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 PotentPotentNon-steroidalNon-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.