A new indication for pimecrolimus cream was approved
The advent of pimecrolimus cream has broken the bottleneck of traditional treatment methods for atopic dermatitis. On April 17, 2023, pimecrolimus cream was officially approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China, expanding the indication for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis for 3 months or more, bringing a safe and effective new treatment option for infantile atopic dermatitis patients, and opening a new chapter in the treatment of infantile atopic dermatitis in China.
1. What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent skin condition characterized by intense itching.
2. What are the limitations of traditional treatment of atopic dermatitis?
The most commonly used traditional treatment for atopic dermatitis is topical glucocorticoids, but glucocorticoids have low selectivity, many side effects, and large adverse reactions. Therefore, many patients will experience skin atrophy and hormone-dependent dermatitis after long-term use, which cannot effectively control and cure the disease.
3. Who is more likely to have atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is more common in children, 80% of children are within 5 years old, and the incidence rate of children aged 1-7 years old in mainland China is 12.94%, close to Europe, Japan and other countries, among them, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in infants within 1 year old reaches 30%, and the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in infants and young children in mainland China is increasing year by year.
4. What is pimecrolimus cream?
Pimecrolimus cream is a calcineurin inhibitor that achieves anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting T cells in inflammatory skin diseases and reducing the release of inflammatory substances.
5. What diseases can this medicine be used for?
Indicated in patients 2 years of age and older with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis who are not immunocompromised.
1. Short-term treatment of signs and symptoms of the disease.
2. Long-term intermittent treatment to prevent aggravation.
6. Can babies under 2 years old use it?
On April 17, 2023, pimecrolimus cream was officially approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis for 3 months or more.
7. How should children use it correctly?
1. Apply thinly on the topic, twice a day, and gently rub until absorbed.
2. Apply as soon as eczema appears to prevent the condition from getting worse.
3. Pimecrolimus cream can be used on any part of the skin (except mucous membranes) throughout the body, including the head and face, neck, and abrasions.
4. Due to the small absorption of pimecrolimus cream, there is no restriction on the daily dosage, area or duration of treatment.
8. What is the effect and what kind of people are more suitable for?
Early intervention with pimecrolimus cream can rapidly alleviate the symptoms and signs of atopic dermatitis, and the treatment effect is similar to that of hormones, especially for children who are not suitable for topical hormone therapy, and the affected areas are sensitive areas (such as the face, neck), and the use of pimecrolimus cream 1% alone for 26 weeks has shown good tolerability, safety and efficacy.
9. What adverse reactions may be caused by this drug?
Pimecrolimus cream is a macrolide substance with low transdermal absorption rate and does not cause systemic adverse reactions, especially epidermal atrophy. The most common adverse reactions are: burning sensation, irritation, itching, etc. at the site of medication.
Reviewers: Yang Yuanrong, Chief Pharmacist, Department of Pharmacy, Jingzhou Central Hospital, Xiong Jianqun, Deputy Chief Pharmacist
Author: Liu Kaifei, chief pharmacist, Department of Pharmacy, Jingzhou Central Hospital