Skip to main content

Pimecrolimus

Generic: Pimecrolimus

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
Manufacturer
Bausch Health
NDC
71335-2988
RxCUI
562806
Route
TOPICAL
ICD-10 indication
L20.9

Affordability Check

How much will you actually pay for Pimecrolimus?

In 30 seconds, see every legitimate way to afford Pimecrolimus — Medicare copay, manufacturer copay card, Patient Assistance Program, grants, or cash.

Check my options →

About Pimecrolimus

What is this medication? Pimecrolimus is a prescription topical cream primarily used to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, which is commonly known as eczema. It belongs to a class of medications called topical calcineurin inhibitors. This medication is typically prescribed for patients who do not respond well to other treatments or for whom corticosteroid creams are not recommended due to their potential side effects, such as thinning of the skin.

The medication works by altering the body's immune response to help decrease skin inflammation, redness, and itching associated with eczema flare-ups. It is intended for short-term or intermittent long-term use in adults and children who are at least two years of age. Unlike some other skin treatments, pimecrolimus does not contain steroids, making it a suitable option for sensitive areas like the face and neck where the skin is naturally thinner.

Copay & patient assistance

  • Patient Copay Amount: $0 (Medication is provided for free for eligible patients)
  • Maximum Annual Benefit Limit: Not Publicly Available
  • Core Eligibility Restrictions: Must have limited or no insurance coverage (including Medicaid patients whose plans no longer cover the medication); must meet financial need criteria; must have a valid prescription.
  • RxBIN, PCN, and Group numbers: Not Publicly Available

External links go directly to the manufacturer's portal. RxCopays does not receive compensation for referrals.

Compare pricing elsewhere

RxCopays doesn't sell drugs or take referral fees. Here are the transparent-pricing directories we recommend checking alongside your insurance formulary.

We deep-link because transparency helps patients. None of these partners pay RxCopays.

Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Pimecrolimus. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Nov 10, 2025

Boxed warning
WARNING: LONG-TERM SAFETY OF TOPICAL CALCINEURIN INHIBITORS HAS NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED Although a causal relationship has not been established, rare cases of malignancy (e.g., skin and lymphoma) have been reported in patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Therefore: • Continuous long-term use of topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%, in any age group should be avoided and application limited to areas of involvement with atopic dermatitis [see Dosage and Administration (2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . • Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is not indicated for use in children less than 2 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . WARNING: LONG-TERM SAFETY OF TOPICAL CALCINEURIN INHIBITORS HAS NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Although a causal relationship has not been established, rare cases of malignancy (e.g., skin and lymphoma) have been reported in patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%. ( 5.1 ) Therefore: • Continuous long-term use of topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%, in any age group should be avoided and application limited to areas of involvement with atopic dermatitis. ( 2 , 5.1 ) • Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is not indicated for use in children less than 2 years of age. ( 1 , 5.1 , 8.4 )
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is indicated as second-line therapy for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised adults and children 2 years of age and older, who have failed to respond adequately to other topical prescription treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable. Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is not indicated for use in children less than 2 years of age [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated as second-line therapy for the short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised adults and children 2 years of age and older, who have failed to respond adequately to other topical prescription treatments, or when those treatments are not advisable. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin layer of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% to the affected skin twice daily. The patient should stop using Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% when signs and symptoms (e.g., itch, rash and redness) resolve and should be instructed on what actions to take if symptoms recur. If signs and symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Continuous long-term use of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% should be avoided, and application should be limited to areas of involvement with atopic dermatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . The safety of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% under occlusion, which may promote systemic exposure, has not been evaluated. Avoid use of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% with occlusive dressings. • Apply a thin layer of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% to the affected skin twice daily. ( 2 ) • If signs and symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined. ( 2 ) • Continuous long-term use of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% should be avoided. ( 2 ) • Avoid use with occlusive dressings. ( 2 )
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to pimecrolimus or any of the components of the cream. Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to pimecrolimus or any of the components of the cream. ( 4 , 6.2 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Should not be used in immunocompromised adults and children, including patients on systemic immunosuppressive medications. ( 5.1 ) • Avoid treatment on malignant or pre-malignant skin conditions, as these can present as dermatitis. ( 5.2 ) • Should not be used in patients with Netherton’s Syndrome or skin diseases with a potential for increased systemic absorption. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Risk of Immunosuppression Prolonged systemic use of calcineurin inhibitors for sustained immunosuppression in animal studies and transplant patients following systemic administration has been associated with an increased risk of infections, lymphomas, and skin malignancies. These risks are associated with the intensity and duration of immunosuppression. Based on this information and the mechanism of action, there is a concern about a potential risk with the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%. While a causal relationship has not been established, rare cases of skin malignancy and lymphoma have been reported in patients treated with topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%. Therefore: • Continuous long-term use of topical calcineurin inhibitors, including Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%, in any age group should be avoided, and application limited to areas of involvement with atopic dermatitis. • Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is not indicated for use in children less than 2 years of age. • Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% should not be used in immunocompromised adults and children, including patients on systemic immunosuppressive medications. • If signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis do not improve within 6 weeks, patients should be re-examined by their healthcare provider and their diagnosis be confirmed. • The safety of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% has not been established beyond 1 year of non-continuous use. 5.2 Application to Malignant or Pre-malignant Skin Conditions The use of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% should be avoided on malignant or pre-malignant skin conditions. Malignant or pre-malignant skin conditions, such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), can present as dermatitis. Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% should not be used in patients with Netherton’s Syndrome or other skin diseases where there is the potential for increased systemic absorption of pimecrolimus. The safety of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% has not been established in patients with generalized erythroderma. The use of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% may cause local symptoms such as skin burning (burning sensation, stinging, soreness) or pruritus. Localized symptoms are most common during the first few days of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% application and typically improve as the lesions of atopic dermatitis resolve [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . 5.3 Bacterial and Viral Skin Infections Before commencing treatment with Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%, bacterial or viral infections at treatment sites should be resolved. Trials have not evaluated the safety and efficacy of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% in the treatment of clinically infected atopic dermatitis. While patients with atopic dermatitis are predisposed to superficial skin infections including eczema herpeticum (Kaposi’s varicelliform eruption), treatment with Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% may be independently associated with an increased risk of varicella zoster virus infection (chickenpox or shingles), herpes simplex virus infection, or eczema herpeticum. In clinical trials, 15/1544 (1%) cases of skin papilloma (warts) were observed in subjects using Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%. The youngest subject was age 2 and the oldest was age 12. In cases where there is worsening of skin papillomas or they do not respond to conventional therapy, discontinuation of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% should be considered until complete resolution of the warts is achieved. 5.4 Patients with Lymphadenopathy In clinical trials, 14/1544 (0.9%) cases of lymphadenopathy were reported while using Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%. These cases of lymphadenopathy were usually related to infections and noted to resolve upon appropriate antibiotic therapy. Of these 14 cases, the majority had either a clear etiology or were known to resolve. Patients who receive Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% and who develop lymphadenopathy should have the etiology of their lymphadenopathy investigated. In the absence of a clear etiology for the lymphadenopathy, or in the presence of acute infectious mononucleosis, Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% should be discontinued. Patients who develop lymphadenopathy should be monitored to ensure that the lymphadenopathy resolves. 5.5 Sun Exposure During the course of treatment, it is prudent for patients to minimize or avoid natural or artificial sunlight exposure, even while Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% is not on the skin. The potential effects of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% on skin response to ultraviolet damage are not known. 5.6 Immunocompromised Patients The safety and efficacy of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% in immunocompromised patients have not been studied.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Potential interactions between Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% and other drugs, including immunizations, have not been systematically evaluated. Due to low blood levels of pimecrolimus detected in some patients after topical application, systemic drug interactions are not expected, but cannot be ruled out. The concomitant administration of known CYP3A family of inhibitors in patients with widespread and/or erythrodermic disease should be done with caution. Some examples of such drugs are erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, calcium channel blockers and cimetidine.
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥1%) were application site burning, headache, nasopharyngitis, cough, influenza, pyrexia and viral infection. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Oceanside Pharmaceuticals at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. No phototoxicity and no photoallergenicity were detected in clinical trials with 24 and 33 normal volunteers, respectively. In human dermal safety trials, Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% did not induce contact sensitization or cumulative irritation. In a 1-year safety trial in pediatric subjects age 2-17 years old involving sequential use of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% and a topical corticosteroid, 43% of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% treated subjects and 68% of vehicle-treated subjects used corticosteroids during the trial. Corticosteroids were used for more than 7 days by 34% of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% treated subjects and 54% of vehicle-treated subjects. An increased incidence of impetigo, skin infection, superinfection (infected atopic dermatitis), rhinitis, and urticaria were found in the subjects that had used Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% and topical corticosteroid sequentially as compared to Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% alone. In three randomized, double-blind vehicle-controlled pediatric trials and one active-controlled adult trial, 843 and 328 subjects, respectively, were treated with Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%. In these clinical trials, 48 (4%) of the 1171 Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% treated subjects and 13 (3%) of 408 vehicle-treated subjects discontinued therapy due to adverse events. Discontinuations for AEs were primarily due to application site reactions and cutaneous infections. The most common application site reaction was application site burning, which occurred in 8%-26% of subjects treated with Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%. Table 1 depicts the incidence of adverse events pooled across the two identically designed 6-week trials with their open label extensions and the 1-year safety trial for pediatric subjects ages 2-17. Data from the adult active-controlled trial are also included in Table 1. Adverse events are listed regardless of relationship to trial drug. Table 1. Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (≥1%) in Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% Treatment Groups Pediatric Subjects Ages 2-17 years Vehicle-Controlled (6 weeks) Pediatric Subjects Open-Label Pediatric Subjects Vehicle-Controlled (1 year) Adult Active Comparator (1 year) (20 weeks) Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% Vehicle Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% Vehicle Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% (N=267) N (%) (N=136) N (%) (N=335) N (%) (N=272) N (%) (N=75) N (%) (N=328) N (%) At least 1 AE 182 (68.2%) 97 (71.3%) 240 (72.0%) 230 (84.6%) 56 (74.7%) 256 (78.0%) Infections and Infestations Upper Respiratory Tract Infection NOS 38 (14.2%) 18 (13.2%) 65 (19.4%) 13 (4.8%) 6 (8.0%) 14 (4.3%) Nasopharyngitis 27 (10.1%) 10 (7.4%) 32 (19.6%) 72 (26.5%) 16 (21.3%) 25 (7.6%) Skin Infection NOS 8 (3.0%) 9 (5.1%) 18 (5.4%) 6 (2.2%) 3 (4.0%) 21 (6.4%) Influenza 8 (3.0%) 1 (0.7%) 22 (6.6%) 36 (13.2%) 3 (4.0%) 32 (9.8%) Ear Infection NOS 6 (2.2%) 2 (1.5%) 19 (5.7%) 9 (3.3%) 1 (1.3%) 2 (0.6%) Otitis Media 6 (2.2%) 1 (0.7%) 10 (3.0%) 8 (2.9%) 4 (5.3%) 2 (0.6%) Impetigo 5 (1.9%) 3 (2.2%) 12 (3.6%) 11 (4.0%) 4 (5.3%) 8 (2.4%) Bacterial Infection 4 (1.5%) 3 (2.2%) 4 (1.2%) 3 (1.1%) 0 6 (1.8%) Folliculitis 3 (1.1%) 1 (0.7%) 3 (0.9%) 6 (2.2%) 3 (4.0%) 20 (6.1%) Sinusitis 3 (1.1%) 1 (0.7%) 11 (3.3%) 6 (2.2%) 1 (1.3%) 2 (0.6%) Pneumonia NOS 3 (1.1%) 1 (0.7%) 5 (1.5%) 0 1 (1.3%) 1 (0.3%) Pharyngitis NOS 2 (0.7%) 2 (1.5%) 3 (0.9%) 22 (8.1%) 2 (2.7%) 3 (0.9%) Pharyngitis Streptococcal 2 (0.7%) 2 (1.5%) 10 (3.0%) 0 <1% 0 Molluscum Contagiosum 2 (0.7%) 0 4 (1.2%) 5 (1.8%) 0 0 Staphylococcal Infection 1 (0.4%) 5 (3.7%) 7 (2.1%) 0 <1% 3 (0.9%) Bronchitis NOS 1 (0.4%) 3 (2.2%) 4 (1.2%) 29 (10.7%) 6 (8.0%) 8 (2.4%) Herpes Simplex 1 (0.4%) 0 4 (1.2%) 9 (3.3%) 2 (2.7%) 13 (4.0%) Tonsillitis NOS 1 (0.4%) 0 3 (0.9%) 17 (6.3%) 0 2 (0.6%) Viral Infection NOS 2 (0.7%) 1 (0.7%) 1 (0.3%) 18 (6.6%) 1 (1.3%) 0 Gastroenteritis NOS 0 3 (2.2%) 2 (0.6%) 20 (7.4%) 2 (2.7%) 6 (1.8%) Chickenpox 2 (0.7%) 0 3 (0.9%) 8 (2.9%) 3 (4.0%) 1 (0.3%) Skin Papilloma 1 (0.4%) 0 2 (0.6%) 9 (3.3%) <1% 0 Tonsillitis Acute NOS 0 0 0 7 (2.6%) 0 0 Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Viral NOS 1 (0.4%) 0 3 (0.9%) 4 (1.5%) 0 1 (0.3%) Herpes Simplex Dermatitis 0 0 1 (0.3%) 4 (1.5%) 0 2 (0.6%) Bronchitis Acute NOS 0 0 0 4 (1.5%) 0 0 Eye Infection NOS 0 0 0 3 (1.1%) <1% 1 (0.3%) General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions Application Site Burning 28 (10.4%) 17 (12.5%) 5 (1.5%) 23 (8.5%) 5 (6.7%) 85 (25.9%) Pyrexia 20 (7.5%) 12 (8.8%) 41 (12.2%) 34 (12.5%) 4 (5.3%) 4 (1.2%) Application Site Reaction NOS 8 (3.0%) 7 (5.1%) 7 (2.1%) 9 (3.3%) 2 (2.7%) 48 (14.6%) Application Site Irritation 8 (3.0%) 8 (5.9%) 3 (0.9%) 1 (0.4%) 3 (4.0%) 21 (6.4%) Influenza-Like Illness 1 (0.4%) 0 2 (0.6%) 5 (1.8%) 2 (2.7%) 6 (1.8%) Application Site Erythema 1 (0.4%) 0 0 6 (2.2%) 0 7 (2.1%) Application Site Pruritus 3 (1.1%) 2 (1.5%) 2 (0.6%) 5 (1.8%) 0 18 (5.5%) Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders Cough 31 (11.6%) 11 (8.1%) 31 (9.3%) 43 (15.8%) 8 (10.7%) 8 (2.4%) Nasal Congestion 7 (2.6%) 2 (1.5%) 6 (1.8%) 4 (1.5%) 1 (1.3%) 2 (0.6%) Rhinorrhea 5 (1.9%) 1 (0.7%) 3 (0.9%) 1 (0.4%) 1 (1.3%) 0 Asthma Aggravated 4 (1.5%) 3 (2.2%) 13 (3.9%) 3 (1.1%) 1 (1.3%) 0 Sinus Congestion 3 (1.1%) 1 (0.7%) 2 (0.6%) <1% <1% 3 (0.9%) Rhinitis 1 (0.4%) 0 5 (1.5%) 12 (4.4%) 5 (6.7%) 7 (2.1%) Wheezing 1 (0.4%) 1 (0.7%) 4 (1.2%) 2 (0.7%) <1% 0 Asthma NOS 2 (0.7%) 1 (0.7%) 11 (3.3%) 10 (3.7%) 2 (2.7%) 8 (2.4%) Epistaxis 0 1 (0.7%) 0 9 (3.3%) 1 (1.3%) 1 (0.3%) Dyspnea NOS 0 0 0 5 (1.8%) 1 (1.3%) 2 (0.6%) Gastrointestinal Disorders Abdominal Pain Upper 11 (4.1%) 6 (4.4%) 10 (3.0%) 15 (5.5%) 5 (6.7%) 1 (0.3%) Sore Throat 9 (3.4%) 5 (3.7%) 15 (5.4%) 22 (8.1%) 4 (5.3%) 12 (3.7%) Vomiting NOS 8 (3.0%) 6 (4.4%) 14 (4.2%) 18 (6.6%) 6 (8.0%) 2 (0.6%) Diarrhea NOS 3 (1.1%) 1 (0.7%) 2 (0.6%) 21 (7.7%) 4 (5.3%) 7 (2.1%) Nausea 1 (0.4%) 3 (2.2%) 4 (1.2%) 11 (4.0%) 5 (6.7%) 6 (1.8%) Abdominal Pain NOS 1 (0.4%) 1 (0.7%) 5 (1.5%) 12 (4.4%) 3 (4.0%) 1 (0.3%) Toothache 1 (0.4%) 1 (0.7%) 2 (0.6%) 7 (2.6%) 1 (1.3%) 2 (0.6%) Constipation 1 (0.4%) 0 2 (0.6%) 10 (3.7%) <1% 0 Loose Stools 0 1 (0.7%) 4 (1.2%) <1% <1% 0 Reproductive System and Breast Disorders Dysmenorrhea 3 (1.1%) 0 5 (1.5%) 3 (1.1%) 1 (1.3%) 4 (1.2%) Eye Disorders Conjunctivitis NEC 2 (0.7%) 1 (0.7%) 7 (2.1%) 6 (2.2%) 3 (4.0%) 10 (3.0%) Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Urticaria 3 (1.1%) 0 1 (0.3%) 1 (0.4%) <1% 3 (0.9%) Acne NOS 0 1 (0.7%) 1 (0.3%) 4 (1.5%) <1% 6 (1.8%) Immune System Disorders Hypersensitivity NOS 11 (4.1%) 6 (4.4%) 16 (4.8%) 14 (5.1%) 1 (1.3%) 11 (3.4%) Injury and Poisoning Accident NOS 3 (1.1%) 1 (0.7%) 1 (0.3%) <1% 1 (1.3%) 0 Laceration 2 (0.7%) 1 (0.7%) 5 (1.5%) <1% <1% 0 Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue and Bone Disorders Back Pain 1 (0.4%) 2 (1.5%) 1 (0.3%) <1% 0 6 (1.8%) Arthralgias 0 0 1 (0.3%) 3 (1.1%) 1 (1.3%) 5 (1.5%) Ear and Labyrinth Disorders Earache 2 (0.7%) 1 (0.7%) 0 8 (2.9%) 2 (2.7%) 0 Nervous System Disorders Headache 37 (13.9%) 12 (8.8%) 38 (11.3%) 69 (25.4%) 12 (16.0%) 23 (7.0%) Two cases of septic arthritis have been reported in infants less than one year of age in clinical trials conducted with Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% (n = 2443). Causality has not been established. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Pimecrolimus Cream, 1%. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. General: Anaphylactic reactions, ocular irritation after application of the cream to the eye lids or near the eyes, angioneurotic edema, facial edema, skin flushing associated with alcohol use, skin discoloration. Hematology/Oncology: Lymphomas, basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma.
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% in pregnant women. Therefore, Pimecrolimus Cream, 1% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. In dermal embryofetal developmental studies, no maternal or fetal toxicity was observed up to the highest practicable doses tested, 10 mg/kg/day (1% pimecrolimus cream) in rats (0.14X MRHD based on body surface area) and 10 mg/kg/day (1% pimecrolimus cream) in rabbits (0.65X MRHD based on AUC comparisons). The 1% pimecrolimus cream was administered topically for 6 hours/day during the period of organogenesis in rats and rabbits (gestational days 6-21 in rats and gestational days 6-20 in rabbits). A second dermal embryofetal development study was conducted in rats using pimecrolimus cream applied dermally to pregnant rats (1 g cream/kg body weight of 0.2%, 0.6% and 1.0% pimecrolimus cream) from gestation day 6 to 17 at doses of 2, 6, and 10 mg/kg/day with daily exposure of approximately 22 hours. No maternal, reproductive, or embryofetal toxicity attributable to pimecrolimus was noted at 10 mg/kg/day (0.66X MRHD based on AUC comparisons), the highest dose evaluated in this study. No teratogenicity was noted in this study at any dose. A combined oral fertility and embryofetal developmental study was conducted in rats and an oral embryofetal developmental study was conducted in rabbits. Pimecrolimus was administered during the period of organogenesis (2 weeks prior to mating until gestational day 16 in rats, gestational days 6-18 in rabbits) up to dose levels of 45 mg/kg/day in rats and 20 mg/kg/day in rabbits. In the absence of maternal toxicity, indicators of embryofetal toxicity (post-implantation loss and reduction in litter size) were noted at 45 mg/kg/day (38X MRHD based on AUC comparisons) in the oral fertility and embryofetal developmental study conducted in rats. No malformations in the fetuses were noted at 45 mg/kg/day (38X MRHD based on AUC comparisons) in this study. No maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity or teratogenicity were noted in the oral rabbit embryofetal developmental toxicity study at 20 mg/kg/day (3.9X MRHD based on AUC comparisons), which was the highest dose tested in this study. A second oral embryofetal development study was conducted in rats. Pimecrolimus was administered during the period of organogenesis (gestational days 6 – 17) at doses of 2, 10 and 45 mg/kg/day. Maternal toxicity, embryolethality and fetotoxicity were noted at 45 mg/kg/day (271X MRHD based on AUC comparisons). A slight increase in skeletal variations that were indicative of delayed skeletal ossification was also noted at this dose. No maternal toxicity, embryolethality or fetotoxicity were noted at 10 mg/kg/day (16X MRHD based on AUC comparisons). No teratogenicity was noted in this study at any dose. A second oral embryofetal development study was conducted in rabbits. Pimecrolimus was administered during the period of organogenesis (gestational days 7 – 20) at doses of 2, 6 and 20 mg/kg/day. Maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity and fetotoxicity were noted at 20 mg/kg/day (12X MRHD based on AUC comparisons). A slight increase in skeletal variations that were indicative of delayed skeletal ossification was also noted at this dose. No maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity or fetotoxicity were noted at 6 mg/kg/day (5X MRHD based on AUC comparisons). No teratogenicity was noted in this study at any dose. An oral peri- and postnatal developmental study was conducted in rats. Pimecrolimus was administered from gestational day 6 through lactational day 21 up to a dose level of 40 mg/kg/day. Only 2 of 22 females delivered live pups at the highest dose of 40 mg/kg/day. Postnatal survival, development of the F1 generation, their subsequent maturation and fertility were not affected at 10 mg/kg/day (12X MRHD based on AUC comparisons), the highest dose evaluated in this study. Pimecrolimus was transferred across the placenta in oral rat and rabbit embryofetal developmental studies.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Medicare Part D coverage

How Pimecrolimus appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

65%

3,592 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 4

On 55% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

38%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 1 (preferred generic)61
22%
Tier 2 (generic)60
21%
Tier 3 (preferred brand)6
2%
Tier 4 (non-preferred brand)155
55%

Step therapy: 9% of formularies

Quantity limits: 77% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 282 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

PayerPAStep therapyCopay tier

Medicare Part D

Related drugs

How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.