About Emla Cream

The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Emla Cream.

Emla is an amide-type local anesthetic that numbs the skin, and is used to reduce pain before a variety of procedures. Situations might include use before an injection or drawing blood, minor skin surgeries such as wart removal, or electrolysis. Apply Emla in a thick layer over the skin at least an hour before numbing is needed. For larger or deeper procedures, apply up to two hours or more in advance. While waiting for the cream to take effect, treated skin should be covered with a dressing. Remove the cream before starting a procedure. It is not known how much Emla is absorbed by the skin, and it should not be used on open wounds caused by trauma. The cream should not be used near the eyes as it can cause irritation to the corneas. Using Emla along with other amide-type topical anesthetics may result in toxicity as the effects are cumulative. Occasionally, Emla has caused redness or swelling in the area where it is applied. Itching or burning have also occurred, and there have there been reports of allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock. Use care when treating young children so that Emla is not ingested; treatment areas should be well covered with a secure dressing. Emla is not recommended for children under six months. Before using Emla, talk to a physician or pharmacist about other medications you are taking, especially sulfonamides, to avoid possible adverse interactions. Be sure to also mention over-the-counter products. If you are pregnant or become pregnant, or if you are nursing, discuss with your doctor whether it is safe to use Emla.