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take a few days to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child has a skin disease called Netherton's syndrome, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has a weak immune system, gets infections easy, or is on antibiotics, talk with your child's doctor.
• The chance of cancer is higher after using this drug.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) unless told to do so by your doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Avoid giving your child grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• Your child may get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and dress your child in clothing and eyewear that protects him/her from the sun.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Short-term pain after use. This most often gets better within 5 days.
• Chance of getting an infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Flu-like signs. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain drugs may help.
• Headache.
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Mouth irritation. Using a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing the mouth may help. Do not use mouth rinses that have alcohol in them.

What do I need to watch for when my child is using this drug?

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For unwanted side effects of this drug.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has swollen glands.
• If your child has very bad skin irritation.
• If your child gets warts.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.