Elidel and Skin Cancer

Since the FDA approved Elidel, several cases of lymphoma and skin cancer have been reported in patients. Elidel is classified as an immunosuppressant, which can lower a patient's normal immune response, making the user susceptible to a variety of diseases and cancers.

With research and reports linking Elidel ointment to skin cancer, the FDA recommends patients only use the cream prescription as a last resort and then only for a limited time. Elidel should not be used by those with a weakened immune system and never be used on babies under two years old. It should also not be used continuously for a long time.

Elidel is manufactured and marketed by Novartis.

On January 19, 2006, the FDA approved updated labeling for Elidel. The new label includes a boxed warning about the possible risk of cancer and includes a note that Elidel is recommended only after other prescription topical medicines have been tried.

It is alleged that Elidel has been linked to various types of skin cancer and other skin disorders, including Vitiligo, a skin disorder caused by an attack on the immune system often brought on by immunosuppressant drugs. Vitiligo results in a loss of skin pigmentation leaving white, milky skin patches.

Furthermore, Elidel has been linked to Skin Cancer, T-Cell Lymphoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL), Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, breast cancer and cancer in general.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer (90 percent), affecting 800,000 people in the U.S. each year. Typically this cancer occurs in parts of the body that are not exposed to sunlight. Basal cell carcinoma often resembles eczema or psoriasis.

There are over 30 types of Lymphoma, including 5 types of Hodgkin's lymphoma and 25 types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These lymphomas start in the lymph nodes and symptoms include swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, lack of energy. Similar to basal cell carcinoma, there are many causes of lymphoma, including weakened immune functions.

Lawsuits against Novartis, maker of Elidel, allege the company did not adequately warn about the risk of cancer when the drug first came on the market. Some Elidel lawsuits further allege Novartis knew about the risk of cancer but did not include a warning about that risk until the FDA requested a black box warning. Finally, Elidel lawsuits allege that Elidel was marketed as safer than other methods of treating eczema.

Elidel Skin Cancer

If you have or a loved on has suffered from cancer and have used Elidel skin cream, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible class action lawsuit. Please fill in our form on the right to send your story to a lawyer who will review your complaint at no charge.

Posted by
Chavonne Patterson
on June 23, 2022

I was prescribed with Elidel in 2/23/2003. I have disfigured hands, discoloration, swollen lymph nodes and thyroid issues, Rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune issues, constant infections, weakness, Asthma and breathing issues, constantly tired, and severe depression, teeth falling out, dark colored skin around my neck that looks like Cancer. My doctor sent me to an Oncologist for a year to monitor my labs, because I have high blood cell counts from infections from Elidel. I have to pry my fingers a part, because they get stiff and crippled. I have been sent to a endocrinologist surgeon and Rheumatoid specialists. My doctor don't want to take responsibility for the Elidel he prescribed me. Im really messed up and no one will help me. I filed complaints with Medwatch and the FDA. The FDA is responsible for this too, because they approved this crippling medicine.

Posted by
New York
on August 19, 2011

I have Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer and possibly breast cancer as well (still being tested).

Posted by
Illinois
on December 1, 2008

I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Jan 2007. I missed much work and had to give up my spot in our company's apprenticeship program due to treatments. As a result of medical bills and missing work, our family had to file bankruptcy in July 2007. For the rest of my life I will worry about my cancer coming out of remission.

Posted by
Florida
on November 23, 2008

In 2008, my five year daughter was diagnosed with a massive melanoma brain tumor. She has had two brain surgeries and undergone 6 rounds of aggressive chemo as well as 3 stem cell transplants and various other surgeries and transfusions.

Posted by
Kansas
on March 25, 2008

I began using Elidel in 2003 for over 2 years on my breasts for a rash. Prescription provided by Allergist. In June of 2005 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.

Posted by
Nebraska
on February 11, 2008

I was prescribed Elidel by a PA in Michigan 3 years ago for Dermatitis. Since moving to Lincoln Nebraska 2 years ago, I have had one basil cell removed and many pre-cancerous cells frozen on my face. Tonight, I had biopsies for two additional spots. I finally put two and two together and realized that I have been taking Elidel for the last 3 years. I looked it up on the internet and surprise! I am very upset needless to say.

Posted by
Texas
on June 11, 2007

I just found out today from another soldier about Elidel. My son has been using this since he was 2 (he's now 10 yrs old) Everytime I called in to get him an appt for headaches or chest pain or colds that just didnt seem to go away, I was told to get him over the counter cold medicine or just make him rest. I have an appt 12 June 07 at 830, less than 24 hrs after finding out about this. I pray my son is ok and does not have any effects caused by this product but you can rest assured that we will never use it again, regardless of the outcome of the doctor's appt.