LMX4 Lidocaine 4% Cream - 30g

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.

When should this cream not be used?

This product is not suitable for use by children under the age of 3 months. Do not use on children under 18 for large surface areas. Do not use LMX4 if you are allergic to lidocaine, any similar local anaesthetics, or any of the other ingredients listed in this product. For external use only, do not apply to eyes, inside the ear, inside the nose, in the mouth, or to the anal or genital regions. Do not apply to raw or blistered skin, or areas where there are a skin rash, eczema, cuts, grazes, or wounds. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you:

• Are acutely ill or elderly, as you may be more sensitive to lidocaine

• Have a history of being sensitive to the ingredients of any medicines, especially other anaesthetics

• Have a severe liver disease

Does LMX4 cream have any side effects?

Like all medicines, LMX4 cream can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These side effects include:

• Allergic reaction, e.g. rash, swelling, very low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock

• Skin irritation, redness, itching, dryness or rash at the site of application

• Eye irritation if applied around the eyes

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist right away. If your symptoms are severe, seek immediate medical assistance. For more information about reporting the side effects of medications, please see the MHRA’S Yellow Card Scheme.

Can I buy LMX4 Cream over the counter?

You do not need a prescription for LMX4 cream, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist4U pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that this product is the best choice for you.

How to store this product

Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze. Once opened, use within 3 months. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Important Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking 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 taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our 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.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support