Buy Generic Pimecrolimus Online
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Generic Pimecrolimus 1mg
Package | Price | Per Tube | Shipping | Order | |
1mg x 2 tubes | S$127.23 | S$63.62 | Add to Cart | ||
1mg x 4 tubes | S$221.77 | S$55.45 | Add to Cart |
Generic Pimecrolimus Information
Introduction
Pimecrolimus is an immunomodulatory cream used primarily for the topical management of inflammatory skin disorders. In the United Kingdom it is prescribed when first‑line treatments such as topical corticosteroids are unsuitable, contraindicated, or have caused adverse skin changes. The active compound, pimecrolimus, belongs to the family of calcineurin inhibitors and is classified under the skin‑care medication group. While the product was originally launched under the brand name Elidel by Novartis, the same molecule is now widely available as a generic preparation. Pimecrolimus is also investigated for off‑label use in conditions such as lichen planus and cutaneous graft‑versus‑host disease, reflecting its broader immunological relevance.
What is Pimecrolimus?
Pimecrolimus is the generic version of Elidel, containing the same active compound pimecrolimus. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option. Developed by Novartis, it is supplied as a 1 % (w/w) cream for topical application. As a calcineurin inhibitor, it modulates T‑cell activation without the skin‑atrophic effects seen with prolonged steroid use. The formulation includes inert excipients such as cetyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate and water, which aid in skin absorption and stability. Pimecrolimus is regulated by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and listed on the NHS formulary for specific dermatological indications.
How Pimecrolimus Works
Calcineurin is an intracellular phosphatase that activates nuclear factor of activated T‑cells (NF‑AT), a transcription factor essential for cytokine production. By binding to the immunophilin FKBP‑12, pimecrolimus forms a complex that inhibits calcineurin activity. This blockade prevents dephosphorylation of NF‑AT, thereby reducing transcription of interleukin‑2 (IL‑2) and other pro‑inflammatory cytokines such as IL‑3, IL‑4, interferon‑γ and tumour necrosis factor‑α. The net result is diminished T‑cell proliferation and reduced release of mediators that drive the erythema, oedema and pruritus characteristic of eczema and related dermatoses.
Because the drug acts intracellularly, its effect is localized to the area of application, with minimal systemic absorption. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that serum concentrations remain well below thresholds associated with systemic immunosuppression, even after prolonged daily use. Clinical improvement typically begins within one to two weeks, though optimal results may require up to four weeks of consistent therapy.
Conditions Treated with Pimecrolimus
- M‑to‑moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) – The most common indication in the UK. Atopic dermatitis affects an estimated 15 % of adults, with a considerable proportion experiencing persistent flares despite emollient use. Pimecrolimus offers an alternative to topical steroids for sensitive areas such as the face, neck and skin folds.
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis – Involving oily, scaly patches on the scalp, eyebrows and nasolabial folds, this condition can be driven by inflammatory pathways that respond to calcineurin inhibition.
- Discoid lupus erythematosus (cutaneous lupus) – Selected patients with localized lesions have shown improvement when pimecrolimus is used adjunctively, owing to its anti‑inflammatory properties without photosensitisation.
- Lichen planus (cutaneous) – Off‑label use in recalcitrant papular lesions has yielded clinical benefit in small case series.
These indications are supported by UK‑based clinical guidelines (e.g., NICE CG57) and peer‑reviewed trials demonstrating comparable efficacy to low‑potency steroids but with a more favourable safety profile regarding skin thinning.
Who is Pimecrolimus For?
Pimecrolimus is appropriate for adults who:
- Have mild‑to‑moderate atopic dermatitis that is refractory to emollients and low‑strength corticosteroids, especially when lesions are located on the face, neck, or intertriginous zones where steroid‑induced atrophy is a concern.
- Require a steroid‑sparing option due to a history of steroid‑induced skin fragility, telangiectasia, or striae.
- Exhibit contraindications to topical steroids, such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, severe hypertension, or known hypersensitivity to corticosteroid components.
It is not recommended for:
- Severe, widespread eczema that necessitates systemic therapy or high‑potency steroids.
- Patients with active skin infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) at the intended site of application, as immunomodulation could exacerbate infection.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women unless the benefits outweigh potential risks, given limited safety data in these populations.
Clinical judgement, guided by a qualified healthcare professional, remains essential to determine suitability.
Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions
Common
- Burning, stinging or itching at the application site (usually transient).
- Redness or mild erythema.
- Pruritus that may persist for a few days after initiating therapy.
Rare
- Contact dermatitis from excipients (e.g., cetyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate).
- Folliculitis or secondary bacterial infection if the skin barrier is compromised.
Serious
- Rare cases of malignancy (cutaneous lymphoma, melanoma) have been reported in post‑marketing surveillance, though causality has not been established. Patients should report any persistent, unexplained skin changes promptly.
- Systemic immunosuppression is exceedingly uncommon but may occur with extensive application over large body surface areas, leading to increased infection risk.
Drug‑drug interactions are limited due to minimal systemic absorption. However, caution is advised when pimecrolimus is used concomitantly with other topical immunosuppressants (e.g., tacrolimus) or potent corticosteroids, as additive local immunosuppression could raise infection risk. No significant oral drug interactions have been documented.
Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose
- Standard dosing: Apply a thin layer of the 1 % cream to the affected area twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart). For facial or intertriginous skin, a pea‑sized amount is usually sufficient.
- Duration: Continue treatment for 2–4 weeks or until clinical improvement is evident. Maintenance therapy may be reduced to once daily or intermittent (e.g., twice weekly) to minimise long‑term exposure.
- Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten, apply it as soon as remembered unless it is near the time of the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule; do not double‑dose.
- Overdose: Accidental ingestion or application of excessive amounts is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity, but patients should seek medical advice if large quantities are applied or swallowed. Supportive care, such as skin washing and monitoring for signs of systemic absorption, is recommended.
- Precautions: Avoid applying to broken skin, open wounds, or mucous membranes. Do not use under occlusive dressings unless directed by a clinician. Alcohol consumption does not interfere directly with the cream, but patients with liver disease should discuss overall medication burden with their prescriber.
Buying Pimecrolimus from Our Online Pharmacy
Pimecrolimus can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. We specialise in delivering affordable, high‑quality generic medicines directly to patients who may have limited access through traditional community pharmacies or who seek a cost‑effective alternative to brand‑name products.
- Affordable pricing – Our wholesale‑sourced stock is priced close to the manufacturer’s cost, offering significant savings compared with branded equivalents.
- Verified quality – All batches are sourced from licensed, MHRA‑approved suppliers and undergo rigorous quality checks before dispatch.
- Guaranteed delivery – Discreet packaging ensures privacy; express delivery reaches most UK addresses within 7 days, while regular airmail typically arrives in 2–3 weeks for overseas stock.
- Pharmacy broker service – We work with overseas licensed pharmacies to expand access to medicines not widely stocked locally, while maintaining full compliance with UK import regulations.
Our service provides a reliable, confidential route for obtaining pimecrolimus, especially for individuals without private prescription coverage or those managing chronic skin conditions on a limited budget.
FAQ
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Is pimecrolimus available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
Yes. The original brand‑name product is marketed as Elidel by Novartis. Generic versions contain the identical active ingredient, pimecrolimus, and are generally less expensive while meeting the same regulatory standards. -
Does pimecrolimus cream require refrigeration?
No. The cream is stable at room temperature, typically between 15 °C and 30 °C. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and moisture to preserve potency. -
What does the packaging of pimecrolimus look like when ordered online?
The medication is supplied in a white, 30 g polypropylene tube with a child‑resistant flip‑top cap. The label includes the generic name, strength (1 % w/w), batch number, expiry date and the name of the licensed supplier. -
Can pimecrolimus be imported for personal use without a prescription in the UK?
UK customs permits the personal import of a three‑month supply of a medication for personal use, provided the purchaser can demonstrate a legitimate medical need. However, it is advisable to retain a copy of a clinician’s recommendation to avoid potential clearance issues. -
Are there specific warnings for Asian or African descent populations?
Studies have not identified ethnicity‑specific safety concerns for pimecrolimus. Nonetheless, individuals with darker skin may report a transient post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which usually resolves with continued treatment or cessation. -
How does pimecrolimus differ from tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) in formulation?
While both are calcineurin inhibitors, pimecrolimus is formulated as a cream with a higher proportion of hydrating excipients, making it less greasy and better suited for facial and intertriginous areas. Tacrolimus is supplied as an ointment, which may be preferable for very dry or scaly lesions. -
What are the storage recommendations for pimecrolimus when travelling abroad?
Keep the cream in its original tube, sealed tightly, and store it in a carry‑on bag to avoid temperature extremes in checked luggage. If travelling to hot climates, consider a small insulated pouch to maintain a stable temperature. -
Is pimecrolimus detectable in standard drug‑screening tests?
No. As a topical agent with negligible systemic absorption, pimecrolimus does not appear in routine urine or blood drug‑screening panels. -
Does the cream contain any allergens that may concern sensitive patients?
The formulation includes cetyl alcohol and isopropyl myristate, which can cause contact allergy in a small subset of users. The product is otherwise free from parabens, fragrance and lanolin. -
What clinical trials established the efficacy of pimecrolimus for eczema?
Two pivotal phase III, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trials involving over 600 adult participants demonstrated that twice‑daily application of pimecrolimus 1 % cream achieved a statistically significant reduction in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores compared with vehicle, with improvement evident from week 2 onward. -
Can pimecrolimus be used concurrently with moisturisers?
Yes. Applying a fragrance‑free emollient after the cream has been absorbed (approximately 15–20 minutes) can enhance skin barrier function and may reduce the burning sensation sometimes experienced with initial use.
Glossary
- Calcineurin inhibitor
- A class of drugs that block the activity of the enzyme calcineurin, reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines from T‑cells.
- EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index)
- A validated scoring system that quantifies the extent and severity of atopic dermatitis across four body regions.
- Vehicle (topical formulation)
- The inactive base of a cream or ointment that carries the active drug; used as a control in clinical trials.
- Intertriginous zones
- Areas where skin surfaces touch or rub together, such as the groin, armpits and under the breasts, which are prone to irritation.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information provided about pimecrolimus is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to pimecrolimus for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.