Background: Pimecrolimus cream 1% is a non-steroid, selective inflammatory cytokine inhibitor indicated for atopic dermatitis (AD). Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of pimecrolimus cream 1%-based treatment versus conventional therapy in adults with moderate AD. Methods: Patients were randomized to receive pimecrolimus cream 1% (n = 62) or vehicle (n = 68) at the first signs/symptoms of AD, for 24 weeks as required. A moderately potent topical corticosteroid (prednicarbate 0.25% cream) was allowed in both groups to treat flares. Results: Corticosteroids were required on fewer days in the pimecrolimus group, compared with the vehicle group (9.7 vs. 37.8%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, 59.7% of pimecrolimus-treated patients experienced no flares during the study period, compared with 22.1% of vehicle-treated patients (p < 0.001). Pimecrolimus cream 1% was well tolerated throughout the study. Conclusion: For adults with moderate AD, pimecrolimus cream 1% is well tolerated, reduces the incidence of flares, reduces/eliminates corticosteroid use, improves long-term disease control and enhances the patients’ quality of life.

Treatment of rosacea for 4-8 weeks with the topical calcineurin inhibitor pimecrolimus cream 1% was not more efficacious than treatment with the vehicle cream.

Background: In the treatment of atopic dermatitis, pimecrolimus has high antipruritic effects. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of 1% pimecrolimus cream in comparison to 1% hydrocortisone cream in non-atopic prurigo nodularis (PN). Methods: A randomized, controlled, double-blind study with intraindividual randomization was done in 30 patients (17 females, 13 males; mean age 58.5 years) with PN. Results: Pruritus intensity decreased significantly (p < 0.001) on both treated sides as early as after 10 days of treatment; scratch lesions improved (p < 0.001). Quality of life as assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index improved significantly. However, a significant advantage of pimecrolimus over hydrocortisone was not found. Conclusion: The results suggest that the non-steroid pimecrolimus is an effective alternative for PN treatment.