Pimecrolimus
Pimecrolimus
What is Pimecrolimus?
Pimecrolimus (Elidel) is a prescription, non-steroidal topical medication used to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It helps reduce itching, redness, and inflammation without the use of topical corticosteroids.
Side Effects
- Swollen, painful, or tender glands in your neck, armpit, or groin
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Skin infection or severe skin redness, swelling, or burning
Warnings
- This medicine should not be used every day for a long period of time. Stop using it when your eczema gets better. Ask your doctor what to do if the eczema comes back.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
- Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
- Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have other skin problems (including Netherton syndrome) or a weak immune system.
Prescription savings · · · ·
What is Pimecrolimus ?
Pimecrolimus (Elidel) is a prescription, non-steroidal topical medication used to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It helps reduce itching, redness, and inflammation without the use of topical corticosteroids.
- Swollen, painful, or tender glands in your neck, armpit, or groin
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Skin infection or severe skin redness, swelling, or burning
- This medicine should not be used every day for a long period of time. Stop using it when your eczema gets better. Ask your doctor what to do if the eczema comes back.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
- Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
- Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have other skin problems (including Netherton syndrome) or a weak immune system.
- This medicine may cause the following problems:Virus infections, such as chicken pox, shingles, cold sores, or warts
- A few people who have used this medicine have developed cancer of the lymph glands or skin. It is not known if this medicine caused the cancer.
- This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. Do not receive light therapy (phototherapy) during treatment.
Pimecrolimus Coupons & Prices
Pimecrolimus
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Looking for a pimecrolimus coupon? Pimecrolimus is the low-cost generic version of Elidel, a steroid-free 1% cream used to treat mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema). Because it is now available as a generic, cash prices are often much lower than the brand, but the exact amount can vary widely from one pharmacy to the next. Rx.com compares pimecrolimus prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies so you can find today's lowest cash price near you. Enter your ZIP above to see current pricing at pharmacies in your area.
What is pimecrolimus and how does it work?
Pimecrolimus is a topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI), a type of non-steroid medicine that calms the overactive immune response in the skin that drives eczema flares. It is FDA-approved as a second-line, short-term and non-continuous long-term (intermittent) treatment for mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised adults and children 2 years of age and older who have not responded well to, or cannot tolerate, other topical prescription treatments. It is sold under the brand name Elidel.
It comes as a 1% cream that is applied in a thin layer to the affected skin twice a day. Because it contains no steroids, it does not cause the skin thinning (atrophy) that can happen with long-term steroid use, which is why doctors also use it off-label on sensitive areas such as the face and skin folds.
Pimecrolimus cost and coupons without insurance
Pimecrolimus is available as a generic, so it is generally far more affordable than brand-name Elidel. Even so, cash prices for the same tube of cream can differ significantly depending on which pharmacy you use, so it pays to compare before you fill. There is no manufacturer savings card required to get a low price on the generic.
Rx.com compares pimecrolimus cash prices across more than 60,000 U.S. pharmacies and shows you a coupon you can use at the counter, with or without insurance. Prices change often and are shown live on this page, so enter your ZIP above to see today's price at pharmacies near you.
Alternatives and related eczema treatments
Pimecrolimus is one of a few steroid-free options for eczema. If your provider is weighing alternatives, related medicines include:
- Elidel — the brand-name version of pimecrolimus.
- Tacrolimus — another topical calcineurin inhibitor, sold as Protopic.
- Crisaborole — a steroid-free PDE4 inhibitor ointment, sold as Eucrisa.
These medicines differ in their approved uses and how they are applied. Your prescriber can help decide which is the best fit for you. You can compare prices for each on Rx.com.
Safety and important warnings
Pimecrolimus carries an FDA Boxed Warning: rare cases of cancer (skin cancer and lymphoma) have been reported in patients using topical calcineurin inhibitors, though a causal relationship has not been established. Because the long-term safety of these medicines is not fully known, it should be used only on affected areas, for the shortest time and in the least amount needed. It is not for children under 2 years of age or for people who are immunocompromised.
Avoid applying it to skin with active viral infections, since herpes-related complications have occurred, and limit natural and artificial (UV) sunlight exposure while using it. Common local reactions include burning, itching, warmth, and redness at the application site. This information is not medical advice, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether pimecrolimus is right for you and read the Medication Guide that comes with it.
This Pimecrolimus information was written and reviewed against authoritative U.S. medical sources — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), DailyMed, and FDA prescribing information — and checked for accuracy. It is provided for education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Verify the official label: Pimecrolimus on DailyMed (FDA)
Reviewed against FDA labeling · Last reviewed July 2026
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Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.