About Picon Cream

Picon Cream is used to prevent allergies, including swelling, itching, redness, heat, and pain caused by certain skin problems such as dermatitis (itchy, swelling of the skin) and eczema (itchy, cracked, swollen or rough skin). Eczema is a condition in which skin patches become inflamed, itchy, cracked and rough. Dermatitis is a skin condition that causes itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin.

Picon Cream contains Pimecrolimus works by stopping the immune system from producing chemical substances that may cause eczema. When the skin reacts to any type of allergens, such chemical substances are released normally. It acts inside the skin cells and causes inflammation and characteristic redness and itching of eczema. Picon Cream is used to treat swelling, itching, redness, heat, and pain caused by skin problems such as eczema or atopic dermatitis (itchy, cracked, swollen or rough skin).

Use Picon Cream as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will advise the appropriate dose depending on your medical condition. Avoid contact of Picon Cream with nose, mouth, or eyes. If Picon Cream comes into contact with these areas accidentally, rinse it with water thoroughly. Common side effects of Picon Cream include burning, irritation, itching, and redness at the application site. Most of these side effects of Picon Cream do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

Avoid using Picon Cream if you are allergic to it. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, you are advised to consult your doctor before using Picon Cream. Do not use Picon Cream in more than prescribed doses or for a prolonged time as it may cause adverse effects. Avoid consuming alcohol while using Picon Cream as it can make your skin (particularly on your face) flushed or red and feel hot. If you have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised), have erythroderma (redness of almost the entire body), or a skin condition called Netherton’s syndrome (a disorder that affects the skin, hair and immune system) and skin malignancies (tumours), and skin infections (including chickenpox or herpes), inform your doctor before starting Picon Cream.

Uses of Picon Cream

Treatment of Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Medicinal Benefits

Picon Cream contains Pimecrolimus is a class of medications called topical calcineurin inhibitors with anti-inflammatory properties, specifically treating inflammation of the skin called atopic dermatitis (eczema). It works by stopping the immune system from producing chemical substances that may cause eczema. When the skin reacts to any type of allergens, such chemical substances are released normally. It acts inside the skin cells and causes inflammation and characteristic redness and itching of eczema. Picon Cream is used to treat swelling, itching, redness, heat, and pain caused by certain skin problems such as eczema or atopic dermatitis (itchy, cracked, swollen, or rough skin) in children (aged 2 years and above), teenagers, and adults. When used to treat early signs and symptoms, Picon Cream can prevent progression to severe flare-ups.

Directions for Use

Picon Cream is only for external use. Take a small amount of Picon Cream on the fingertip and apply it as a thin layer on the clean and dry affected area as prescribed by your doctor. Avoid contact of Picon Cream with nose, mouth or eyes. In case Picon Cream comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Wash your hands before and after using Picon Cream if your hands are not the affected area to prevent the spread of infection.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Picon Cream

Mild irritation
Skin redness
Burning sensation at the site of application

In-depth Information

Drug Warnings

Do not use Picon Cream to areas of the skin affected by an active viral infection such as cold sores (herpes simplex) or chickenpox. Picon Cream may be associated with an increased risk of severe herpes simplex skin infection (eczema herpeticum). Therefore if you develop painful sores anywhere on your body, tell your doctor immediately. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Picon Cream. Picon Cream is not recommended for children below 2 years of age. Avoid using Picon Cream on open wounds, windburned, sunburned, irritated, or dry skin. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with a bandage unless your doctor advises, as it may cause harmful effects. Avoid contact of topical Picon Cream with nose, mouth, or eyes as it may irritate. If Picon Cream comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) that is in contact with Picon Cream catches fire and burns easily. If you have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised), have erythroderma (redness of almost the entire body), or a skin condition called Netherton’s syndrome (a disorder that affects the skin, hair and immune system), and skin malignancies (tumours), please inform your doctor before starting Picon Cream. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, and tanning beds while using Picon Cream. If you are outdoors after applying Picon Cream, wear loose-fitting clothing, and appropriate sunscreen, and minimise the time you spend in the sun.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Picon Cream may interact with antifungals (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole), calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), antiulcer (cimetidine) antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin, metronidazole), androgenic hormones (danazol), immunosuppressant (cyclosporine), HIV protease inhibitors (indinavir, ritonavir, delavirdine), anti-TB (isoniazid), an antidepressant (nefazodone, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine), oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

Drug-Food Interaction: Picon Cream may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid the consumption of alcohol with Picon Cream.

Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have skin areas that have cancers or pre-cancers, Netherton's syndrome, skin infections (including chickenpox or herpes), or a weak immune system, inform your doctor before taking Picon Cream.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

FLUCONAZOLE
ITRACONAZOLE
KETOCONAZOLE
DILTIAZEM
VERAPAMIL
CIMETIDINE
CLARITHROMYCIN
ERYTHROMYCIN
TROLEANDOMYCIN
METRONIDAZOLE
DANAZOL
CYCLOSPORINE
INDINAVIR
RITONAVIR
DELAVIRDINE
ISONIAZID
NEFAZODONE
FLUOXETINE
FLUVOXAMINE

Habit Forming

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

Eat foods rich in quercetin (a flavonoid), such as apples, cherries, broccoli, spinach and blueberries.
Consuming food rich in probiotics helps in developing the immune system against allergies.
Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies, such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.
Avoid the consumption of foods with excess sugar as it may flare up inflammation.
Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fish in your diet.
Reducing stress and maintaining a regular sleep pattern would be helpful.
Avoiding getting in contact with harsh soaps, detergents and rough fabrics.
Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths. Avoid harsh products on your skin.
Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.

Special Advise

Avoid contact of Picon Cream with nose, mouth or eyes. In case Picon Cream comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
If you have extensive eczema, you may need to stop using Picon Cream before having any vaccinations. Your doctor will be able to tell you if this is necessary.
Consult your doctor if no improvement occurs after 2 weeks or if your eczema gets worse.
Do not apply Picon Cream to areas of the skin affected by an active viral infection such as cold sores (herpes simplex) or chickenpox.
Do not use Picon Cream without a break for a long time unless told to do so by the doctor.

Patients Concern

Disease/Condition Glossary

Atopic dermatitis (eczema): is a skin inflammatory condition characterized by red and itchy rashes. The most common cause of eczema is allergies. Contact with soaps, dyes, chemicals or other irritants may trigger rashes. Avoiding the triggers helps to prevent flare-ups of eczema. Dermatitis is a common skin condition associated with dry, itchy or swollen skin.

Safety Advice

Alcohol

UNSAFE

Do not drink alcohol while using Picon Cream. It can make your skin (particularly on your face) become flushed or red and feel hot.

Pregnancy

CAUTION

Picon Cream is a Category C pregnancy drug. If you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before using Picon Cream. Your doctor prescribes this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Breast Feeding

CAUTION

Picon Cream is safe to use while nursing. Human studies indicate that the medication does not transfer into the breastmilk in large amounts and is not dangerous to the baby.

Driving

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Picon Cream usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Liver

CAUTION

If you have a history of liver disease, please consult your doctor before using Picon Cream.

Kidney

CAUTION

If you have a history of kidney disease, please consult your doctor before using Picon Cream.

Children

CAUTION

Picon Cream is not recommended for children below 2 years. However, for children above 2 years, Picon Cream should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.