FDA Rules in Favor of Cancer Warnings Over Eczema Creams

US authorities have ruled two eczema creams should carry warnings that they may increase the risk of cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration said research had shown that Elidel and Protopic may pose a cancer risk when absorbed into the body.

It said babies should not be treated with the creams at all.

The view is strongly disputed by the manufacturers, Novartis, which makes Elidel, and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical, which makes Protopic.

The FDA is working on a "black box" warning for the creams - the strongest warning carried by medicines in the US.

In a statement it said animal studies had shown a potential link with cancer.

There were also reports of seven cases of lymphoma and six of skin cancer among children and adults treated with Elidel or Protopic.

Both creams work by suppressing the immune system. Depressing immune activity in this way is known to potentially contribute to cancer.