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In January 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory about the improper use of skin numbing products. Also known as topical anesthetics, these products have been used to lessen pain in certain procedures such as skin treatments and laser hair removal.
FDA has received reports of adverse events and deaths of two women who used topical anesthetics before laser hair removal.
Available over-the-counter and by prescription, topical anesthetics work by blocking pain sensation in the skin. They contain anesthetic drugs such as lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, and prilocaine in a cream, ointment, or gel. These products can be absorbed into the blood stream.
Used improperly, they can cause
FDA is aware of a recently published study in Radiology that showed women had less discomfort during mammography when they applied lidocaine gel before the procedure than when they used plain gel or took oral acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
There were no serious or life-threatening side effects reported in the study, nor were any reported when FDA discussed the results with the doctor who performed the study.
However, given the small size of the study and the life-threatening side effects associated with the use of topical anesthetics during laser hair removal, FDA is concerned that similar side effects could occur when these products are used before mammography.
If you are considering using a topical anesthetic before a mammogram or any other procedure, you should talk with your health care professional first.
Health care professionals should determine whether adequate pain relief can be safely achieved with a topical anesthetic, or whether a different treatment would be more appropriate.
Here is some advice to follow if a topical anesthetic is recommended for you:
Report adverse events to FDA's MedWatch program at 800-FDA-1088, by mail at MedWatch, HF-2, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Health Information Web page (www.fda.gov/consumer), which features the latest updates on FDA-regulated products. Sign up for free e-mail subscriptions at www.fda.gov/consumer/consumerenews.html.
FDA Press Release
www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01947.html
FDA Public Health Advisory (January 2009)
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/topical_anesthetics2009.htm
Use Caution with Over-the-Counter Creams, Ointments
www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/otc_creams040108.html
Date Posted: February 12, 2009
