Question 1

Does Eucrisa come as a cream or only as an ointment?

Accepted Answer

Eucrisa is only available as an ointment, not as a cream. Being a topical medication, it is applied directly to the skin. Ointments are beneficial because they help retain moisture in the skin and provide a protective barrier, which can be particularly useful for managing symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common form of eczema. These symptoms often include dry, crusted, or irritated skin. If you have any questions about using Eucrisa or other treatment options for AD, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor.

Question 2

Does Eucrisa treat psoriasis, acne, or rosacea?

Accepted Answer

Eucrisa is not approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acne, psoriasis, or rosacea. While atopic dermatitis (AD), which Eucrisa is approved to treat, can share some symptoms with these conditions, and even some treatments like topical corticosteroids, they are distinct in their own ways. Currently, Eucrisa is only approved for treating mild to moderate AD in adults & children 3 months and older. However, a recent clinical study has shown that crisaborole 2% ointment, which has the same active ingredient as Eucrisa, was effective in treating psoriasis, specifically in sensitive areas such as the face, skin folds (like the groin) and skin around the anus or external genitals. Based on this, doctors might consider prescribing Eucrisa off-label for psoriasis in these areas and potentially for other skin conditions like rosacea. If you have psoriasis, acne, or rosacea, it’s important to consult with your doctor to discuss the best treatment options for your specific skin condition.

Question 3

How quickly does Eucrisa (crisaborole) work to clear eczema?

Accepted Answer

Eucrisa (crisaborole) typically begins to show results in treating eczema within a week for some people, according to clinical studies. However, it usually takes about 4 weeks of consistent use to see significant improvements, with skin becoming clear or almost clear. It’s important not to get discouraged if you don’t notice immediate improvement. Consistency in following the treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider is crucial. If you are using Eucrisa and feel that it is not working effectively for you, discuss this with your healthcare provider to potentially adjust your treatment strategy.

Question 4

Can I use lotions and moisturizers with Eucrisa (crisaborole)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use lotions and moisturizers with Eucrisa (crisaborole), but it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider first. Because the effectiveness and absorption of Eucrisa can be influenced by other products applied to the same area, your provider can guide you on the best practices for using them together. They can recommend whether it’s safe to apply other creams or lotions concurrently and how best to incorporate them into your skincare routine to ensure Eucrisa remains effective.

Question 5

Is cancer a side effect of Eucrisa?

Accepted Answer

Cancer is not known to be a side effect of Eucrisa. There have been no reports of cancer in the clinical trials for Eucrisa, nor have there been any reported cases since it was approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016. However, it’s important to note that other treatments for atopic dermatitis, like pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) and tacrolimus ointment (Protopic), have been linked to potential cancer risks. These medications come with a boxed warning, the strongest warning issued by the FDA, due to rare reports of skin cancer and lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) associated with long-term use. If you have concerns about using Eucrisa or the risk of cancer, it is essential to discuss these with your doctor. They may provide detailed information about the risks and benefits associated with using Eucrisa for your condition.