LMX4 Lidocaine 4% Cream is a local anaesthetic that eases pain when inserting a needle into a vein or having a cannula. 

It is ideal for those who struggle to have blood tests where a needle is used to take blood or those who need to have painful topical skin treatments and need reliable pain relief.

How LMX4 Lidocaine 4% Cream works

LMX4 contains lidocaine, a local anaesthetic. This means that LMX4 works by numbing the area of the body to which it is applied, easing pain caused by inserting a needle into a vein or pain caused by topical treatments applied to the skin.

Directions

Always use LMX4 Lidocaine 4% Cream exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / pharmacist has told you. 

To use before inserting a needle into the skin or a vein: 

Apply at least 30 minutes before the procedure. 

Children over the age of 1 and adults: Use 1-2.5g of cream to cover an area of skin around 2.5cm x 2.5cm. Do not leave on the skin for more than 5 hours. 

Infants over 3 months but under 1 year old: Apply no more than 1g of cream. Do not leave it on the skin for longer than 4 hours.

Infants over 1 month but below 3 months old: Apply no more than 1g of cream. Do not leave it on the skin for longer than an hour.

To provide anaesthesia before a painful topical treatment over larger areas of skin: 

Apply 30-60 minutes before the procedure. 

Adults: Use 1.5-2g of cream for each 10 x 10cm area of skin you wish to treat. Apply an even layer and ensure it isn’t rubbed off the skin until just before the procedure begins when it should be removed with a gauze swab.

Do not use this product on large areas of the skin in anyone under 18 years old.

Side effects

Like all medicines, LMX4 Lidocaine 4% Cream may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Common side effects may include:

• Skin irritation 
• Redness 
• Itching 
• Dryness
• Rashes 

If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious side effects

Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness. 

Warnings

LMX4 Lidocaine 4% Cream may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if: 

• You are acutely ill, debilitated or elderly 
• You are sensitive to any of the ingredients in any medication, particularly other anaesthetics 
• You have severe liver disease

Using/taking other medicines

If you are taking or have recently taken any medication, including medication obtained without a prescription, talk to your GP or pharmacist before using this product.

You must tell your healthcare provider if you are taking the following medication: 

• Any other local anaesthetics, or if you have used lidocaine recently 
• Medicine used to prevent or treat an irregular heartbeat e.g. tocainide, mexiletine or amiodarone 
• Propanolol, which is a beta-blocker
• Cimetidine, which is used for heartburn or stomach ulcers 

If you are about to receive a vaccination with a live vaccine, you should not use this product in the area where you will receive it. LMX4 may make the vaccine less effective.

Age restrictions 

This product is unsuitable for children under 1 month old.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, you must ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using any new medicine. 

Storage information

Store in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.

This product must be used within 6 months of opening.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after using this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to the NHS website. 

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or  pharmacist before using this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.