Emla

Uses
Emla Cream (Lignocaine/Prilocaine) is used for local anaesthesia. This may be required for a variety of reasons, such as skin surgery, inserting a needle, skin grafts, removing genital warts, blood tests or any other reasons as deemed necessary by a doctor.

Both of the active ingredients in this cream are amide type local anaesthetics, and when applied topically, they can block the pain signals from being sent to the brain. This results in the skin becoming numb, thereby allowing a doctor to perform the required medical procedure without the patient feeling pain.

Dosage and Administration
If you are having a surgical procedure performed, your doctor will carefully supervise you, and will also tell you how to apply Emla Cream (Lignocaine/Prilocaine) so as to minimise pain. Patients who require the removal of genital warts are sometimes told by the doctor to apply the cream 5 to 10 minutes prior to the surgical procedure.

Certain other procedures, such as skin surgery, will require the cream to be applied, after which a dressing is placed on the skin. The cream will need to remain on the skin for 1 hour (2 hours in some cases). Other conditions may require a different application procedure, and the instructions of your doctor must be strictly followed.

Side effects
Application of Emla Cream (Lignocaine/Prilocaine) may cause:

• Redness
• Pale skin
• Discoloured skin
• Tingling sensation
• Burning sensation that is mild in nature

You should inform your doctor if side effects occur after application of this cream. Immediate medical treatment will be needed if you experience bruising of the skin, dizziness, severe pain at the application site or any other symptoms of a serious reaction.

Patients must take care not to injure the skin while it is numb.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Emla Cream (Lignocaine/Prilocaine) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.