EMLA(R)
Eutectic Mixture of Local Anaesthetics
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some of the common questions people ask about EMLA. It does not contain all the information that is known about EMLA.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor will have weighed the risks of you using EMLA against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What EMLA is for
EMLA is a mixture of two local anaesthetics, lignocaine and prilocaine.
These local anaesthetics are combined with special agents which allow the products to pass through the skin. Once through the skin the numbing effect they produce allows minor surgical procedures to be done without you feeling any pain.
These procedures can include taking blood samples, skin grafting, cleaning leg ulcers or inserting an intravenous catheter.
EMLA is available as a cream which is applied then covered with a dressing, or as a patch, which has the cream and dressing already to use.
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
Your doctor or pharmacist may prescribe this medicine for another use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you want more information.
EMLA is not addictive
Before you use EMLA
When you must not use it
Do not apply EMLA cream to any open wounds except leg ulcers.
Do not use EMLA if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor says it is safe.
The ingredients in EMLA have been used for many years and no ill effects have been shown if they are used while you are pregnant.
Only very small amounts of EMLA get into the blood so even though your baby can take in EMLA from breast milk if you are breastfeeding, it is unlikely to cause any problems.
Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
EMLA should not be used in children under 6 months of age.
We do not have enough knowledge yet to be sure it is safe in very young babies.
Do not use after the use by (expiry) date printed on the pack or the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
Do not use it to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says it is safe.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else.
Before you start to use it
You must tell your doctor or pharmacist about any of these:
If you have an allergic reaction, you may get a skin rash, hay fever or an asthma attack.
It may not be safe for you to use EMLA if you have either of these conditions.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including
These medicines may affect the way EMLA works.
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.
Using EMLA
How to use it
EMLA is available as a cream or a patch.
Instructions on how to use it are included in the box. Please read them carefully.
On intact skin
The most important thing to do is to be sure that you apply EMLA at least one hour before you are due to have the procedure.
Leg ulcers
If you are using EMLA on leg ulcers you only need to apply the cream 30 minutes before your ulcer is going to be cleaned.
EMLA can be left on for several hours and still work.
If you forget to use it
Apply EMLA as soon as you realise it if it is less than an hour until you are supposed to have the procedure. Tell your doctor exactly when you put EMLA on and they will decide when the procedure can take place.
If you have trouble remembering when to use your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you use too much (Overdose)
Telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital immediately if you think that you or anyone else may have used too much EMLA even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
It is very difficult to use too much EMLA. However, if you use too much EMLA you will probably feel nervous, dizzy, have blurred vision and shaky hands.
Things you must do
Remember to apply EMLA on intact skin at least one hour before your procedure is due. For leg ulcers remember to apply EMLA 30 minutes before your ulcer is due to be cleaned.
If you do not, your appointment may have to be delayed, or the procedure may hurt more than it would otherwise.
If you are using EMLA on leg ulcers, only use the tube once. Throw out any cream left in the tube after use.
Things to be careful of
Do not use EMLA cream on leg ulcers for longer than 2 months without checking with your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to follow the instructions in the pack on how to apply EMLA cream or patch carefully.
Make sure the patch or the dressing covering the cream is firmly fixed, especially on young children.
If EMLA is not covered carefully it may not work effectively.
Be careful not to let EMLA get into the eyes.
It may cause eye irritation. If EMLA does get into your eyes, immediately rinse them with large amounts of water and contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using EMLA.
EMLA helps most people to undergo minor procedures without feeling pain, but it may have unwanted side-effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not.
You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
These are all mild side effects of EMLA.
If any of the following happen, remove EMLA and tell your doctor immediately or go to casualty at your nearest hospital.
These are very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious (allergic) reaction to EMLA. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
All of these side effects are very rare.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.
Some people may get other side effects while using EMLA.
After using it
Storage
Keep your cream or patches in the pack until it is time to use them.
If you squeeze EMLA out of the tube or open the patches it will not keep well.
Keep it in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30 degrees C. Do not let it freeze.
Do not store it or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
Ask your pharmacist what to do with any EMLA you have left over if your doctor tells you to stop using it, or you find that it has expired.
Product description
EMLA Cream and Patch contain as the active ingredients:
EMLA Cream
EMLA Patch