LMX4 Lidocaine 4% Cream 5g
What is LMX4 cream?
LMX4 cream is a local anaesthetic which eases the pain when you need to insert a needle into a vein or have a cannula. Ideal for those who struggle to have blood tests where a needle is used to take any blood or those who need to have painful topical skin treatments and need reliable pain relief.
Why would I need to use this cream?
You can use this cream to relieve pain whenever a needle needs to be inserted into a vein. For example, you can use this cream before your doctor or nurse extracts blood to be used for a blood test. You can also use LMX4 to numb a larger area of skin before using a painful topical treatment, including cosmetic procedures.
How will the lidocaine in this cream ease the pain when I need an injection or cannula?
LMX4 contains the active ingredient lidocaine, which is a local anaesthetic. This means that LMX4 works by numbing the area of the body you apply it to, easing pain caused by inserting a needle into a vein or pain caused by topical treatments applied to the skin.
Can I use lidocaine cream when I’m getting a tattoo?
Some people use lidocaine cream like LMX4 to ease the pain when they’re getting a tattoo, especially tattoos covering a large area. Although lidocaine cream can be used for this reason, we’d recommend asking both your pharmacist and your tattoo artist before doing so. This will help you to be sure that this product is right for you and that you’ll apply the cream in a way that won’t affect the appearance of your tattoo.
Can I use this product if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. It may not be suitable for you at these times and should only be used under medical supervision.
Can I use this product if I’m taking other medications?
If you’re taking any other medication, including herbal remedies or medicines you obtained without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using LMX4 cream. This especially applies if you are already taking:
-
Any other local anaesthetics, or have used lidocaine recently
-
Any medicine used to prevent or treat an irregular heartbeat, e.g. tocainide, mexiletime, amiodarone
-
Propanolol, which is a beta-blocker
-
Cimitidine, which is used for heartburn or stomach ulcers
-
If you are about to receive a vaccination with a live vaccine, e.g. tuberculosis vaccine. You should not use this product in the area where you’re going to receive a live vaccine as it can make the vaccine less effective
How to use LMX4 numbing cream
The amount of LMX4 numbing cream you’ll use will depend on what you’re using it for. Here’s some more information about how you can use it:
To use before inserting a needle into the skin or a vein
Apply at least 30 minutes before the procedure. For adults and children over 1, use 1 – 2.5g of cream (1g is approximately the same as a 5cm length of cream squeezed from the 5g or a 3.5cm length of cream from the 30g tube). Use this amount to cover an area of skin that is around 2.5cm x 2.5cm. Do not leave on the skin for more than 5 hours.
To provide anaesthesia before a painful topical treatment over larger areas of skin
Apply 30 – 60 minutes before the procedure. For adults over 18, use 1.5 – 2g of cream (1g is approximately the same as a 5cm length of cream squeezed from the 5g or a 3.5cm length of cream from the 30g tube) for each 10 x 10cm area of skin you wish to treat. Apply in an even layer and ensure it isn’t rubbed off the skin until just before the procedure is about to begin, when it should be removed with a gauze swab.
