EUCRISA Q&A

WHAT IS EUCRISA OINTMENT AND HOW DOES EUCRISA WORK?

Eucrisa ointment (crisaborole ointment 2%) is the first NEW FDA-approved topical prescription treatment for eczema in over a decade. Eucrisa is a steroid-FREE, fragrance-free, PABA-free, paraban-free, ointment specifically developed to treat atopic dermatitis  (eczema). Eucrisa ointment, manufactured by Pfizer. The FDA has approved Eucrisa ointment for short-term and intermittent long-term therapy for patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in ages 2 and up, and can be used from the nose to the toes (Do NOT use in eyes, mouth or vagina).

Eucrisa is a unique topical ointment that works both above and below the skin to treat eczema. In addition to the skin changes you can see on the surface of the skin, eczema also causes irritation deep below that is not visible. The active ingredient in Eucrisa, crisaborole 2%, works not only on the surface but also works below deep within your skin cells to block phosphodiesterase4 (PDE4) enzymes.

HOW DOES EUCRISA DIFFER FROM TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROIDS?

Eucrisa ointment is the NEWEST non steroidal topical treatment for eczema. It is safe and effective for intermittent LONG–TERM treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children and adults ages 2 and up. Corticosteroid topical treatments can not be used for longer than 2 consecutive weeks.

In addition, unlike corticosteroids, Eucrisa is safe for dermatologic use ANYWHERE on the body including the face (not in the mouth), neck, around the eyes (not in the eye), groin (not in the vagina) or in skin folds. Topical corticosteroids can not be used on the face, groin or in skin folds.Eucrisa is skin-selective and, unlike corticosteroids, targets and blocks the PDE4 enzymes in the skin cells.

Finally, unlike corticosteroids, Eucrisa demonstrates NO cutaneous atrophy or adrenal suppression. Eucrisa ointment is not associated with the side effects associated with topical steroids such as skin thinning, stretch marks and skin discoloration. Eucrisa offers a SAFE and EFFECTIVE long term treatment option alternative to those suffering from moderate to severe eczema.

WHAT IS ECZEMA?

Over 15 million Americans  suffer from the chronic, life-altering disease of atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema.  Eczema is characterized by painfully dry, red, itchy, and flaky skin. The condition may be localized or affect many aread of the body.

Eczema is a complex condition and there is usually no one single cause. External Factors such as climate, contact with irritants, clothing fibers as well as Internal Factors such as stress, diet and medications can affect eczema outbreaks. Most people with eczema, atopic dermatitis, have family members with similar problems or history of allergies, hay fever and asthma, about 20% have no family history.

Eczema often presents itself in childhood or young adults but can occur at any age. In fact, about 50% of patients are affected throughout life. Eczema is NOT contagious. Eczema typically affects the inside of the elbows, back of knees and the face, but it can cover most of the body. The severity of the conditions ranges from a few dry red ITCHY patches to widespread involvement.  The itching may be so intense that patients often scratch until their skin bleeds and crusts.  When this happens the skin can get infected. DO NOT USE Eucrisa ointment IF YOUR ECZEMA LESIONS ARE INFLAMED, WEEPING OR INFECTED!

WHO CAN USE EUCRISA?

EUCRISA is a new kind of treatment that offers hope to children and adults ages 2 and up suffering from moderate-to-severe eczema. Eucrisa can be used for all ethnicities and skin tones. Eucrisa is not a steroid and won’t cause thinning of your skin and can be used topically from head to toe on any part of the body except do NOT use in your eyes, mouth or vagina.

WHERE AND HOW OFTEN DO I USE EUCRISA OINTMENT?

EUCRISA 2% ointment is simply and easy to use and can be used on your skin wherever you have eczema from your face to your toes and almost everywhere in between. Eucrisa is for topical use only. Do not use in your eyes, mouth or vagina.

• Apply a thin layer of Eucrisa ointment to the affected areas 2 times a day about 12 hours apart.
• Wash your hands after applying Eucrisa. If someone is applying the Eucrisa for you, they should wash their hands after applying Eucrisa.

CAN EUCRISA BE SAFELY APPLIED TO THE EYELID AREA?

EUCRISA, unlike topical steroids, can be used safely on all parts of the body including the face, neck, hands, groin, axillae areas and on the eyelids. Avoid getting ointment directly in the eye. Eucrisa ointment is for EXTERNAL TOPICAL use only. Do not use in eyes, mouth or vagina.

CAN I CONTINUE TO USE MOISTURIZERS WITH EUCRISA OINTMENT?

Eczema is often accompanied by dry skin so it is important to keep keep your skin well hydrated. Eucrisa combines the active ingredient crisaborole in a proprietary emollient-rich vehicle ointment, which creates a good barrier to help lock in moisture and soften the skin. When applying Eucrisa after a bath or shower, make sure any moisturizers are well absorbed and your skin is completely dry before applying Eucrisa ointment. Applying Eucrisa and moisturizers on the same location were not studied by Pfizer. Do not cover the skin with occlusive dressings or bandages and do not apply any other type of skin product on top of the Eucrisa ointment.

CAN EUCRISA BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TOPICAL PRESCRIPTIONS?

EUCRISA ointment should not be combined with any other topical skin products or topical prescription medications. Do not apply any other type of skin products on top of Eucrisa ointment.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR EUCRISA TO WORK?

Based on clinical trials, EUCRISA can produce visible improvement in as few as 8 days while more saw improvement after 28 days. Most start to notice that their skin starts to heal after the first weeks of treatment and continues to improve as they keep using the ointment. Regardless of whether you see rapid improvement or not, you should continue to use Eucrisa as needed.

DOES EUCRISA CURE ECZEMA? HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO USE EUCRISA?

Eczema CANNOT be cured, but it can be controlled. Eucrisa ointment can be used  for short term and intermittent long term use. Therefore, even though your skin may start to heal and feel better within the first few weeks of treatment. After resolutions of signs and symptoms Eucrisa ointment usage should be stopped. Eczema or atopic dermatitis can recur within several weeks of stopping treatment. Since Eucrisa has been approved for long term use and it is not a steroid, you can intermittently continue to treat eczema outbreaks.  Eucrisa ointment treatment should be initiated at the first signs of redness and symptoms of itching to control flare ups. IF YOU NOTICE THAT YOUR ECZEMA GETS WORSE OR GETS INFECTED WEEPING WITHIN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF TREATMENT, STOP EUCRISA AND CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION!

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS of EUCRISA?

The most common side effects of Eucrisa ointment is temporary pain, burning and stinging at the application site which resolves within one day for over 78% of patients.

Less commonly, Eucrisa may cause allergic reactions at or near the application site which can be serious and may include hives, itching, selling and redness. If you have any of these symptoms, STOP using Eucrisa and get medical help right away.

If you have any concerns or and side effects continue or become a problem,  you should see your doctor.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EUCRISA?

• Eucrisa is to be used externally only.
• Eucrisa is NOT to be be used in the eye, mouth or vagina.
• Do not give Eucrisa to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. Especially do NOT use in a child under age 18 unless specifically prescribed for that child by a pediatric specialist and is being directly monitored.

WHO SHOULD NOT USE EUCRISA?

Do NOT use Eucrisa if you are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant . It is not known if Eucrisa will harm your unborn baby.
Do NOT use Eucrisa if you are breastfeeding. It is not known if Eucrisa passes into your breast milk.
Do NOT use Eucrisa if your eczema lesions are inflamed, weeping or infected. Eucrisa is for mild-to-moderate eczema only. If you experience signs of infection, discontinue use of Eucrisa and consult your primary physician or dermatologist immediately!

Although Eucrisa is approved for children over age 2 years, we do not prescribe Eucrisa online to anyone under the age of 18. Children under the age of 18 need direct supervision and monitoring by a pediatric specialist.