Emla 5% Cream 5g

EMLA contains two active substances called lidocaine and prilocaine. These belong to a group of medicines called local anaesthetics.

Feature and Benefits

• Cream is suitable for use on Adults and Children as per the instructions.
• The cream is used as an anaesthetic on your skin before minor skin operations.
• Please read the Patient Information Leaflet

EMLA cream 5%

EMLA 5% 5g tube contains two active substances called lidocaine and prilocaine. These belong to a group of medicines called local anaesthetics.

What is EMLA cream 5%?

EMLA Cream is an anaesthetic cream that can be used to numb areas of skin before injections or minor procedures. It can be used by both adults and children and is perfect for kids who are scared of needles and need a way to reduce pain when they have an injection.

When would I need to use numbing cream?

There are many reasons why you may use an anaesthetic cream, including many minor procedures. Some of the most common reasons why people use this product include:

• Getting a needle
• Donating blood
• Minor skin operations
• Removal of warts
• Cleansing or removal of leg ulcers
• Having a cannula inserted

Can I use EMLA Cream when I’m getting a tattoo?

EMLA Cream is a numbing agent and some people use it to ease their pain when they’re getting a tattoo. However, we’d recommend asking your doctor or pharmacist before doing this for yourself, to make sure that it’s the right option for you. You should also let your tattoo artist know that you’re planning on using EMLA Cream so they can make any adjustments they may need to make sure your tattoo is perfect.

How does EMLA Cream 5% work to numb my skin?

EMLA Cream contains two local anaesthetics, lidocaine and prilocaine, which both works to numb the surface of the skin. When this happens, you won’t be able to feel pain, but may still be able to feel pressure and touch, making this perfect for minor procedures or injections. You’ll typically apply a layer of this cream an hour before your procedure (although this can differ depending on your age or condition) and leave it in place, giving it enough time to get to work and numb your skin effectively before you wipe it away.

How long does this anaesthetic last?

When you’ve applied EMLA cream as recommended by the manufacturer or your doctor or pharmacist, your skin will remain numb for around 2 hours. This should be more than enough time to carry out minor procedures or for injection.

Can I use this cream if I’m taking other medication?

If you are using any other medication, including medications you obtained without a prescription and herbal medicines, you should speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before using this product. This particularly applies to:

• Sulphonamides, which are used to treat infections, and nitrofurantoin, which is used for urinary tract infections, cystitis, and kidney infections
• Phenobarbital and phenytoin, which are used to treat epilepsy
• Other local anaesthetics
• Medicines used to treat an uneven heartbeat, e.g. amiodarone
• Cimetidine or beta-blockers, these can cause an increase of the blood levels of lidocaine

Can I use anaesthetic cream if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. Using this cream occasionally should not have any adverse effects during pregnancy, but you should still speak to a medical professional first to be sure that this is safe. If you’re breastfeeding, the lidocaine and prilocaine in this cream can pass into your breast milk in small amounts, this generally will not cause risk for your child, but you should speak to a medical professional to be sure that this product is safe for you and your baby.

When should this product not be used?

EMLA Cream should not be used on infants who were born before 37 weeks. Do not use this product on the genitals of children under the age of 12, or on children under 12 who are also being treated with medicines that affect blood pigment levels. Do not use this product if you are allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, or any of the other listed ingredients. For external use only. Do not apply this cream to the following areas:

• Cuts grazes, or wounds, excluding leg ulcers
• On skin rash or areas of eczema
• In or near the eyes
• Inside the nose, ear, or mouth
• In the back passage (anus)
• On the genitals of children

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you or your child:

• Have a rare inherited illness that affects the blood called ‘glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency’
• Have a problem with blood pigment levels called ‘methaemoglobinaemia’
• Have an itchy skin condition called ‘atopic dermatitis’ You may need to use this cream for a short period. Using this cream for longer than 30 minutes could increase the chances of a local skin reaction
• Take medications or products for heart rhythm disorders, e.g. amiodarone

How to use this numbing cream

Apply the EMLA cream to the area of skin you wish to numb, squeezing it from the tube into a mound. Do not rub the cream in. Remove dressing from its backing papers, leaving a frame of paper around the outside. Gently place the dressing over the mound of the cream adhesive side down, without spreading the cream under the dressing. Remove the final piece of backing paper and smooth down the edges of the dressing. Leave in place for 60 minutes, letting your doctor or nurse remove the dressing just before they carry out your medical procedure.

What is the usual dose of EMLA Cream

The usual amount of EMLA cream you will need to use will differ depending on your age. Adults will typically need to use 2g (half a 5g tube) of EMLA cream before a small procedure, but you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product so you can be sure that you’re using the right dose for you.