EMLA

Drug Name: EMLA

EMLA DESCRIPTION:
LIDOCAINE/PRILOCAINE DISC - TOPICAL (LIE-doh-cane/PRILL-oh-cane)

COMMON EMLA BRAND NAME(S):
Emla

EMLA SIDE EFFECTS:
Paleness, redness or swelling at the site of application may occur. These effects will usually disappear within 1 to 2 hours. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: slow heart rate, dizziness. An allergic reaction to EMLA is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE EMLA:
EMLA: Peel away the protective liner and place the disc on the procedure site, usually 1 hour before the procedure or as directed by your doctor. Use EMLA only on normal, intact skin. Avoid contact with eyes, open wounds or mucous membranes. If eye contact occurs, rinse the affected eye immediately and thoroughly with water and protect the eye until sensation returns. The anesthetic effect should be noticed within 1 hour. Do not leave the medication on the skin for longer than 4 hours unless directed to do so by your doctor. The effect will usually persist for 1 to 2 hours after removal of the medication.

EMLA USES:
This combination of local anesthetic agents is used on the skin to provide pain relief during certain clinical procedures (e.g., intravenous catheter placement).

EMLA PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies, especially to other local anesthetics; heart, kidney or liver disease; or methemoglobinemia. Since EMLA may completely numb your skin, avoid scratching or rubbing the affected area of skin. Also, avoid exposing the affected area of skin to hot or cold temperatures until sensation has returned, so as to prevent accidental injury. Caution is advised when prescribing or using EMLA in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Caution is advised when prescribing or using EMLA in children since they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. EMLA should not be used in infants under 1 month of age. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. EMLA passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

EMLA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially other products containing anesthetics (e.g., "caine"-type drugs); drugs for irregular heartbeat (antiarrhythmic drugs such as tocainide or mexiletine); sulfonamides, acetaminophen, chloroquine, dapsone, nitrofurantoin, nitrates and nitrites, nitroglycerin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primaquine or quinine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

EMLA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

EMLA NOTES:
Do not share EMLA with others.

MISSED EMLA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.

EMLA STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed at all times.