Before using Emla Cream, tell your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, any allergies you have, and all medications you are taking. This helps ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for you.
Allergic Reactions
Do not use Emla Cream if you are allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, other amide-type local anesthetics, or any of the ingredients in the cream.
Emla also contains inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions in some people. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have a history of medication allergies before starting treatment.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- Rash or hives.
- Severe itching.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your healthcare provider before using Emla Cream.
Your healthcare provider will carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks before recommending this medication. Do not use Emla during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless it has been prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Methemoglobinemia
Emla should not be used in people with congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder that reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
Emla should also not be used in infants younger than 12 months of age who are receiving medications known to cause methemoglobinemia, as this may increase the risk of serious complications.
Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child develops symptoms such as:
- Blue, gray, or pale-colored skin.
- Shortness of breath.
- Unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Dizziness.
Use Only as Directed
Apply Emla Cream only to the amount of skin recommended by your healthcare provider and leave it on for the recommended length of time.
Applying the cream to large areas of skin, using more than the recommended amount, or leaving it on longer than instructed may increase the absorption of lidocaine and prilocaine into the bloodstream. This can increase the risk of serious side effects, including effects on the nervous system and heart.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the amount of cream to use and how long it should remain on the skin.
Avoid Use in the Ear
Emla Cream should not be used in situations where it could pass through a perforated (ruptured) eardrum and reach the middle ear.
Lidocaine and prilocaine may be toxic to the structures of the inner and middle ear, potentially leading to hearing damage. Do not apply Emla inside the ear unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider.
REVIEWS