Jelcaine Sterile

Jelcaine Sterile is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). There are many brands and forms of lidocaine topical available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Jelcaine Sterile (for use on the skin) is used to provide temporary relief of muscle or joint pain or discomfort.

Jelcaine Sterile can be used to prevent or relieve pain during certain medical procedures, such as drawing blood, placing a breathing tube, inserting a urinary catheter, or putting a small tube into a vein to give fluids or medications.

Jelcaine Sterile may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

An overdose of numbing medicine can lead to life-threatening side effects if excessive amounts are absorbed through your skin.

Use the smallest amount of Jelcaine Sterile that you need. Do not use large amounts of lidocaine topical, and do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice.

You should not use Jelcaine Sterile if you are allergic to any type of numbing medicine.

Fatal overdoses have happened when numbing medicines were used without advice from a medical doctor (like during cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal). Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are done without a medical doctor present.

Do not use certain Jelcaine Sterile cream brand forms if you have tuberculosis, a fungal skin infection, herpes simplex, chickenpox, or to treat teething pain in infants and young children.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
• pseudocholinesterase deficiency (a genetic disorder);
• sepsis (a severe reaction to an infection);
• severe sunburn, rash, or another skin condition;
• a bleeding disorder, or low levels of platelets in your blood;
• blood circulation problems;
• heart or lung problems; or
• liver disease.

You may develop methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder that prevents tissues from getting enough oxygen. Ask your doctor about your risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you breastfeed, avoid applying this medicine to your nipple area.

Do not apply this medicine to a child without medical advice. Some brand forms of lidocaine topical are not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Jelcaine Sterile can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• vomiting, fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding;
• sudden dizziness or drowsiness after using the medicine;
• severe burning, pain, swelling, itching, irritation, blistering, or other skin damage where the medicine was applied;
• severe or worsening numbness, hot or cold sensations;
• anxiety, trembling, feeling nervous, restless, or excited;
• confusion, vision problems, ringing in your ears; or
• pale, gray, or blue skin, headache, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath.

Common side effects of Jelcaine Sterile may include:

• mild irritation or skin changes at the site of application; or
• numbness in areas where the medicine is accidentally applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not apply Jelcaine Sterile in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

If used for a medical procedure follow your doctor's instructions. Certain formulations are applied only by a healthcare provider.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Use the smallest amount of medicine needed to numb the skin or relieve pain. Your body may absorb too much of this medicine if you use too much or if you apply it over large skin areas.

Do not bandage treated skin or expose it to heat.

Do not apply this medicine to swollen skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid using the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered, such as a severe burn or abrasion.

If you are using this medicine for temporary pain relief, call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, if it gets worse, or if it clears up and then comes back in a few days.

Jelcaine Sterile spray is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the spray has completely dried on your skin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Jelcaine Sterile is used as needed. If you are following a dosing schedule and miss a dose, skip it. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

An overdose of numbing medicine can lead to serious side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream. Signs of an overdose may include uneven heartbeats, seizures, slow breathing, coma, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

Jelcaine Sterile applied to the skin is not likely to cause an overdose unless you use more than the recommended dose.

Do not get Jelcaine Sterile in your eyes. If it happens, rinse your eyes with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Jelcaine Sterile unless your doctor advises you to.

Jelcaine Sterile can lead to methemoglobinemia. Your risk might be higher if you are also using certain other medicines, such as local anesthetics or medicines for infections, inflammatory conditions, seizures, heart problems, high blood pressure, cancer, or malaria.

Other drugs may impact how Jelcaine Sterile works, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.