Possible cancer link between eczema drugs and cancer
By Elizabeth Rhein
Published on March 24, 2006
The eczema drugs in question, Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus) must carry the FDA's strongest warning, delineated by a "black box" on the warning label, after the agency received numerous reports of skin cancer and lymphoma among users.
The new label cautions that the eczema medications should only be used if less harsh topical corticosterioids have already failed to improve the patient's condition. In addition, the FDA has stressed that people with immune system disorders and pregnant women should not use either Protopic or Elidel.
This latest warning follows last year's findings by the FDA's Pediatric Drugs Advisory Committee, when it recommended a less severe boxed warning indicating a possible risk of cancer.
Both Novartis Pharmeceuticals, maker of Elidel, and Astellas Pharma Inc., producer of Protopic, insist that their drugs are safe when taken as directed.
The FDA plans on studying both eczema drugs to find out how strong the possible link to cancer may be, but research is expected to take several years.
If you are currently taking these or other medications to treat eczema, you should talk to your doctor about the best course of action.
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