Emla Cream

Lignocaine / Prilocaine

30gm tube containing 2.5% lignocaine and 2.5% prilocaine

Emla Cream Uses

Emla Cream contains 2 amide-type local anesthetics, lidocaine and prilocaine. It is used on normal, unbroken skin or on the outer genital area to prevent pain before certain procedures such as inserting a needle, skin grafts, or skin laser surgery. It works by temporarily numbing the skin and surrounding area. Do not use Emla Cream in the ears.

If Emla Cream alone cannot completely numb the area being treated, it may be used to numb the area before a lidocaine injection is given to provide enough pain relief for certain procedures (e.g., removal of genital warts).

How To Use Emla Cream

This medicine comes with a Patient Information Leaflet. Read it carefully for instructions on how to use Emla Cream. Ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

Use Emla Cream only on normal skin and the genital area. Do not apply to broken/irritated skin or open wounds unless directed by your physician. Wash your hands before using Emla Cream.

Apply Emla Cream to the area at the proper time as directed. The length of time for the medication to stay on the skin depends on the type of procedure you are having. It is usually applied at least 1 hour before needle sticks and 2 hours before minor skin procedures. It may be applied by a health care professional before certain genital procedures. In this case, it is recommended that you remain lying down so the medication will stay in place.

To apply, squeeze out the prescribed amount of cream directly onto the skin. You can also squeeze it onto a measuring guide to make sure you get the right dose and then apply it to the area. Do not rub in. Cover with an airtight dressing/bandage as directed by your physician. Allow the cream to remain in place, usually in a thick layer, as directed by your physician. Remove the dressing and cream and clean the area thoroughly, usually shortly before the procedure or as directed by your physician.

Dosage and length of application time are based on your age and medical condition and the procedure you are having. In children, dosage may also be based on weight. Do not use larger amounts than prescribed, do not use on large areas of skin, or leave it in place for longer than directed since the chance for serious side effects may be increased.

If you are applying Emla Cream on a child, make sure the medication stays in place and that your child does not put the medication or dressing/bandage in his/her mouth. You may want to use a second covering to prevent the child from touching the cream.

Wash hands immediately after use unless you are treating an area on the hands. Avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, ears, or mouth. If Emla Cream gets in the eyes, rinse the affected eye immediately and completely with water or saline. Numbness in the eye can lead to injury because you cannot feel particles in the eye or other dangers. Therefore, protect the eye until feeling returns.

The area may be numb for several hours after the procedure. Protect the area from injury. Be careful not to bump, rub, or scratch the area or expose it to heat/cold until feeling returns.

Emla Cream Side Effects

Redness, swelling, tingling/burning, or lightening of the skin may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your physician or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your physician has prescribed Emla Cream because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Emla Cream do not have serious side effects.

Notify your physician immediately if you develop blistering of the skin where the medication is applied.

Remove the cream and tell your physician immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• slow/shallow breathing
• pale/bluish skin around the mouth/lips
• dizziness
• fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
• mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, nervousness)
• seizures
• severe drowsiness

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Emla Cream Interactions

Your physician or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your physician or pharmacist first.

Before using Emla Cream, tell your physician or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: