Pimecrolimus

Generic Name: pimecrolimus

Calcineurin Inhibitor Immunosuppressant [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Pimecrolimus

11 DESCRIPTION Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%, for topical use, contains the compound pimecrolimus, the immunosuppressant 33-epi-chloro-derivative of the macrolactam ascomycin. Chemically, pimecrolimus is (1R,9S,12S,13R,14S,17R,18E,21S,23S,24R,25S,27R)-12-[(1E)-2-{(1R,3R,4S)-4-chloro-3-methoxycyclohexyl}-1-methylvinyl]-17-ethyl-1, 14-dihydroxy-23,25-dimethoxy-13,19,21,27-tetramethyl-11,28-dioxa-4-aza-tricyclo[22.3.1.04,9]octacos-18-ene-2,3,10,16-tetraone.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%, for topical use, contains the compound pimecrolimus, the immunosuppressant 33-epi-chloro-derivative of the macrolactam ascomycin. Chemically, pimecrolimus is (1R,9S,12S,13R,14S,17R,18E,21S,23S,24R,25S,27R)-12-[(1E)-2-{(1R,3R,4S)-4-chloro-3-methoxycyclohexyl}-1-methylvinyl]-17-ethyl-1, 14-dihydroxy-23,25-dimethoxy-13,19,21,27-tetramethyl-11,28-dioxa-4-aza-tricyclo[22.3.1.04,9]octacos-18-ene-2,3,10,16-tetraone.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is indicated as second-line therapy for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised adults and children 2 years of age and older, who have failed to respond adequately to other topical prescription treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable. Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is not indicated for use in children less than 2 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] .

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin layer of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% to the affected skin twice daily. The patient should stop using Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% when signs and symptoms (e.g., itch, rash and redness) resolve and should be instructed on what actions to take if symptoms recur. If signs and symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Continuous long-term use of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% should be avoided, and application should be limited to areas of involvement with atopic dermatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . The safety of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% under occlusion, which may promote systemic exposure, has not been evaluated.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥1%) were application site burning, headache, nasopharyngitis, cough, influenza, pyrexia and viral infection. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Oceanside Pharmaceuticals at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. No phototoxicity and no photoallergenicity were detected in clinical trials with 24 and 33 normal volunteers, respectively.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Potential interactions between Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% and other drugs, including immunizations, have not been systematically evaluated. Due to low blood levels of pimecrolimus detected in some patients after topical application, systemic drug interactions are not expected, but cannot be ruled out. The concomitant administration of known CYP3A family of inhibitors in patients with widespread and/or erythrodermic disease should be done with caution. Some examples of such drugs are erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, calcium channel blockers and cimetidine.

Warnings

WARNING: LONG-TERM SAFETY OF TOPICAL CALCINEURIN INHIBITORS HAS NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED Although a causal relationship has not been established, rare cases of malignancy (e.g., skin and lymphoma) have been reported in patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Should not be used in immunocompromised adults and children, including patients on systemic immunosuppressive medications. ( 5.1 ) • Avoid treatment on malignant or pre-malignant skin conditions, as these can present as dermatitis. ( 5.2 ) • Should not be used in patients with Netherton’s Syndrome or skin diseases with a potential for increased systemic absorption. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Risk of Immunosuppression Prolonged systemic use of calcineurin inhibitors for sustained immunosuppression in animal studies and transplant patients following systemic administration has been associated with an increased risk of infections, lymphomas, and skin malignancies. These risks are associated with the intensity and duration of immunosuppression. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to pimecrolimus or any of the components of the cream. Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to pimecrolimus or any of the components of the cream. ( 4 , 6.2 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% in pregnant women. Therefore, Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. In dermal embryofetal developmental studies, no maternal or fetal toxicity was observed up to the highest practicable doses tested, 10 mg/kg/day (1% pimecrolimus cream) in rats (0.14X MRHD based on body surface area) and 10 mg/kg/day (1% pimecrolimus cream) in rabbits (0.65X MRHD based on AUC comparisons).

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is a whitish cream available in tubes of 30 grams. NDC: 71335-2988-1: 30 gram tube Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not freeze. Repackaged/Relabeled by: Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc. Burbank, CA 91504

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pimecrolimus used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is indicated as second-line therapy for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised adults and children 2 years of age and older, who have failed to respond adequately to other topical prescription treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable. Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is not indicated for use in children less than 2 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] .

What are the side effects of Pimecrolimus?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥1%) were application site burning, headache, nasopharyngitis, cough, influenza, pyrexia and viral infection. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Oceanside Pharmaceuticals at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. No phototoxicity and no photoallergenicity were detected in clinical trials with 24 and 33 normal volunteers, respectively.

Can I take Pimecrolimus during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% in pregnant women. Therefore, Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. In dermal embryofetal developmental studies, no maternal or fetal toxicity was observed up to the highest practicable doses tested, 10 mg/kg/day (1% pimecrolimus cream) in rats (0.14X MRHD based on body surface area) and 10 mg/kg/day (1% pimecrolimus cream) in rabbits (0.65X MRHD based on AUC comparisons).

What are the important warnings for Pimecrolimus?

WARNING: LONG-TERM SAFETY OF TOPICAL CALCINEURIN INHIBITORS HAS NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED Although a causal relationship has not been established, rare cases of malignancy (e.g., skin and lymphoma) have been reported in patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Should not be used in immunocompromised adults and children, including patients on systemic immunosuppressive medications. ( 5.1 ) • Avoid treatment on malignant or pre-malignant skin conditions, as these can present as dermatitis. ( 5.2 ) • Should not be used in patients with Netherton’s Syndrome or skin diseases with a potential for increased systemic absorption. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Risk of Immunosuppression Prolonged systemic use of calcineurin inhibitors for sustained immunosuppression in animal studies and transplant patients following systemic administration has been associated with an increased risk of infections, lymphomas, and skin malignancies. These risks are associated with the intensity and duration of immunosuppression. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to pimecrolimus or any of the components of the cream. Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to pimecrolimus or any of the components of the cream. ( 4 , 6.2 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.