Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

New Warnings on Eczema Drugs

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin condition characterized by itching, dryness and redness. Mild cases are frequently treated with moisturizers or topical corticosteroids. Stubborn cases of eczema are sometimes treated with powerful topical immune suppressing drugs such as Elidel and Protopic. The oral forms of these medications are used to dampen the immune system and prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. Initially, these drugs were thought to be relatively safe when applied to the skin. But the FDA has received increasing numbers of reports linking Elidel and Protopic to serious infection and even cancer in children. Although there are precautions about such problems in the official prescribing information, the FDA is considering beefing up the warnings. In the meantime, parents need to discuss the pros and cons of both Elidel and Protopic before treating their children’s eczema.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
4- 1 rating
About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.