Medicines labeled for the same conditions
Alternatives to pimecrolimus
7 other medicines are given the same way (topical) and in the same FDA class as pimecrolimus or labeled mainly for the same use (eczema (atopic dermatitis)); 1 is in its class, calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressants: tacrolimus; the others include 2 phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, 2 janus kinase inhibitors and 1 corticosteroid (FDA labels read October 8, 2026). In the same class, the lowest pharmacy cost is $0.970 per gram (Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment) (what pharmacies paid in the NADAC survey; strengths differ).
Which medicines are labeled for the same conditions as pimecrolimus?
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) lists all 26 medicines labeled for it, by any route. Each row shows the conditions both labels name. They are listed as public records, not as substitutes: whether one can replace another depends on the person and is a prescriber's decision.
| Medicine and FDA class | Shared indication | Generic labelers (topical) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pimecrolimuscalcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant | this medicine | 2 labelers | $3.31 per gram 1% cream | Yes | No current entry |
| Tacrolimuscalcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant · same class | Eczema (atopic dermatitis) | 4 labelers | $0.970 per gram 0.1% ointment | Yes | No current entry |
| Oatmeal | Eczema (atopic dermatitis) | none listed | n/a | No | No current entry |
| Desonidecorticosteroid | Eczema (atopic dermatitis) | 12 labelers | $0.252 per gram 0.05% cream | No | No current entry |
| Crisaborolephosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor | Eczema (atopic dermatitis) | none listed | $11.68 per gram 2% ointment | No | No current entry |
| Delgocitinibjanus kinase inhibitor | Eczema (atopic dermatitis) | none listed | n/a | No | No current entry |
| Difamilastphosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor | Eczema (atopic dermatitis) | none listed | n/a | No | No current entry |
| Ruxolitinibjanus kinase inhibitor | Eczema (atopic dermatitis) | none listed | $34.01 per gram 1.5% cream | No | No current entry |
Source: FDA drug labels (indications) via openFDA; FDA NDC Directory; CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay for each?
The headline NADAC price per unit of each medicine's most widely listed form; strengths differ, so compare like with like on each record.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price
What next?
- Pimecrolimus: the full record
- label, generics, price, shortages, recalls