This medication 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 this product
in the ears.
If this product 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 (such as
removal of genital warts).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using lidocaine/prilocaine cream and each
time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Use this medication only on normal skin and the genital
area. Do not apply to broken/irritated skin or open wounds unless directed
by your doctor. Wash your hands before using this product.
Apply this product 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 doctor.
Allow the cream to remain in place, usually in a thick layer, as directed
by your doctor. Remove the dressing and cream and clean the area
thoroughly, usually shortly before the procedure or as directed by your
doctor.
The dosage and length of application time are based on
your age and medical condition and the procedure you are having. Children's
dosage may also be based on weight. Do not use larger amounts than
prescribed. Do not use on large areas of skin, apply heat, or leave it in
place longer than directed or serious side effects may
occur.
If you are applying this product 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 this medication 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. 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.
Redness, swelling, tingling/burning, or lightening of
the skin may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- blistering of the skin where the drug is applied
Remove the cream and get medical help right away if you
have any very serious side effects, including:
- slow/shallow breathing
- dizziness
- fainting
- fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, nervousness)
- seizures
- severe drowsiness
- pale/bluish/gray skin
- unusual tiredness
- shortness of breath
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to lidocaine or prilocaine; or to any other
amide anesthetics (such as bupivacaine); or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- a certain blood disorder (methemoglobinemia)
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially dizziness.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
Lidocaine passes into breast milk. It is unknown if
prilocaine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: seizures, loss of
consciousness.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right
away for a new dosing schedule.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.