Crisaborole

Generic name: crisaborole topical
Brand name: Eucrisa
Dosage form: topical ointment (2%)
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

What is crisaborole?

Crisaborole is a prescription medicine that is used to treat eczema.

Description

EUCRISA contains 2% crisaborole (w/w) in a petrolatum-based, white to off-white ointment and is for topical use. The active ingredient, crisaborole, is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor.

Crisaborole is described chemically as 5-(4-cyanophenoxy)-1,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-[2,1]-benzoxaborole. The empirical formula is C14H10BNO3 and the molecular weight is 251.1 g/mol.

The structural formula is represented below:

Crisaborole drug substance is freely soluble in common organic solvents such as isopropyl alcohol and propylene glycol, and insoluble in water.

Each gram of EUCRISA contains 20 mg of crisaborole in an ointment containing white petrolatum, propylene glycol, mono- and di-glycerides, paraffin, butylated hydroxytoluene, and edetate calcium disodium.

Mechanism of Action

Crisaborole is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE-4) inhibitor. PDE-4 inhibition results in increased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. The specific mechanism(s) by which crisaborole exerts its therapeutic action for the treatment of atopic dermatitis is not well defined.

Before taking crisaborole, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to crisaborole; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take crisaborole with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take crisaborole?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take crisaborole. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is crisaborole best taken?

Use crisaborole as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take crisaborole by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Do not put in the vagina.
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected part.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of crisaborole that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad irritation where crisaborole is used.

What are some other side effects of crisaborole?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Burning.
• Stinging.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out crisaborole?

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.