Elidel and Skin Cancer

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Elidel (pime­­cro­­limus) and Protopic (tacrolimus) are classified as Topical Immuno­­sup­­pres­­sant Calcineurin Inhibitors and are popular steroid-free treatments for rosacea, eczema, and Atopic Dermatitis. Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis are persistent skin conditions recognized as red, scaly, itchy skin.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a Public Health Advisory for users of Elidel while urging the medication manufacturers to add a black box warning to their eczema creams. The FDA's warning states, "It may take human studies of ten years or longer to determine if use of Elidel is linked to cancer."

Since the FDA approved Elidel, several cases of lymphoma and skin cancer have been reported in patients. Elidel is classified as an immunosuppressant which can lower a patient's normal immune response, making the user susceptible to a variety of diseases and cancers.

With research and reports linking Elidel ointment to skin cancer, the FDA recommends patients only use the cream prescription as a last resort and then only for a limited time. Elidel should not be used by those with a weakened immune system and never be used on babies under two years old.

The makers of Elidel state that the cream is effective for mild and moderate eczema and can be used on children. Elidel is manufactured and marketed by Novartis.

Types of skin cancer and warning signs

It is alleged that Elidel has been linked to various types of skin cancer and other skin disorders, including:

Vitiligo, a skin disorder caused by an attack on the immune system often brought on immunosuppressant drugs. Vitiligo results in a loss of skin pigmentation leaving white, milky skin patches.

Skin Cancer, T-Cell Lymphoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL), Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer (90%), affecting 800,000 people in the U.S. each year. Typically this cancer occurs in parts of the body that are not exposed to sunlight. Basal cell carcinoma often resembles eczema or psoriasis.

Elidel is also linked to breast cancer, and cancer in general.

There are over 30 types of Lymphoma, including 5 types of Hodgkin's lymphoma and 25 types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These lymphomas start in the lymph nodes and symptoms include swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, lack of energy. Similar to basal cell carcinoma, there are many causes of lymphoma, including weakened immune functions.

If you currently use Elidel or if you show signs of skin cancer, talk to your doctor or dermatologist immediately. It is noted that the long-term side effects of using Elidel ointment have not been identified.

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Elidel and Cancer Articles

Cancer Connection: Protopic and Elidel
My wife broke out in nasty rashes and the doctor assumed it was eczema so she was prescribed Elidel," says Fred Laincz. "Her rashes cleared up but at the same time she became very sick." Betsy Laincz, 59, was diagnosed with liver cancer and passed away last month.

Elidel User Went Through "Living Hell"
he Rev. Johnny Henderson, interviewed in late April for a story by award-winning investigative reporter Jeremy Rogalski, of CBS Houston affiliate station KHOU-TV, describes what followed his Elidel treatment as "a living hell".

Does Popular Anti-Eczema Cream Cause Cancer?
Elidel is a highly popular skin cream designed to combat the commonplace problem of eczema. While used by millions of people, no one is really sure what the drug does in the long-term. Even Novartis, the makers of Elidel, pleads ignorance when it comes to detailing what the stuff might do to users down the road.

Lawsuits Filed Against Elidel
Elidel Lawyer wins pre-emption ruling with the FDA
To the Makers of Elidel: How can you Sleep at Night?
Victims of Elidel Mounting
Novartis failed to Warn about Elidel Cancer Link
Elidel linked to Lymphoma
Elidel and Protopic: File Sooner than Later

Elidel In the News

APR-27-07: Many people, including children, developed cancer after using Elidel to treat skin conditions. Despite knowing about the risk of cancer, the FDA still approved the treatment without thorough cancer testing. [FOX NEWS: ELIDEL]

MAR-06-07: Lawsuit claims Elidel, the topical eczema caused plaintiff to develop breast cancer, but drug company claims it is safe. [OPEN PRESS: ELIDEL CANCER]

FEB-21-07: Several wrongful death and injury lawsuits involving Elidel have recently been filed as victims develop cancer from using the drug. [CBS2: ELIDEL CANCER]

JAN-16-07: US District Court in Eastern Pennsylvania refuses to grant preemption motion to Elidel maker Novartis, in a case alleging the ointment causes cancer. [LAWYERSANDSETTLEMENTS: ELIDEL]

JAN-11-07: Elidel, used to treat eczema, was prescribed to 2-years-old, who, six months later, was diagnosed with a form of cancer known as lymphoblastic lymphoma. [ONLINE JOURNAL]

DEC-04-06: Deadline for legal action against the manufacturers of Elidel is approaching. [EWORLDWIRE: ELIDEL DEADLINE]

NOV-30-06: Doctors recommend Elidel be used only as a last resort. [HEARTLAND NEWS: ELIDEL]

NOV-28-06:Consumer Reports says that a small number of patients who've used Elidel have developed skin cancer. [HEARTLAND NEWS: ELIDEL CANCER]

Elidel Skin Cancer

If you have or a loved on has suffered from cancer and have used Elidel skin cream, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible class action lawsuit. Please click the link below to send your story to a lawyer who will review your complaint at no charge.