Get an Elidel (pimecrolimus) prescription online
You can get a Pimecrolimus cream prescription online by connecting with our doctor at Your Doctors Online. Our online doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms to determine the best course of treatment that is considered suitable and safe for you.
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How to get an Elidel prescription online
You can request an Elidel prescription online in three easy steps:
Describe your issue
Download our app, register, and tell us about your medical issue to get started.
Chat with a doctor
Connect with a board-certified doctor. You can chat, send pictures, and videos.
Get a prescription
Our online doctors can help you with your medical issues and give you prescriptions.
Who is eligible for an Elidel prescription?
Elidel is a second-line treatment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, the type most people call eczema. It’s meant for when other prescription creams haven’t worked well enough or aren’t a good option.
An online visit may be a good fit if
Elidel isn’t right for you if
If your eczema hasn’t improved after 6 weeks on Elidel, talk to a doctor at Your Doctors Online so they can re-check the diagnosis.
Is Elidel a steroid?
No. Elidel (pimecrolimus) isn’t a steroid. It belongs to a different group of medicines called topical calcineurin inhibitors, which work by calming the immune reaction in the skin that causes eczema redness and itching.
How it differs from a steroid cream:
- Different way of working: it blocks calcineurin, which immune cells in the skin need to set off inflammation
- Second-line use: the FDA approves it for when other prescription creams haven’t worked well enough or aren’t advisable
- Common side effect: a mild burning or warm feeling where you apply it, mostly in the first few days
- For ages 2 and up: it isn’t approved for children under 2
It has its own safety warning, though. It’s meant for short courses on the areas with eczema, not for continuous long-term use.
What is Elidel (pimecrolimus) and what does it treat?
Pimecrolimus belongs to a group of medicines called topical calcineurin inhibitors. These inhibitors counter inflammation, which helps suppress the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, including redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin.
The FDA approves it for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adults and children 2 years and older. It’s a second-line treatment for people whose eczema hasn’t improved enough with other prescription creams, or who can’t use them, and it’s used in short courses during flare-ups rather than continuously.
Elidel
Pimecrolimus · Generic availableHow much does an Elidel prescription cost?
Your cost has two parts: the consultation plan with Your Doctors Online, and the cream itself, which you pay for at your pharmacy.
Cost with insurance
Cost with insurance
Cost without insurance
Cost without insurance
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Dr. Asim Cheema is a board-certified Cardiology and Internal Medicine specialist with nearly 30+ years of clinical experience. He has been operating as an independent practitioner since 2001. He has worked at several leading healthcare institutions in Ontario, including Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket and St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. He focuses on the diagnosis, management, and long-term care of complex cardiovascular and internal medicine conditions.
For more than eleven years, Dr. Marsha Dunkley has been committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive medical care to patients across Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. Her clinical experience spans chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol and acute illnesses, including the common cold, seasonal allergies, influenza, and COVID-19.
Dr. Sohail Cheema is a seasoned pediatrician with 30+ years of experience. A 1987 graduate of Nishtar Medical College, he’s recognized for patient-centered care and clear communication. He's a member of the Royal College of Physicians (UK & Ireland) and certified in Ontario. He practices at Halton Healthcare – Georgetown and St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a prescription for Pimecrolimus?
Yes, Pimecrolimus is a prescription-only medication. You cannot get it over the counter. Talk to a doctor to know if you are eligible to receive an online prescription for Pimecrolimus.
How long does it take for Pimecrolimus cream to work?
Pimecrolimus 1% cream has shown results within 1 to 3 weeks in people who have atopic dermatitis.
What is a substitute for Elidel?
Other prescription treatments for atopic dermatitis include:
- Tacrolimus ointment (Protopic), the other topical calcineurin inhibitor
- Topical steroids such as betamethasone, triamcinolone, and clobetasol
- Non-steroid creams such as crisaborole (Eucrisa), ruxolitinib (Opzelura), roflumilast (Zoryve), and tapinarof (Vtama)
- For moderate to severe eczema that creams don’t control, dupilumab (Dupixent) injections. Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) tablets are reserved for eczema that hasn’t responded to other whole-body treatments.
Your doctor can help you choose based on your age, where your eczema is, and how severe it is.
When should you not use Pimecrolimus?
Don’t use pimecrolimus if you:
- Are allergic to pimecrolimus or any ingredient in the cream
- Have a weakened immune system or take medicines that suppress it
- Have a skin infection where you’d apply it, such as cold sores, chickenpox, or shingles, until it clears
- Have Netherton syndrome or another skin condition that can raise how much medicine your skin absorbs
- Have skin cancer or a pre-cancerous skin condition, such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
It’s also not for children under 2. If you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor first. If you’re breastfeeding, you and your doctor should decide whether to use pimecrolimus or breastfeed, but not both.
What to avoid with Pimecrolimus?
Use pimecrolimus on the skin only. Be careful not to get this medication in your eyes, inside your nose or mouth, or on open wounds. Do not cover the treated skin with bandages, dressings, or wraps. Limit time in the sun, even when the cream isn’t on your skin, and avoid sun lamps, tanning beds, and UV light therapy.
What can interact with Pimecrolimus?
Very little pimecrolimus gets into your blood, so interactions with other medicines aren’t expected, but they can’t be ruled out. Your doctor may take extra care if your eczema covers large areas and you take:
- Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem, nifedipine, nimodipine, or nisoldipine
- Antifungals, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, or fluconazole
- Erythromycin
- Cimetidine
Some people notice skin flushing when they drink alcohol while using it. Interactions with vaccines haven’t been studied, so tell your doctor if you’re due for one.
How do you stop using Elidel?
Stop using Elidel Cream when your doctor tells you. When the signs and symptoms of eczema settle, you should stop using the cream.
How long can I keep using Elidel on discoid eczema?
Elidel is FDA-approved for atopic dermatitis, so using it for discoid eczema is off-label and your doctor will decide if it suits you. If your symptoms don’t improve after 6 weeks, talk to your doctor so they can re-check the diagnosis. Generally, you should stop using Elidel once your eczema symptoms, including rash, itching, and redness, disappear. Avoid using it continuously for long periods.
