Re: EMLA CREAM

[Guest guest]

Anne,

Thanks for your advice. I will be talking to Kelsey's doctor soon about

prescribing it for her, so any info on this is certainly helpful to me!

Take care,

[Guest guest]

You need a prescription but can get it from most pharmacies. It comes in a

tube that lasts for a few years.

Gaylen

[Guest guest]

Emla cream is a prescription. Just ask the doctor doing the tests

for the perscription. You might have to tell him what it is. Beverly

> Hi everyone,

>

> I have heard of this Emla cream before but have never seen it in

any local store. Does it reqire a prescription? if not where would

one find this product?

>

> Thanx,

> Debra viola

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/29/2000 8:04:34 PM, nicky89@... writes:

<< Hi everyone,

I have heard of this Emla cream before but have never seen it in any local

store. Does it reqire a prescription? if not where would one find this

product?

Thanx,

Debra viola >>

Yes, it does require a prescription. I just got one from DJ's doctor.

[Guest guest]

, the EMLA works wonderfully. I apply it to both arms for

lab draws, on the underside of each elbow, in case they can't get a

vein on one arm. Apply it about 1 1/2 hours before hand, a large

drop about the size of a silver dollar and then wrap plastic wrap

around the arm and tape it on. Every so often we poke the area with

a finger to check if she is numb yet. We leave the plastic wrap on

until the lab tech takes it off and cleans off her arm with alcohol.

Be prepared for some trauma the first time she uses it until she

realizes there is no pain. After that, all lab draws are a piece of

cake.

> Just thought I would tell everyone (after several discussions about

this)

> that I talked to Kelsey's rheumatologist this morning and asked if

she would

> consider EMLA cream for Kelsey to use for lab work, and she said

most

> definitely. She said it was definitely worth trying, anything to

help

> relieve the " trauma " of having lab work done! Thanks for all the

> suggestions on this, it really helped

>

>

[Guest guest]

, the EMLA works wonderfully. I apply it to both arms for

lab draws, on the underside of each elbow, in case they can't get a

vein on one arm. Apply it about 1 1/2 hours before hand, a large

drop about the size of a silver dollar and then wrap plastic wrap

around the arm and tape it on. Every so often we poke the area with

a finger to check if she is numb yet. We leave the plastic wrap on

until the lab tech takes it off and cleans off her arm with alcohol.

Be prepared for some trauma the first time she uses it until she

realizes there is no pain. After that, all lab draws are a piece of

cake.

> Just thought I would tell everyone (after several discussions about

this)

> that I talked to Kelsey's rheumatologist this morning and asked if

she would

> consider EMLA cream for Kelsey to use for lab work, and she said

most

> definitely. She said it was definitely worth trying, anything to

help

> relieve the " trauma " of having lab work done! Thanks for all the

> suggestions on this, it really helped

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, it requires a prescription. However, our doctor keeps samples on hand so maybe you want to ask for a sample first.

Missy

[ ] emla cream

Hi everyone,

I have heard of this Emla cream before but have never seen it in any local store. Does it reqire a prescription? if not where would one find this product?

Thanx,

Debra viola

[Guest guest]

Emla Cream does require prescription. If I recall it cost about $9 which

would cover two to four applications

[Guest guest]

Yes, its Rx. Most Drs will order it for you prior to an invasive painful procedure like a blood drawing, but you may have to know to ask for it.

Lyn

[ ] emla cream

Hi everyone,

I have heard of this Emla cream before but have never seen it in any local store. Does it reqire a prescription? if not where would one find this product?

Thanx,

Debra viola

[Guest guest]

I heard from our hospital nurse that EMLA cream should be put on 1/2 hour

before the blood draw; that it starts to lose effectiveness after 45 minutes.

Anyone able to verify this or not?

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Becki,

Glad to hear that 's IEP meeting went well!!!

As for the cream, has been using it for about 2 months now and it has made the MTX MUCH EASIER.! I don't use it for the lab work because she "enjoys" the lab work (weird-do) but the injections were another story.

First of all, she prefers her arm. An hour before her MTX I put the cream on. We get a small tube that comes with 2 patches in every refill. I use 1/2 of the tube of cream on her arm where the shot will be given, take the patch and pull the "center" covering off, place the patch on sticky side over the cream (don't rub the cream in-just place the patch over it , it will smear all on its own) and then take the "outter" edges of the patch off when you put the patch on.

You will need to leave the patch on for at least 1 hr., or longer will be fine in order for it to work. We tried the ice but she dosen't have the patience to sit and wait. This way, I put the patch on and she plays up until time for the shot. The only down side that I have found is that her skin is very sensitive and the patch breaks her arm out. I was told to put benedryl cream on her arm (small amount) about 15 min. before applying the patch. It seems to work-no rash.

I know this sounds like it would take forever to do but really it dosen't-she "helps", and it's worth the little extra time as opposed to the fighting we were having to go thru over the MTX.

Good luck and once again, glad that all went well for !

Sincerely,

[Guest guest]

I put an amount about the size of a half dollar right on the inner

portion of her elbow, where the lab will be drawn. Then I take some

saran wrap and wrap it around her arm and then tape it down, not to

tight. The saran wrap smooshes it down a bit and makes the area that

will be numb a tad larger.

> Hi,its Becki, was offered Emla before he started the MTX

injections

> and I declined wanting to try ice first.He goes to rheumy tommorow

and

> gets lab so I had his Dr.go ahead and call it in.Now I am not real

sure

> how to apply it,the leg sounds easier to bandage,than the arm where

they

> do the labwork.How do you guys bandage for lab work and how do you

know

> how much to put on the bandage?I do plan on going back to the

drugstore

> and asking the pharmacist,but this group probably can give better

> advice.Thanks for any input. Becki and 3 systemic

[Guest guest]

Hi Becki, I just put a liberal amount on the area where they have success

drawing the blood from Robbie - they should explain how to use it. At first I

would put a liberal amount on all the sites where they would look to draw blood

- but now just pick the site where they have success. Robbie doesn't like tape

(too much with his IV's when in the hospital) or bandaid - so after I apply the

emla to the inner elbo area of his arm (called antecubital) I wrap a piece of

cellophane or saran wrap around instead of the bandage. It works much better,

sometimes I use a little tape, and tape it without getting the tape on his skin

- but usually don't need to do that - then make sure that his clothes don't

shift it when he dresses. I hope this makes sense.

In a message dated Tue, 11 Dec 2001 11:10:41 AM Eastern Standard Time, Allan

Larson <alarson1@...> writes:

> Hi,its Becki, was offered Emla before he started the MTX injections

> and I declined wanting to try ice first.He goes to rheumy tommorow and

> gets lab so I had his Dr.go ahead and call it in.Now I am not real sure

> how to apply it,the leg sounds easier to bandage,than the arm where they

> do the labwork.How do you guys bandage for lab work and how do you know

> how much to put on the bandage?I do plan on going back to the drugstore

> and asking the pharmacist,but this group probably can give better

> advice.Thanks for any input. Becki and 3 systemic

>

>

>

>

> For links to websites about arthritis and JRA, visit:

> http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/Links.html

>

>

[Guest guest]

Do you have to put the bandage over it? Does it work

if you just apply i tand rub it in? Bridget will not

tolerate any bandages. She hates bandaids and we just

have to apply pressure until things stop bleeding.

Luckily, we have not had many instance to have to use

bandages or bandaids.

mom to Bridget 8 ds

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/3/02 10:06:18 AM Central Standard Time,

mom2bridget@... writes:

>

> Do you have to put the bandage over it? Does it work

> if you just apply i tand rub it in? Bridget will not

> tolerate any bandages. She hates bandaids and we just

> have to apply pressure until things stop bleeding.

> Luckily, we have not had many instance to have to use

> bandages or bandaids.

>

> mom to Bridget 8 ds

>

> That was the problem for . You squirt the cream on the skin and then

> cover it with a thing that looks like a piece of saran wrap (plastic wrap)

> but it is sticky on the edges so it stays put. He couldn't stand having

> that on and kept rubbing at the cream under it.

Karyn

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

has always hated bandaids too. He's better now he's grown up

and he would tolerate one over a shot or drawn blood, but not for long.

After my husband died, a neighbor,Ken came over and fixed some things

for us a couple times. One day I had something on my back that needed a

bandaid and tried to get to put it on. He didn't want to touch one

and said, " Get Ken to do it! " I guess I managed without, I wasn't asking

Ken. Jessie

[Guest guest]

is right, EMLA cream is a prescription drug in the US and many MD's

will write it for you to get blood work done. But a few pointers on it.

You need to have it on the skin at least 45 minutes to get it to numb the

skin, 60 minutes is better. And you can wrap the site with plastic wrap

from your kitchen drawer with a little tape and it pulls of easier than

Tegaderm. What works for us on our 4 year old son is practicing the entire

lab procedure on a doll (Bert from Sesame Street) and than practicing on our

son. First we started this a week prior to the first lab draw, now we just

refresh his memory with a few practice runs and we are O.K.. He sits in

our lap while the blood is being drawn and sings a song like the ABC song to

give him an idea when the lab draw will be over. Sometimes he sings it 2 or

3 times but he's still fine with that. Make sure you do both inner arms in

case they can't draw from one side. You can e-mail me at home if you have

any more questions about it. My husband uses it alot at work to start IV

lines on kids and I am also an RN.

While I'm writing, I would like to thank everyone on this list for their

great support and information - especially people who's kids have recovered

and could doing something else now.

Thanks,

Anne in Wisconsin

Message: 3

Date: Sun, 28 Jul 2002 19:36:50 EDT

From: LJKorenko@...

Subject: Re: Emla patch

In less things have changed... here in the states EMLA is by prescription...

Now, things change so fast that maybe they are over the counter but as of

last year I had to get a prescription. And many insurance companies don't

pay for it (mostly because there's no generic).

If someone here in the states needs some and can't afford it, let me know we

have a few tubes.

when you have a cancer kid, emla becomes your bestfriend. :0)

K.

" Sometimes you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at

it right "

,mom to -a 7 (nbII with oms 11/96 ADHD, bipolar like tendencies,

OCD and an absolute joy), Kelsey 10, and 14. Wife to

[Guest guest]

Hi Becki,

just wanted to ask if Ametop gel is available in the US? It works

like Emla only you have to keep in the fridge and it works quicker.

It is more expensive, though, than Emla.

Soili (Juho 8 pauci & Juha 6 poly)

[Guest guest]

Hi Soili,

I don't know if that product is available or not.I am pretty sure that Emla is not the only local analgesic.Our pharmacy is just going to make it for us.We go back to the rheumy in Feb so I will find out about other options.I have found out that even with our pharmacy compounding it for us the Lidocaine 2.5% and Prilocaine 2.5% are both legend drugs so the insurance will cover it.I found an OC product called Ela Max on the internet that came in 4% and 5% Lidocaine but it was $49.99 and $54.99 respectively.Emla is $39.99 for a 30 gram tube and I know it works.I think the whole thing is stupid.How to you child proof a tube of cream.I guess I will find out mid 2003 when it's supposed to be available again.

How are the boys doing?The Enbrel is still doing the trick for he is fixing to go to 2mg Prednisilone every other day and symptom free.The first of March and 21 months later, if all goes well he will be off completely.

You guys stay warm,us here in Tennessee are a cold 15 F at night or 22 C I guess that would be a warm front for you guys Loll...

Love and Hugs

Becki and 4systemic

[Guest guest]

Hi Becki,

Thanks for the news about EMLA. And let me tell you ... it really made my heart joyful to read that little is continuing to do so well on the current treatment plan. I wish you both continued success as he tapers off the prednisone.

All the best,

Georgina

----- Original Message -----

From: Arthurnator@...

Hi gang, for all your little ones that use Emla Cream before a shot or labs I found out yesterday it is no longer commercially available.It can only be gotten at a hospital and I don't know if that goes for their public use pharmacy.We got lucky, our pharmacy is going to make it themselves(compound it).The only drawback, if neither the Lidocaine or Prilocaine is not a legend drug(need prescription for) most insurance companies will not pay for it.I just wanted to give you gals a heads up so you can make some phone calls BEFORE you run out. Hugs Becki and 4systemic

[Guest guest]

Heidi,

We started out using Tegaderm patches (that's what our pediatrician put on

at the office when teaching us to use it). The Emla stung my son's arm

terribly before it went numb, but he wanted to use it anyway, so we did.

When we ran out of Tegaderm patches, I tried Saran Wrap with masking tape

around the edges and was surprised when it did not sting. We use the Saran

all of the time now and it works well.

I have never heard of anyone else having the stinging problem... guess it's

just another example of how different our kids are.

I think you don't want to put something absorbent over the Emla (such as

gauze) because then it might soak up the Emla (Emla needs to be in contact

with the skin to work).

Caroline

> On 1/13/03 3:46 PM, " Heidi Kaufmann " <HeidiKaufmann908@...> wrote:

> We are about to use EMLA for the first time, and I was curious as to why some

> use Tegaderm patches and some use Clingwrap. Are there specific reasons why

> these products are used for covering the site, as opposed to a regular bandage

> or gauze?

>

> Thanks!

> Heidi

[Guest guest]

We've just used regular bandaids to cover it and it's worked just fine. I

used to buy the bigger bandaids but now just use three regular size ones to

cover it.

Gaylen

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Caroline! That helped clarify things for me.

Heidi

Re: Emla cream

Heidi,

We started out using Tegaderm patches (that's what our pediatrician put on

at the office when teaching us to use it). The Emla stung my son's arm

terribly before it went numb, but he wanted to use it anyway, so we did.

When we ran out of Tegaderm patches, I tried Saran Wrap with masking tape

around the edges and was surprised when it did not sting. We use the Saran

all of the time now and it works well.

I have never heard of anyone else having the stinging problem... guess it's

just another example of how different our kids are.

I think you don't want to put something absorbent over the Emla (such as

gauze) because then it might soak up the Emla (Emla needs to be in contact

with the skin to work).

Caroline

Responsibility for the content of this message lies strictly with

the original author, and is not necessarily endorsed by or the

opinion of the Research Institute.

[Guest guest]

Hi Val,

when we go back to Vandy on the 12th I am going to try and see if his rheumy can't pull some strings and get me some.Our pharmacy compounded us some but it is taking around 2 hours to numb him up.I am literaly having to set my alarm clock because I just can't sit up and wait 2 hours after goes to sleep.I had been leaving it on the usual hour and he would wake up kicking and thrashing and once I thought the needle broke off in his leg.He may have to just get used to getting Enbrel duiring the day,I can give that sucker in about 2 seconds flat.The MTX is differant it takes me a while to get the whole syringe full in him and that one stings so mayby just do that one in his sleep.I wonder if you can get Emla on the black market,loll.I sure do miss the real thing.How is Robbie doing these days.I read where Arthur is now messing with his hips.I seen Arthur mess with s back one time and for him it was a new pain and he couldn't deal as well as a joint he was used to hurting.Hopefuly they will get those Cyclosporine levels in Robbies blood back to where they need to be and he will be supersonicking in the car again.

I am slowely getting s pred from 2mg every other day to just 1mg.I am droping 6 little lines every other day so he is just below 1 and a half,by the 6th it will be just 1mg.I have turned into such a big chicken with good reason though.The little drops aren't making him hurt the morning after like when I would drop 1/2mg all at once.The stupid male rheumy(you know the one you don't like)wants me droping a full ml every month.I don't think so,loll.Well,rambling me has rambled enough,you better either do some fast reading or fast deleating before you get full again and can't receive anymore mail,which may be a blessing for you,loll.

Love and Hugs

Becki and 4systemic

[Guest guest]

Hi Becki,

Once again I am playing catch up (767 posts to go!) But, just wanted to thank

you for the info - luckily I get Robbie's EMLA directly from the nurse at the

rheumatology clnic - and have a pretty good stock right now. I can't imagine

trying to get Robbie's blood drawn now without it - he has a lot of new anxiety

since the last two inpatient stays. Glad to heat that the injections while

is sleeping is going so well. Take care!

Val

Rob's Mom (5,systemic)

In a message dated 1/12/2003 11:38:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,

Arthurnator@... writes:

> Hi,

> Emla cream was discontinued in Nov 2002 due to non child proof containers.It

should be back mid 2003.According to their website only hospitals have access to

it.It can not be given to the public.If our pharmacy can make it themselves

others should be able too.There is a product called Trilocaine that is just

slightly less effacious but only takes 30 minuites and costs less.According to

Express Scripts(which is supposed to be a biggie)there are several topical

analgesics available,but 4-5 were the Trilocaine ingrediant.I just wanted to

pass this info along,because has been getting his 3 shots a week in his

sleep.He doesn't have a clue that he is getting them and for a 4.5 yr old that

means quite a bit.Just one less thing to worry about.

> Hugs

> Becki and 4systemic

>