Emla Cream, 30gm

Contains 2 amide-type local anesthetics, lidocaine (2.5%) and prilocaine (2.5%). It is used on normal, unbroken skin or on the outer genital area to prevent pain before certain procedures such as mesotherapy, inserting a needle, skin grafts, or skin laser surgery. It works by temporarily numbing the skin and surrounding area.

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

EMLA Cream works by numbing the surface of the skin for a short time. It is put on the skin before certain medical procedures. This helps to stop pain on the skin; however you may still have the feelings of pressure and touch.

Using EMLA Cream
Where to put the cream, how much to use and how long to leave it on will depend on what it is used for. Half a 5 g tube corresponds to about 2 g EMLA. One gram of EMLA cream pressed out of a tube of 30g is approximately 3.5 cm.
EMLA Cream should be used on the genitals only by a doctor or nurse.
When EMLA Cream is used on leg ulcers, a doctor or nurse should supervise its use.

Do not use EMLA Cream on the following areas:
Cuts, grazes or wounds, excluding leg ulcers.
Where there is a skin rash or eczema.
In or near the eyes.
Inside the nose, ear or mouth.
In the back passage (anus).
On the genitals of children.

Persons frequently applying or removing cream should ensure that contact is avoided in order to prevent the development of hypersensitivity.
The protective membrane of the tube is perforated by applying the cap.
Use on the skin before small procedures (such as having a needle put in or minor skin operations):
The cream is put on to the skin in a thick layer. Follow the instructions on the leaflet or those from your health care professional. In certain cases your healthcare professional has to apply the cream.
The cream is then covered by a dressing [plastic wrap]. This is taken off just before the procedure starts. If you are applying the cream yourself, make sure that you have been given dressings by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
The usual dose for adults and adolescents over 12 years is 2 g (grams).
For adults and adolescents over 12 years put the cream on at least 60 minutes before the procedure (unless the cream is being used on the genitals). However, do not put it on more than 5 hours before.

Children
Use on the skin before small procedures (such as having a needle put in or minor skin operations) Application time: approx. 1 hour.
Newborn infants and infants 0-2 months: Up to 1 g of cream on a skin area not larger than 10 cm2 (10 square centimetres) in size. Application time: 1 hour, not more. Only one single dose should be given in any 24 hour period.
Infants aged 3-11 months: Up to 2 g of cream on a total skin area not larger than 20 cm2 (20 square centimetres) in size. Application time: approx 1 hour.
Children aged 1-5 years: Up to 10 g of cream on a total skin area not larger than 100 cm2 (100 square centimetres) in size. Application time: approx 1 hour, maximum 5 hours.
Children aged 6-11 years: Up to 20 g of cream on a total skin area not larger than 200 cm2 (200 square centimetres) in size. Application time: approx 1 hour, maximum 5 hours.
A maximum of 2 doses at least 12 hours apart may be given to children over 3 months of age in any 24 hour period.
EMLA Cream can be used on children with a skin condition called “atopic dermatitis” but the application time is then 30 minutes, no longer.

When you apply the cream, it is very important to exactly follow the instructions below:

1. Squeeze the cream into a mound where it is needed on your skin (for example where the needle is going to be put in). Half a 5 g tube corresponds to about 2 g EMLA Cream. One gram of EMLA Cream pressed out of a tube of 30g is approximately 3.5 cm. Do not rub the cream in.
2. Peel the paper layer from the ‘centre cut-out’ of the non-adhesive side of the dressing (leaving a frame of paper).
3. Remove the cover of the adhesive side of the dressing.
4. Place the dressing carefully over the mound of cream. Do not spread the cream under the dressing.
5. Remove the paper backing. Smooth down the edges of the dressing carefully. Then leave it in place for at least 60 minutes if the skin has not been damaged. The cream should not be left in place for more than 60 minutes in children under 3 months or for more than 30 minutes in children with an itchy skin condition called ‘atopic dermatitis’. If the cream is used on the genitals or on ulcers, shorter applications times may be used as described below.
6. Your doctor or nurse will take the dressing off and remove the cream just before they do the medical procedure (for example just before the needle is put in).