Long-term efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus cream 1% in adults with moderate atopic dermatitis.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Meurer
Michael
M
Hautklinikum, Universitätsklinikum der TU, Dresden, Germany. meurer@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
Fartasch
Manige
M
Albrecht
Gisela
G
Vogt
Thomas
T
Worm
Margitta
M
Ruzicka
Thomas
T
Altmeyer
Peter Josef
PJ
Schneider
Dirk
D
Weidinger
Gottfried
G
Braeutigam
Matthias
M
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; C117268:pimecrolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus