Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors for Atopic Dermatitis

A common side effect of topical calcineurin inhibitors is a burning and itching that goes away after the first few days of treatment. Less common side effects include Reference acne Opens New Window, headache, increased sensitivity of the skin to hot and cold temperatures, and flu-like symptoms.

Topical calcineurin inhibitors are relatively new, and long-term side effects are not fully known. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends caution when prescribing or using pimecrolimus cream and tacrolimus ointment because of a potential cancer risk. Rare cases of cancer have been reported in people using pimecrolimus and tacrolimus. The FDA also stresses that these medicines only be used as directed and only after trying other treatment options. Talk to your doctor about whether these products are right for you or your child.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

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