Elidel Cancer Risk

HarajukuGurl2005 · 08-06-2006, 11:17 AM

Did anyone hear about this:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised health care professionals that Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus) have failed to work and that because of a potential cancer risk associated with their use that a black box warning is forthcoming. The two eczema creams Elidel and Protopic, must carry a strong warning of cancer risk. The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.research shows the creams are absorbed into the body and can cause skin cancer and lymphoma. The creams will carry a “black box” warning, which is the strongest warning carried on drugs and medicines.

I wonder if flonase-like sprays carry the potential risk since they are also a class of corticosteroids.

sneezydiva · 08-06-2006, 05:43 PM

Actually, Elidel and Protopic are non-steroids. That is why they were so popular, they weren't supposed to have the risks of continuous steroid use. Continuous use of steroids on the skin can cause thinning of the skin.

HarajukuGurl2005 · 08-06-2006, 10:55 PM

wow, ok...thanks for clarifying that for me SD. I read the article on webmd about it supressing the immune system, so I assumed it was just like the other topicals. Also, its active ingredient is a natural substance produced from a fungus. Still, the news is very alarming.

snowmelts · 10-07-2006, 08:30 PM

Darn right it's alarming!
I have this horrid rash on my eyelids.
Started out a small problem on my upper cheeks and somwhat near my eyes a few years ago. Since it looked like "diaper rash" or "heat rash" I simply used Balmex cream on it.
Worked fine.
Then last year my eyelids decided to become a source of frequent heavy pirspiration.
The rash appeared big time and turned to blisters.
Does it every time I perspire or cry.
PCP prescribed Elocon.
It did help but the rash keeps returning in the form of sore blisters every time I perspire.
so I went to a Dermotoligist last Wed.
He said it's Exzema. (I have tons of allergies but none are contact allergies. For some reason he seemed disappointed that I also don't have Asthma. He asked me twice if I was sure I don't also have asthma. I don't)

He said do not use the Elecon I was given..it is steroid and you should not use steriods near the eye! (I've already used it off and on for a year!)

He prescribed Elidel till it clears up or for 3 weeks which ever comes first and then I'm to goto Mimyx. He gave me samples of both and a perscription to get Elidel.
My Pharmacist informed me my INS will not pay the $90 for Elidel without a special letter from the Dr. She is calling him and hopes to get the letter in a few days.

I have no actual tube or papers on hand except the samples.
So I used the Elidel sample Wed night, Thursday AM, Thursday PM, Friday AM, Friday PM and this morning. My eyes are burning and tearing up at odd times. This morning I had a headache that wouldn't quit!

This morning it finally dawned on me that I have the world at my fingertips and I can look up these meds and see if my problems are related to the med.

SURE enough.. they are known "rare" side efftcts.

I actually located the cancer warning on the internet and immediatly went and washed off the Elidel!

I am angry!
My PCP having given me steroids to use on my eyelids in the first place for such a long time and steroids don't belong on eyelids!
Now the Dermotologist gives me this "better" Elidel? How can a DR prescribe things that have cancer warnings and not even mention possible problems to the patient?

I also looked up the Mimyx. That ones sounds safe.
So I have Mimyx on my eyelids right now.
Being weekend the Dr is closed but first of the week I am calling for a perscription of the Mimyx because I'm done with Elidel.