title: The topical calcineurin inhibitor pimecrolimus in atopic dermatitis: a safety update.
abstract: Atopic eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a relapsing and remitting course. For many decades,topical corticosteroids have been the mainstay therapy for atopic dermatitis. After the introduction of calcineurin inhibitors as a corticosteroid-free alternative, there were high expectations. After the black box warning from the FDA regarding the potential theoretical risk for developing neoplasia under treatment with calcineurin inhibitors, patients and physicians became uncertain about its safety, regardless of the fact that current scientific data do not support increased concern for risk of malignancy.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum der Dermatologie und Venerologie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D 60590 Frankfurt/ Main, Germany. thaci@em.uni-frankfurt.de
authors.forename: Diamant
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Thaçi
authors.forename: Rebekka
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Salgo
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D002648:Child; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007223:Infant; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000139:chemically induced; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; C117268:pimecrolimus; D016559:Tacrolimus