Reference guide
Elidel: alternatives in France and what can replace it
Elidel is often searched for as gone from Russian pharmacies. It does not exist in France, so it cannot be obtained from there. Below is what the French BDPM database has in the same class and in other groups of topical treatments for atopic dermatitis. This is a reference, not a recommendation: a dermatologist decides on any substitution.
Published 24 October 2026.
What Elidel is
Elidel is a 1 % pimecrolimus cream. It is a non-steroidal topical calcineurin inhibitor: it suppresses skin inflammation but is not a corticosteroid. It is used for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema), including on sensitive areas such as the face, neck and skin folds.
Is Elidel sold in France
No. Pimecrolimus is not registered in France: BDPM lists neither Elidel nor any other medicine with it. Elidel cannot be ordered from France, and LekInfo does not offer that.
The only medicine of the same class registered in France is topical tacrolimus, Protopic ointment (known in Russia as Protopik).
Elidel and Protopic: the differences
Like Elidel, Protopic is a non-steroidal calcineurin inhibitor, but it is a different active ingredient in a different form: an ointment, not a cream. The two are not automatically interchangeable; a doctor decides whether Protopic suits.
- Ingredient: pimecrolimus in Elidel, tacrolimus in Protopic.
- Form: Elidel is a 1 % cream; Protopic is a 0.03 % and 0.1 % ointment.
- Indications: Protopic is used for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis when topical corticosteroids are not effective enough or not suitable.
- Age: Protopic 0.03 % is for adults and children from 2 years, 0.1 % from 16 years.
- Burning and itching at the application site are common at the start of treatment; the skin is protected from sunlight during treatment.
- In France Protopic is prescription-only; according to BDPM it is prescribed by dermatologists and allergists.
Other topical treatments for atopic dermatitis
Moisturisers (emollients) for daily care remain the basis of treatment. For flares a doctor may prescribe a topical corticosteroid of suitable potency; France has, for example, Locoid (hydrocortisone butyrate), the same medicine as Lokoid in Russia, and Tridesonit (desonide). In severe disease a dermatologist discusses systemic treatment.
What France has instead of Elidel
Protopic 0.03 % and 0.1 %
tacrolimus ointment
The same class as Elidel: a calcineurin inhibitor. Prescription only.
The 0.03 % ointment is for adults and children from 2 years, the 0.1 % from 16 years. It is used for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis; a doctor sets the strength and regimen, including maintenance application.
Locoid
hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1 %
Another class: a topical corticosteroid. Prescription only.
Cream, ointment, emulsion and lotion; the same medicine is called Lokoid in Russia. It is used in short courses for flares as prescribed.
Tridesonit
desonide 0.05 % cream
Another class: a topical corticosteroid. Prescription only.
A desonide cream, a low-potency corticosteroid. A doctor decides whether it suits and for how long.
Questions and answers
Is there an Elidel equivalent in France?
France has no pimecrolimus medicines. The only topical calcineurin inhibitor there is Protopic (tacrolimus ointment 0.03 % and 0.1 %). It is a different ingredient, so a doctor decides on substitution.
Can Elidel be ordered from France?
No: Elidel is not registered in France and BDPM does not list it. LekInfo works only with medicines present in the French database and does not sell medicines.
How does Protopic differ from Elidel?
In the active ingredient (tacrolimus instead of pimecrolimus), the form (ointment instead of cream) and the indications: Protopic is used for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, 0.03 % from 2 years and 0.1 % from 16 years.
Is Protopic a steroid?
No. Like Elidel, Protopic is a calcineurin inhibitor and contains no corticosteroid.
Why is Elidel missing from pharmacies?
LekInfo does not track supply or stock in Russian pharmacies. If the medicine stays unavailable, discuss a substitute with a dermatologist: a medicine of the same class or another topical treatment.
How do I get a consultation about Protopic?
Send a manager a request with the medicine and the strength from your prescription. They check the BDPM details and French dispensing conditions free of charge and explain the possible ways to obtain it.
This is reference information, not medical advice, advertising or an offer to sell. Medicines with another ingredient or of another class are not interchangeable; prescribing and substitution are a doctor’s decisions. Source: BDPM (ANSM).