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Safety and efficacy of topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in patients previously treated with corticosteroids

Data from three 6-week, multicenter, randomized, investigator-blinded studies were analyzed to compare the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream in patients previously treated with topical corticosteroids. Data were collated from 347 patients (adults and children); there were 171 in the tacrolimus group and 176 in the pimecrolimus group. Tacrolimus ointment was more effective than pimecrolimus on all measures reported. On the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI), the percentage decrease from baseline was greater for tacrolimus (53.2% vs. 33.7%; p = 0.00002); the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) rating of 'clear' or 'almost clear' was 36.8% versus 21.7% (p = 0.002) and the patients' assessment of itch by visual analogue scale ...