Dosing
- Elidel cream is to be applied BID at the very first symptoms/signs of eczema (itch, redness) until symptoms have been resolved.
- If the eczema flare is out of control, a topical corticosteroid (and antibiotic should a super-infection be suspected) should be used as 1st line. It is then possible to switch to a topical calcineurin inhibitor for intermittent long term use.
Efficacy
- Efficacy has been established in a number of clinical trials involving 19,000 patients
- See Clinical experience
Compliance
- Compliance is a major issue in the treatment of atopic dermatitis
- Patients must be instructed to use an emollient daily and after bathing / showering. Emollients help to keep the skin barrier intact.
- Elidel cream is to be applied at the very first signs /symptoms of recurrence (itch/ redness). The cream must be applied BID.
Cost of Treatment
- Cost of this drug is high on a per gram basis.
- Cost effectiveness is seen if effective clinical response is realized and the purpose of staying “flare-free” is achieved
- Data indicate that the average patient treats for an average of 45 days over the course of a year and uses 72 g/ year
| Moderately Potent | Potent | Non-steroidal | Non-steroidal |
| Eumovate Clobetasone butyrate (2x daily) | Elocom Mometasone furoate (1x daily) | Elidel Pimecrolimus (2x daily) | Protopic Tacrolimus (2x daily) |
| $21.56 | $14 | $56.84 | $83.07 |
Treatment for 14 days. Cost is for 1 gram per treatment.
