Thursday, 31 May 2012

EMLA Disc


Pronunciation: LYE-doe-kane/PRIL-oh-kane
Generic Name: Lidocaine/Prilocaine
Brand Name: EMLA


EMLA Disc is used for:

Relieving pain of normal intact skin and numbing skin to pain from injections and other medical procedures.


EMLA Disc is a local anesthetic. It works by blocking nerves from transmitting painful impulses to the brain.


Do NOT use EMLA Disc if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in EMLA Disc or to other similar medicines

  • you have the blood disorder methemoglobinemia

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using EMLA Disc:


Some medical conditions may interact with EMLA Disc. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substance

  • if you have severe liver disease or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

  • if you have been ill

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with EMLA Disc. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, dofetilide, mexiletine, tocainide), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), cimetidine, or other medicines containing lidocaine or prilocaine because the risk of side effects or toxic effects, including heart or nerve problems, may be increased

  • Acetaminophen, acetanilid, aniline dyes (eg, p-phenylenediamine), benzocaine, chloroquine, dapsone, naphthalene, nitrates (eg, nitroglycerin, isosorbide), nitrites (eg, sodium nitrite), nitrofurantoin, nitroprusside, pamaquine, para-aminosalicylic acid, phenacetin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primaquine, quinine, or sulfonamides (eg, sulfamethoxazole) because the risk of side effects, including blood problems, may be increased

  • Succinylcholine because the risk of its side effects may be increased by EMLA Disc

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if EMLA Disc may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use EMLA Disc:


Use EMLA Disc as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Wash and completely dry the area to be treated. Apply the disc at the site of the procedure. Press firmly around the edges of the disc to be sure it sticks. Do not press on the center of the disc.

  • EMLA Disc should only be used on normal, unbroken skin. Do not apply to damaged skin.

  • Avoid getting EMLA Disc in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get EMLA Disc in your eyes, rinse them with plenty of water.

  • Wash your hands immediately after using EMLA Disc.

  • After removing the used patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together. Discard the patch out of the reach of children and away from pets.

  • If you miss a dose of EMLA Disc, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use EMLA Disc.



Important safety information:


  • EMLA Disc blocks pain and feeling in the skin. Be careful not to injure the treated skin by scratching, rubbing, or coming into contact with extreme cold or heat.

  • Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

  • Talk your doctor before you receive any vaccines while you are using EMLA Disc.

  • EMLA Disc may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.

  • When using EMLA Disc on young children, be sure to closely watch the child to prevent the accidental swallowing of EMLA Disc.

  • Use EMLA Disc with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • Caution is advised when using EMLA Disc in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using EMLA Disc while you are pregnant. EMLA Disc is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use EMLA Disc, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of EMLA Disc:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Abnormal skin sensations; burning; change in feelings of hot or cold sensation; pale skin; redness or swelling at the application site.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: EMLA side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; confusion; dizziness; nervousness; seizures; slow heartbeat; unusual drowsiness. EMLA Disc may be harmful if swallowed.


Proper storage of EMLA Disc:

Store EMLA Disc at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep EMLA Disc out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about EMLA Disc, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • EMLA Disc is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about EMLA Disc. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More EMLA resources


  • EMLA Side Effects (in more detail)
  • EMLA Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • EMLA Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for EMLA - Add your own review/rating


Compare EMLA with other medications


  • Anesthesia

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