The Protopic (tacrolimus) and Elidel (pimecrolimus),  Creams linked to cancer !!!

 

 

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The Protopic (Tacrolimus) an Elidel (pimecrolimus) linked to cancer!

Protopic y Elidel, cremas vinculadas a cancer !!!

Data-Medicos 
Dermagic/Express No. 9-(126) 
25 Febrero 2.007 / 25 February 2.007 
 

THE PIMECROLIMUS AND THE ATOPIC DERMATITIS !!! 05/11/02
                                          
    (hot link)


EDITORIAL ESPANOL

=================

Las Cremas Elidel (Pimecrolimus) y Protopic (tacrolimus) fueron lanzadas al mercado para tratar el eczema y dermatitis Atopica, aprobadas por la FDA en el año 2.000 y 2001.

Creo nadie penso que iban a estar asociadas a riesgo de contraer cancer. Esta perla es del  año 2.005 en que se hicieron los primeros reportes, el mismo año en que el Dermagic cancelo sus publicaciones.

A peticion de numerosos pacientes el Dermagic esta de regreso y una vez mas con estas 7 referencias, queda demostrado apocalipticamente y contundentemente lo que esta ocurriendo con estas cremas y la excelencia del Dermagic.

....La FDA ha recibido los informes de 78 casos de cáncer, incluso piel y linfoma, en pacientes tratados con  Elidel o Protopic.....
 

Saludos.

Dr. Jose Lapenta

EDITORIAL ENGLISH
================

The Creams Elidel (Pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus) they were thrown to the market to treat the eczema and  Atopic dermatitis, approved by the FDA in the year 2.000 and 2001

I believe nobody  thought that they will be associated to risk of contracting cancer. This pearl is from the year 2.005 when that the first reports were made, the same year  that the Dermagic cancels their publications.

At the request of numerous patients the Dermagic is BACK and once,  with these 7 references, it is demonstrated apocalyptically and overwhelmingly what is this happening with these creams and the excellence of the Dermagic. 

......the FDA has received reports of 78 cases of cancers, including skin and lymphoma, in patients treated with both Elidel or Protopic.....

Greetings

Dr. Jose Lapenta R.

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REFERENCIAS BIBLIOGRAFICAS / BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES
====================================================
1.) Protopic and Elidel may cause cancer
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2.) Protopic Causing Cancer
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3.) PROTOPIC, side effects
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4.) Alert for Healthcare Professionals Pimecrolimus (marketed as Elidel)
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5.) Injured by Elidel?
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6.) Pimecrolimus tópico (Elidel) Español/Spanish
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7.) Cancer warning over eczema creams (Elidel and Protopic)
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1.) Protopic and Elidel may cause cancer
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Source: Http://www.news.medical-net.

Protopic and Elidel may cause cancer
Pharmaceutical News
Published: Sunday, 13-Mar-2005


Protopic and Elidel, two treatments for eczema approved in 2000 and 2001, have now been found to cause cancer in three different animal species.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised health care professionals to prescribe Elidel (pimecrominum) and Protopic (tacrolimus) only as directed and only after other eczema treatments have failed to work because this potential cancer risk associated with their use. It is also adding a black box warning to the health professional label for the products and developing a Medication Guide for patients.

The actions follow the recommendations made by the FDA's Pediatric Advisory Committee during its meeting last month (Feb 2005). Cancer was found in animal species and data showed that the risk of cancer increased as the amount of the drug given increased.

The data also included a small number of reports of cancers in children and adults treated with Elidel or Protopic.The manufacturers of the products will conduct research to determine whether there is an actual risk of cancer in humans, and, if so, its extent. Both products are applied to the skin to control eczema, but do so by suppressing the immune system.

FDA's Public Health Advisory specifically advises physicians to weigh the risks and benefits of these drugs in adults and children and consider the following:

Elidel and Protopic are approved for short-term and intermittent treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in patients unresponsive to, or intolerant of other treatments.
Elidel and Protopic are not approved for use in children younger than 2 years old. The long-term effect of Elidel and Protopic on the developing immune system in infants and children is not known. In clinical trials, infants and children younger than 2 years of age treated with Elidel had a higher rate of upper respiratory infections than those treated with placebo cream.
Elidel and Protopic should be used only for short periods of time, not continuously. The long term safety of these products is unknown.
Children and adults with a weakened or compromised immune system should not use Elidel or Protopic.
Use the minimum amount of Elidel and Protopic needed to control the patient's symptoms. The animal data suggest that the risk of cancer increases with increased exposure to Elidel or Protopic.

http://www.fda.gov

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2.) Protopic Causing Cancer
===================================================

Source: http://www.onlinelawyersource.com/

The FDA’s public health advisory announcement about Protopic causing cancer came in March 2005 after researchers discovered that patients using this prescription ointment are at an increased risk of developing lymph node and skin cancer. As a result of Protopic causing cancer, the FDA has warned doctors and patients of these risks and advised them to only use Protopic when alternative treatments have failed or cannot be tolerated.

Protopic is a topical tacrolimus ointment that was first approved by the FDA in 2000. This prescription medication is used to treat patients older than two years of age who have moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema. There are two strengths of Protopic though only one is approved for pediatric use. Patients who must take this medication should use it on a short term basis and no longer than necessary in light of protopic causing cancer.

In addition to concerns about protopic causing cancer, there are certain patient populations for whom Protopic use is contraindicated. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Protopic. Patients whose atopic dermatitis is infected should also not use this product. Patients with Netherton’s syndrome, a genetic condition marked by significant skin irritation, should also not use this topical ointment.

Information about protopic causing cancer was collected from animal studies, human case studies, and scientific knowledge about how this medication works. In animal studies, researchers found that those treated with protopic developed lymph node and skin cancer tumors at a faster rate than those not given protopic. Human case studies show protopic causing cancer in human subjects as well. The FDA has stated that it will take at least ten years of human clinical trials to determine the extent of protopic causing cancer risks.

In addition to protopic causing cancer, use of this prescription medication also carries other risks. Patients using protopic may experience common skin irritations including stinging, burning, itching, redness and soreness, headaches, and influenza-like symptoms. Protopic users are at an increased risk of developing some viral infections including chicken pox and shingles. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds can also increase the chances of protopic causing cancer.

If you or a loved one has used protopic tacrolimus ointment, you may wish to speak with your health care professional about the risks of protopic causing cancer. Patients should only use this product exactly as directed by a doctor for the shortest duration of treatment possible. A doctor will inform you of the way to use the ointment in order to mitigate the risk of protopic causing cancer.

If you or a loved one has developed cancer while using protopic ointment, you may wish to explore your legal rights and options with regards to seeking compensation for your losses. A highly trained and experienced attorney can help to protect and maximize your legal interests in a case involving protopic causing cancer.

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3.)  PROTOPIC, side effects
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Source: Http://
www.medicalmalpractice.com/

1.) What is Protopic?
2.) What is eczema?
3.) Side Effects
4.) 2005 FDA Warning over Protopic Cancer
5.) 2006 Protopic Cancer BLACK BOX WARNING
6.) Injured by Protopic?

On January 19, 2006, the FDA announced the approval of a BLACK BOX WARNING for Protopic Ointment to warn of the serious risk of cancer posed by this topical prescription medication. Evidence shows that Protopic increases the risk of skin cancer and lymphomas. If you or a loved one has developed cancer or other serious side effects while using Protopic, please contact us at Oshman & Mirisola to learn more about your legal rights and options. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses and suffering.

1.) What is Protopic?

The FDA approved Protopic (tacrolimus ointment) in 2000. This topical ointment is used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. Protopic is not intended for use in children under the age of two. Astellas Pharma, Inc. (formerly known as Fujisawa Healthcare) manufactures Protopic ointment. Due to known Protopic side effects, this medication should only be used for a short period of time. Protopic is not intended for long-term use.

Experts also warn that Protopic should only be used as a “second-line” treatment when other medications have not successfully treated a patient’s eczema. Protopic may also be recommended when other medications have caused significant side effects. Nonetheless, Protopic should only be prescribed as a last resort treatment of eczema.

2.) What is eczema?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common skin conditions experienced by infants and young children. Experts estimate that 10 to 15 percent of all children suffer from eczema. In the majority of cases, eczema is resolved by the time these children enter their teens. However, for some patients, treatments are necessary to treat eczema.

Eczema is characterized by chronically itchy, dry, red, and scaly skin. Because patients often have an overwhelming urge to scratch at infected areas, significant skin damage can result. Although the exact cause of eczema is unknown, many experts believe there is an allergic or immune component to the condition.

Protopic, and a similar drug called Elidel (marketed by Novartis AG), are approved to treat eczema. While the exact function of these topical drugs are not well understood, it is thought that Protopic and Elidel have various effects on the immune system.

3.) Protopic Side Effect Risks

Serious Protopic side effects can include:


VIRAL INFECTIONS Protopic can increase the risk of getting shingles, chicken pox, or other viral infections.
SKIN IRRITATION While Protopic is intended to relieve symptoms of skin irritation, this drug can also aggravate skin problems. Protopic side effects can include stinging, soreness, a burning sensation, or itchy skin.
FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS Protopic can cause a patient to develop symptoms of the flu and headaches. This may be due to the drug’s effects on the immune system.
SKIN CANCER AND LYMPHOMA Protopic cancer is a serious risk associated with this medication.
 

4.) 2005 FDA Warning over Protopic Cancer

In March 2005, the FDA issued an advisory warning to inform consumers about the rare but serious risk of Protopic cancer. Based on information from animal studies, human case studies, and knowledge of the drug’s function, Protopic appears to increase the risk of developing skin cancer and lymph node cancer (lymphoma).

Studies also show that skin tumors developed faster in subjects, treated with Protopic, who have been exposed to light. Therefore, patients undergoing light therapy for their skin condition, other forms of phototherapy, or those with a lot of exposure to the sun, may be at an increased risk for Protopic cancer.

When the FDA advisory warning was issued, the FDA stated that it might take ten or more years to determine if Protopic is undeniably linked to cancer. They announced that further studies would be conducted to learn more about the serious risks of Protopic cancer.

5.) 2006 Protopic Cancer BLACK BOX WARNING

In January 2006, the FDA announced that a black box warning, the strictest warning short of a recall, would be added to Protopic labeling to warn of the serious risks of cancer. The agency also issued a Medication Guide to help ensure that patients are aware of the serious risks of Protopic cancer.

The Protopic black box warning also reiterates that Protopic should only be used as a second-line treatment in patients who have not received relief from other medications who do not have any risk factors for Protopic side effects. Protopic’s maker and the FDA state they will continue to evaluate Protopic safety to determine the exact causation between this drug and various forms of cancer.

6.) Injured by Protopic?

If you or a loved one has suffered serious Protopic side effects, please contact us to speak with a qualified attorney at Oshman & Mirisola about your legal rights and options. We are experienced in handling cases of a similar nature and are prepared to protect and maximize your legal interests. You may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses and suffering.

Contact Us 

 

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4.) Alert for Healthcare Professionals Pimecrolimus (marketed as Elidel)
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Source: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/HCP/elidelHCP.htm

FDA ALERT [3/2005]:

The FDA has issued a public health advisory to inform healthcare professionals and patients about a potential cancer risk from use of Elidel (pimecrolimus). This concern is based on information from animal studies, case reports in a small number of patients, and knowledge of how drugs in this class work. It may take human studies of ten years or longer to determine if use of Elidel is linked to cancer. In the meantime, this risk is uncertain, and FDA advises Elidel should be used only as labeled, for patients after other prescription treatments have failed to work or cannot be tolerated.

This information reflects FDA’s preliminary analysis of data concerning this drug. FDA is considering, but has not reached a final conclusion about, this information. FDA intends to update this sheet when additional information or analyses become available.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To report any unexpected adverse or serious events associated with the use of Elidel, please contact the FDA MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report/hcp.htm

Recommendations

Physicians with patients using Elidel, or who are considering prescribing the drug, should consider the following:

Use Elidel only as second-line agent for short-term and intermittent treatment of atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, in patients unresponsive to, or intolerant of other treatments.

Avoid use of Elidel in children younger than 2 years of age. The effect of Elidel on the developing immune system in infants and children is not known. In clinical studies, infants and children younger than 2 years old treated with Elidel had a higher rate of upper respiratory infections than those treated with placebo cream.

Use Elidel only for short periods of time, not continuously. The long term safety of Elidel is unknown.

Children and adults with a weakened or compromised immune system should not use Elidel.

Use the minimum amount of Elidel needed to control the patient’s symptoms. In animals, increasing the dose resulted in higher rates of cancer.

Data Summary

Although pimecrolimus is not genotoxic and does not interact directly with DNA, it may have a potential to impair local immunosurveillance. Repeat dose studies conducted with topical application of pimecrolimus in mice demonstrated a dose and treatment dependent development of lymphoma. Carcinogenicity studies conducted with oral administration of pimecrolimus in mice demonstrated a dose dependent development of lymphoma and benign thymoma. Carcinogenicity studies conducted with topical administration of pimecrolimus in rats demonstrated development of follicular cell adenoma of the thyroid. Data from a recently conducted oral nine-month monkey study showed a dose-related increase in virus-associated lymphoma following administration of pimecrolimus.

As of December 2004, the FDA had received 10 cases of postmarketing reports linking Elidel with cancer-related adverse events. Four cases occurred in children, 3 of these in children less than 6 years of age. The other 6 cases occurred in adults.

Of the 10 postmarketing cases reporting cancer, 6 described cutaneous tumors, 1 described a lymph node/cutaneous tumor related event, and the locations of 3 others were unreported. Four cases described lymphomas; 5 cases described a variety of tumors, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma; and 1 case described granulomatous lymphadenitis. The median time until diagnosis after initiation of treatment with Elidel was 90 days, with a range between 1 week and 300 days. Two cases also reported a lymphadenopathy. Two cases were confounded, 1 with the presence of nodules prior to the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma; and another with a pre-existing condition associated with an increased risk for malignant transformation.

Elidel is sometimes absorbed through the skin, though usually at very low amounts. Occasionally, children who have been treated with Elidel have had measurable blood levels of the drug. The potential for systemic immunosuppression is unknown and the role of Elidel in the development of the cancer-related events in the individual postmarketing cases is also uncertain.

FDA Patient Information Sheet
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/patient/ElidelPIS.pdf

Questions? Call Drug Information, 1-888-INFO-FDA (automated) or 301-827-4570
[email protected]


Date created: February 14, 2005, updated June 15, 2006

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5.) Injured by Elidel?
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Source: http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/elidel

Elidel, manufactured by Novartis, was approved by the FDA in December 2001. Elidel is prescribed to treat Eczema and is also commonly prescribed off-label for psoriasis and dermatitis seborrhea.

On March 10, 2005, the FDA stated that Elidel should carry a strong advisory about cancer risks. Research shows that the cream is absorbed into the body and may have the potential to cause cancer. The FDA is working on a ″black box″ warning for Elidel. The data collected by the FDA showed that the risk of cancer increased as the amount of the drug given increased. This data also included a small number of reports of cancers in children and adults treated with Elidel. Elidel and similar medications suppress the immune system, which may be a precipitating factor in the development of cancer. Elidel has become widely prescribed as an alternative to steroid creams, which also have long-term side effects.

On January 20, 2005, the FDA declared that Elidel must bear "black box" warnings of possible cancer risks. The new labeling will also recommend that the drug be prescribed for use only after other prescription topical medicines have been tried by patients. The FDA is also issuing a guide updating patients of its concerns. A black box warning is the most serious type of warning in prescription drug labeling. The warning will be located lower on the labels of the two drugs than is typical, although a statement higher on the labels will refer to the risk. As of October, the FDA has received reports of 78 cases of cancers, including skin and lymphoma, in patients treated with both Elidel or Protopic, said Dr. Stanka Kukich, the acting director of the FDA's dermatologic and dental drug products division.

If you or a loved one took Elidel and suffered side effects, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified drug side effects attorney.
Elidel

FDA Orders 'Black Box' Warning for Eczema Drugs, Elidel and ProtopicJan 21, 2006 | www.Newsinferno.com

In an important notification, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the approval of updated labeling for two topical eczema drugs,...
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FDA to Require Warnings on 2 Eczema DrugsJan 20, 2006 | AP

The labels on two prescription creams to treat eczema will have to bear "black box" warnings of possible cancer risks.The Food and Drug...

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Health Alert for Eczema PatientsMay 3, 2005 | www.cfcn.ca

Health Canada and the U-S Food and Drug Administration have issued health alerts on two Eczema skin creams.But Canadian dermatologists say the...

FDA Panel Urges Warnings on 2 Eczema DrugsFeb 16, 2005 | Washington Post
A prescription cream and an ointment that millions of Americans use to control eczema should carry strong warnings to alert consumers that the drugs...
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FDA Considers Warnings for Eczema CreamsFeb 12, 2005 | Washington Post
Government scientists, concerned that two prescription creams used widely for a common skin condition may increase the risk of certain cancers,...

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6.) Pimecrolimus tópico (Elidel)
 ===================================================

Source:  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/druginfo/medmaster/a603027-es.html

¿Para cuáles condiciones o enfermedades se prescribe este medicamento?
El pimecrolimus se usa para controlar los síntomas de la dermatitis atópica (una enfermedad que afecta la piel también llamada eccema). Pimecrolimus sólo se usa para tratar a aquellos pacientes que no pueden tomar otros medicamentos para tratar la dermatitis atópica, o cuyos síntomas no han sido controlados por otros medicamentos. Pimecrolimus pertenece a una clase de medicamentos llamados inmunodepresores. Funciona al prevenir la activación de ciertas células que causan prurito (picazón) y enrojecimiento de la piel.

¿Cómo se debe usar este medicamento?
Pimecrolimus viene envasado en forma de crema para aplicar sobre la piel. Se aplica, por lo general, 2 veces al día durante 6 semanas cada vez. Siga cuidadosamente las instrucciones en la etiqueta del medicamento y pregúntele a su doctor o farmacéutico cualquier cosa que no entienda. Use el medicamento exactamente como se indica. No use más ni menos que la dosis indicada ni tampoco más seguido que lo prescrito por su doctor.

Usted no debe usar la crema pimecrolimus en forma regular durante mucho tiempo. Sólo debe aplicarla cuando tenga síntomas de dermatitis atópica. Llame a su doctor cuando los síntomas desaparezcan para determinar si usted debe dejar de usar el medicamento. También llame a su doctor tan pronto como note que los síntomas han regresado para determinar si usted debe comenzar a usar pimecrolimus nuevamente.

Puede tomar 2 semanas o más antes de que usted sienta el beneficio total de este medicamento, pero los síntomas deberían desaparecer dentro de 6 semanas. Llame a su doctor si los síntomas empeoran en cualquier momento durante el tratamiento o si no mejoran después de haber usado el medicamento por 6 semanas.

Para usar la crema, siga estos pasos:

Lávese las manos con agua y jabón.
Aplique una capa delgada de crema a todas las zonas afectadas de la piel. Usted puede aplicar pimecrolimus a todas las superficies afectadas de la piel incluyendo la cabeza, cara y cuello. Evite el contacto del medicamento con los ojos y la boca.
Frote suavemente la crema sobre la piel.
Lávese las manos con agua y jabón para remover los residuos del medicamento. No se lave las manos si están siendo tratadas con pimecrolimus.
Usted puede cubrir las áreas que están siendo tratadas con ropa, pero no use vendas, apósitos ni envuelva el área.
Asegúrese de no lavar la crema de las áreas afectadas. No nade, no se duche ni se bañe inmediatamente después de aplicar la crema.

¿Qué otro uso se le da a este medicamento?
Este medicamento también puede ser prescrito para otros usos; pídale más información a su doctor o farmacéutico.

¿Cuáles son las precauciones especiales que debo seguir?
Antes de comenzar a usar pimecrolimus:

dígale a su doctor y a su farmacéutico si usted es alérgico al pimecrolimus o a otros medicamentos.
dígale a su doctor y a su farmacéutico qué medicamentos con y sin prescripción está tomando, como por ejemplo vitaminas, suplementos nutricionales y productos fabricados a base de hierbas. Asegúrese de mencionar los siguientes: antifúngicos como fluconazol (Diflucan), itraconazol (Sporanox) y ketoconazol (Nizoral); bloqueadores de los canales de calcio como diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, otros), y verapamilo (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan); cimetidina (Tagamet); claritromicina (Biaxin); ciclosporina (Neoral, Sandimmune); danazol (Danocrine); delavirdina (Rescriptor); eritromicina (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); fluoxetina (Prozac, Sarafem); fluvoxamina (Luvox); inhibidores de la proteasa del VIH como indinavir (Crixivan), y ritonavir (Norvir); isoniazida (INH, Nydrazid); metronidazol (Flagyl); nefazodona (Serzone); anticonceptivos orales (píldoras anticonceptivas); otros ungüentos, cremas o lociones; troleandomicina (TAO); y zafirlukast (Accolate). Su doctor podría cambiar la dosis de su medicamento o vigilarle cuidadosamente para detectar la aparición de efectos secundarios.
dígale a su doctor si usted tiene o alguna vez ha tenido enfermedades que afectan el sistema inmunitario como cáncer, síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA), o síndrome severo combinado de inmunodeficiencia; síndrome de Netherton (un tipo de enfermedad que afecta la piel), o cualquier tipo de infección a la piel, especialmente varicela, culebrilla, herpes o eccema herpeticum. También dígale a su doctor si usted está siendo tratado con cualquier forma de terapia liviana como fototerapia, UVA o UVB.
dígale a su doctor si está embarazada, tiene planes de quedar embarazada o si está amamantando. Si queda embarazada mientras usa este medicamento, llame a su doctor de inmediato.
evite la exposición innecesaria o prolongada a la luz solar y use ropa que cubra su piel, gafas de sol y filtro solar. También evite la exposición a la luz solar artificial como lámparas de sol y camas de bronceado. La crema de pimecrolimus puede aumentar el riesgo de que usted contraiga cáncer de piel si su piel está expuesta a la luz solar.
evite la exposición a la varicela, herpes y otros tipos de virus. Si usted está expuesto a una de estas enfermedades mientras usa pimecrolimus, llame a su doctor de inmediato.
usted debe saber que el cuidado de la piel y los humectantes pueden ayudar a aliviar los síntomas provocados por esta condición. Pregúntele a su doctor qué crema humectante debe usar y aplíquela siempre después de usar pimecrolimus.
¿Qué dieta especial debo seguir mientras tomo este medicamento?
Converse con su doctor sobre el consumo de jugo de toronjas (pomelos) mientras usa este medicamento.

¿Qué tengo que hacer si me olvido de tomar una dosis?
Aplique la dosis que olvidó tan pronto como lo recuerde, sin embargo, si es hora para la siguiente, sáltese aquella que no aplicó y siga con la dosificación regular. No aplique una dosis doble para compensar la que olvidó.

¿Cuáles son los efectos secundarios que podría provocar este medicamento?
Pimecrolimus puede provocar efectos secundarios. Dígale a su doctor si cualquiera de estos síntomas se vuelve severo o si no desaparece:

ardor, o enrojecimiento en las áreas donde se aplicó el medicamento (llame a su doctor si el enrojecimiento dura más de 1 semana)
cefalea (dolor de cabeza)
tos
congestión nasal o rinorrea (secreción nasal), o enrojecimiento de la nariz

Algunos efectos secundarios podrían provocar graves consecuencias para la salud. Los siguientes síntomas son poco comunes, pero si experimenta alguno de ellos, llame a su doctor de inmediato:

dolor o enrojecimiento en la garganta
fiebre
síntomas similares a los de la gripe
dolor, supuración y signos de otro tipo de una infección en los oídos
verrugas, protuberancias o crecimientos de otro tipo en la piel
inflamación en las glándulas del cuello

Algunos pacientes contrajeron cáncer de piel o cáncer en los ganglios linfáticos mientras estaban usando la crema pimecrolimus. No se sabe si la crema pimecrolimus fue la causante del cáncer que se desarrolló o si los pacientes habrían desarrollado cáncer aunque no hubieran usado el medicamento. Converse con su doctor acerca de los riesgos de usar la crema pimecrolimus.

Pimecrolimus puede provocar otros efectos secundarios. Llame a su doctor si tiene cualquier problema inusual mientras toma este medicamento.

¿Cómo debo almacenar este medicamento?
Mantenga este medicamento en su envase, bien cerrado y fuera del alcance de los niños. Almacénelo a temperatura ambiente y lejos del calor excesivo y la humedad (no en el baño). Deseche cualquier medicamento que esté vencido o que ya no se utilice. Converse con su farmacéutico acerca del desecho adecuado de los medicamentos.

¿Qué debo hacer en caso de una sobredosis?
Si alguien ingiere la crema pimecrolimus, llame a la oficina local de control de envenenamiento al 1-800-222-1222. Si la víctima está inconsciente, o no respira, llame inmediatamente al 911.

¿Qué otra información de importancia debería saber?
Cumpla con todas las citas con su doctor.

No deje que otras personas usen su medicamento. Pregúntele al farmacéutico cualquier duda que tenga sobre cómo renovar la prescripción de su medicamento.

Marca(s) comercial(es):
Elidel
 

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7.) Cancer warning over eczema creams (Elidel and Protopic)
=====================================================

Source; http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4339317.stm
 

US authorities have ruled two eczema creams should carry warnings that they may increase the risk of cancer.
The Food and Drug Administration said research had shown that Elidel and Protopic may pose a cancer risk when absorbed into the body.

It said babies should not be treated with the creams at all.

The view is strongly disputed by the manufacturers, Novartis, which makes Elidel, and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical, which makes Protopic.

Any patient or parent of a patient who has concerns about their treatment or their child's treatment should speak to their doctor

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
The FDA is working on a "black box" warning for the creams - the strongest warning carried by medicines in the US.

In a statement it said animal studies had shown a potential link with cancer.

There were also reports of seven cases of lymphoma and six of skin cancer among children and adults treated with Elidel or Protopic.

Both creams work by suppressing the immune system. Depressing immune activity in this way is known to potentially contribute to cancer.

Monitoring

A spokesperson for the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said it was closely monitoring the safety of the creams.

These are valuable medications, and if used properly they significantly reduce the debilitating impact of eczema

Dr Clay Cockerell
"Any patient or parent of a patient who has concerns about their treatment or their child's treatment should speak to their doctor."

Margaret Cox, chief executive of the UK's National Eczema Society, told the BBC News website the creams already came with strong warnings about their over-use in this country.

"Because they are new treatments one does have to recognise that the long term effects are uncertain," she said.

"To date we haven't had any evidence of direct causality between topical application of these creams in humans and cancer."

Company defence

Novartis dismissed claims Elidel could increase the risk of cancer, and said it planned no immediate change in its product label.

National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance
Treatment with tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel) should be initiated only by physicians with a special interest and experience in dermatology, and only after careful discussion with the patient about the potential risks and benefits of all appropriate second-line treatment options
In a statement it said: "Novartis agrees that patients suffering from mild to moderate eczema need to be informed about the safe and effective use of Elidel, but we believe a recommendation to add a black box warning to the label is unsubstantiated by clinical evidence and experience in more than five million patients worldwide."

Fujisawa Pharmaceutical said it had not found any data to clearly link Protopic to cancer, and believes it has provided sufficient information to ensure the drug is used safely.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has also questioned the FDA move, arguing that virtually none of the creams would get inside the body.

Dr Clay Cockerell, ADD president, said: "These are valuable medications, and if used properly they significantly reduce the debilitating impact of eczema and allow millions of our patients to live normal lives."

In February, members of an FDA advisory panel said they were concerned the companies were aggressively advertising the medicines to treat infants and others with skin problems that the creams are not approved to treat.
 

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DATA-MEDICOS/DERMAGIC-EXPRESS No 9-(126)  25/02/2.007 DR. JOSE LAPENTA R. 
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Produced by Dr. Jose Lapenta R. Dermatologist
        Maracay Estado Aragua Venezuela 2.007  
    Telf: 0416-6401054- 02432327287-02432328571