Emla is a numbing cream which can be used to decrease sensitivity in the penis. Originally developed as a local anaesthetic, the medication in the cream can help men deal with premature ejaculation and therefore can help to prolong sex and to improve sexual satisfaction in men who feel they come too quickly.
The cream only benefits men whose premature ejaculate is because of oversensitivity. If the cream does not help you to last longer, your premature ejaculation might be caused by psychological factors.
Emla Cream contains two local anaesthetics: lidocaine and prilocaine. Lidocaine and prilocaine temporarily block the pathway of the pain signals along the nerves by stopping the entry of sodium in the nerve endings at the site. This prevents the build-up of an electric signal and the passing along nerve fibres to the brain.
Emla is licensed for the topical anaesthesia of the genital mucosa, but not specifically for PE. Delaying premature ejaculation is an ‘off-label’ use of Emla. Prescribing ‘off-label’ is common practice by healthcare professionals to ensure a medication can safely benefit as many patients as possible. This is always based on updated information and evidence since the product first became available.
Emla numbing cream needs to be applied 15 to 20 minutes before sex as a treatment for premature ejaculation. You should leave the cream to soak in for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash it off completely before having sex so that it does not numb the sensation for your partner..Emla is for the use on intact skin only and it should not be applied to grazes, wounds or over a rash.
Use the smallest amount of Emla cream needed to numb the penis. If you use too much Emla cream, you may over numb the penis which is not desirable. Using the cream on the areas of the skin that is cut or irritated may result in increased absorption of the medication.
Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Side effects of Emla may include:
- sexual pleasure is decreased by the numbing effect of the cream.
- redness, paleness or selling of the skin in the application site
Uncommon side effects:
- Mild burning
- Itching
- Tingling or sensation of warmth in the penis area
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.
Do not use Emla cream if you:
- Are anaemic
- Have a rare inherited illness that affects the blood called ‘glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency'
- Have a problem with blood pigment levels called ‘methaemoglobinaemia’.
- Have a skin condition called ‘atopic dermatitis'
- Are planning to have a baby
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:
- Hives
- Dizziness
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Wheezing
- Difficult breathing
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.
For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.
