Safely Buy Emla Patch ( Lidocaine/prilocaine ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

The Emla patch is a type of local anesthetic patch that contains lidocaine and prilocaine and is used to numb a small area of the skin before a medical procedure such as an injection or venipuncture.

The patch is applied to the selected skin area and left for approximately one hour. It has been shown to reduce pain in children during needle injection and has been compared to the skin application of EMLA cream under a Tegaderm dressing.

Emla patches are available for purchase over the counter at local pharmacies in different package sizes.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using lidocaine/prilocaine disc each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Clean and dry the skin before applying the patch. Peel away the protective liner and place the disc on the procedure site as directed by your doctor, usually 1 hour before the procedure. Do not touch the white round part that contains the medication. Firmly press down on the patch’s edges to ensure it is well attached. Gently press on the center of the patch. Using a ballpoint pen, mark on the patch the time it was placed.

Remove the patch and clean the area thoroughly, usually shortly before the procedure or as directed by your doctor. The length of time for the medication to stay on the skin depends on your age and the type of procedure you are having. Do not leave it in place for longer than directed since the risk of side effects may increase. Carefully fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together and discard it out of reach of children and pets. Do not re-use the patch. Wash your hands immediately after use unless you are treating an area on your hands.

This patch may be harmful if placed in the mouth or swallowed. If you are applying this product on a child, make sure the patch stays in place and that your child does not put the patch in his/her mouth. You may want to use a second covering to prevent the child from touching the patch.

Use this medication only on normal, intact skin. Do not use it on open wounds/cuts/scrapes/burns/rashes (including diaper rash) or mucous membranes. Do not use this product in the ears or near the eyes. Avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, ears, or mouth. If this medication gets in the eyes, rinse the affected eye right away 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 the feeling returns.

The numbing effect should start within 1 hour. The area may be numb for several hours after removing the patch. Protect the area from injury. Be careful not to bump, rub, or scratch the area or expose it to heat/cold until the feeling returns.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Emla: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Severe burning, stinging, or irritation where the medicine was applied
• Swelling or redness
• Sudden dizziness or drowsiness after medicine is applied
• Confusion, blurred vision, ringing in your ears
• Bruising or purple appearance of the skin
• Unusual sensations of temperature

Common Emla side effects may include:

• Mild burning where the medicine is applied
• Itching, rash
• Changes in skin color where the medicine was applied

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to lidocaine or prilocaine, any other amide anesthetics (such as bupivacaine); or 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: a certain blood disorder (methemoglobinemia), heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat), kidney disease, liver disease, skin problems (such as infection, dermatitis, and eczema).

If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when 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.

Form and Strengths

Emla Patch is available in the following form and strengths:

• Emla Patch:
  • 2.5/2.5 %

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you forget to apply Emla at the time needed before your surgery or medical procedure.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

An overdose of numbing medicine can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. Symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), slowed breathing, coma, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

Lidocaine and prilocaine applied to the skin is not likely to cause an overdose unless you apply more than the recommended dose.

What should I avoid while using Emla?

Do not allow this medicine to come into contact with your eyes. If it does, rinse with water.

Do not take it by mouth. Emla is for use only on the skin.

Avoid accidentally injuring treated skin areas while they are numb. Avoid coming into contact with very hot or very cold surfaces.

Resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-2358-3252/emla-topical/lidocaine-prilocaine-disc-topical/details
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11808908/
3. https://www.drugs.com/emla.html#side-effects