Virtual visit

EMLA® (lidocaine / prilocaine) Cream

Applied to the skin 45–60 minutes before a needle, blood draw, or minor procedure, EMLA numbs the area so it's significantly less painful. After you book, your clinician reviews your history so your visit is about finding the right fit for you, whether that's EMLA or another option.

Applied at home or in clinic before needles or minor skin procedures

Safe and effective for both adults and children

Particularly useful for people with needle anxiety or frequent procedures

Visit options

Costs shown are for the visit only. You'll pay for medication at your preferred pharmacy.

Video Visit

$25

Est. or $100 w/o insurance

Chat Visit

$30

w/o insurance

Most insurance accepted

Board-certified clinicians

No hidden fees

Available nationwide

What is EMLA Cream?

EMLA is a topical anesthetic cream containing a combination of lidocaine and prilocaine, applied to the skin before procedures to numb the area and reduce pain. It's commonly used before blood draws, IV insertions, vaccinations, minor skin procedures, and laser treatments. The cream is applied under an occlusive dressing 45–60 minutes before the procedure, allowing the anesthetics to penetrate the skin layers where nerve endings are located. It's safe for use in adults and children, making procedures significantly less painful and anxiety-provoking for patients of all ages.

Dual local anesthetic penetration

Lidocaine and prilocaine both block sodium channels in peripheral nerve endings beneath the skin, preventing pain signals from being generated and transmitted—providing effective topical numbing without injection.

Eutectic mixture advantage

The combination of lidocaine and prilocaine forms a eutectic mixture that remains liquid at room temperature and penetrates intact skin more effectively than either anesthetic alone, reaching the depth needed for reliable surface anesthesia.

Procedure anxiety reduction

By reliably eliminating the sharp pain of needle insertion and minor skin procedures, EMLA significantly reduces procedural anxiety—particularly valuable in pediatric patients, needle-phobic adults, and anyone undergoing repeated procedures.

Ongoing support, always available.

You’ll be supported by experienced clinicians who care for a wide range of health needs, from everyday concerns to more complex conditions.

Our clinicians track your progress over time and adjust your care as needed. If medication is prescribed, we’ll manage dosing and monitor for side effects. If lab testing is recommended, we review results and refine your plan accordingly. You’re never left to navigate care on your own.

All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.

We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.

What our customers have to say

“I feel like I’m finally on the right path to improving my health with the right support now! It’s so refreshing and reassuring.”

Emerald

“My experience with General Medicine was amazing. The understanding and care that was taken to figure out what is exactly going on with me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me.”

Kaylee

“I couldn’t be happier with my experience with General Medicine! They are fast, responsive, kind and knowledgeable. It is much easier, more affordable and faster.”

Nika

Get the care you need, without the wait.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I apply EMLA before a procedure?

Apply EMLA 45–60 minutes before a needle or minor skin procedure for adequate numbing. Covering with an occlusive dressing enhances absorption. Longer application times may be recommended for thicker skin areas.

How long does the numbing effect last?

The numbing effect lasts approximately 1–2 hours after the cream is removed. The depth and duration of anesthesia depend on application time — longer application times result in deeper numbing.

Can I apply EMLA to any area of the body?

EMLA should not be applied to mucous membranes, open wounds, or areas with compromised skin barrier. It is safe for intact skin on most body sites when applied as directed.

What side effects might I experience?

Temporary paleness, redness, and swelling at the application site are common and resolve after the cream is removed. Rarely, a condition called methemoglobinemia can occur — particularly in infants — requiring medical attention.

Is EMLA safe for children?

EMLA is used in pediatric patients for procedures, but age-specific dosing limits apply — particularly for infants under 3 months. Follow your clinician's guidance on application area size and duration for younger patients.