How should Emla Cream be used?

Emla contains two anaesthetics, lidocaine and prilocaine, which create Emla's numbing effect. Application of Emla can therefore make needle procedures more comfortable and less worrying. You can use Emla Cream before medical needle procedures such as blood tests, vaccinations or cannulas, as well cosmetic needle or laser procedures including tattoo application or removal, microblading, microneedling, fillers, cosmetic injections or laser hair removal.

Make sure you leave enough time to apply Emla Cream ahead of your appointment. Timings can vary depending on the procedure (check the package insert for details) but in most cases it takes about an hour for Emla's numbing effect to work.

Emla Cream is a soft white cream that you apply directly to the skin in a thick layer. Follow these directions for application:

1. Squeeze Emla Cream directly from the tube on to the skin area you wish to numb
2. Don't rub the cream into the skin, leave as a thick layer on the surface
3. Place an airtight and watertight dressing over the cream. If the area to be covered is too large for a dressing, some people use cling film. For some procedures (e.g. on the face), it might not be practical to cover with a dressing
4. If your child is less than one year old, the cream should not be left on for more than an hour
5. When you're ready for your procedure. remove the dressing and wipe any remaining cream away with a tissue

After application, the surface of the skin will be numb for at least two hours, except on the face where the duration is shorter.

Emla Cream. For topical anaesthesia of the skin. Always read the label.

Aspen Pharmacare UK Limited. UK-LIDP-05-22-00006. June 2022