What Is Numit 5% cream Used For?

Numit 5% cream is a topical anaesthetic that numbs your skin before minor medical procedures. It contains two local anaesthetics that work together with special agents to penetrate the skin and provide effective pain relief.

Primary Uses

Numit 5% cream is used to numb skin before procedures including: insertion of IV catheters, blood sampling, vaccination, mechanical cleansing or debridement of leg ulcers, superficial surgical procedures including split skin grafting, minor superficial cosmetic procedures, and topical anaesthesia of genital skin prior to superficial surgical procedures or infiltration analgesia.

How It Works

The cream contains lidocaine and prilocaine, both local anaesthetics combined with special agents that allow the medication to pass through your skin. Once absorbed, they create a numbing effect that allows procedures to be performed with complete or significant pain reduction.

How to Use Numit 5% cream

Proper application timing is crucial for Numit 5% cream to work effectively. Follow the specific timing instructions for your procedure type.

Application Instructions

On intact skin: Apply at least one hour before your procedure (except skin grafting which requires two hours, or male genital procedures which only need fifteen minutes). For leg ulcers: Apply 30 minutes before ulcer cleaning. The cream can be left on for several hours and still work effectively. Follow the instructions provided with the medicine and do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Application Tips

Make sure the dressing covering the cream is firmly fixed, especially on young children. Be sure to follow the pack insert instructions carefully on how to apply the cream. If you do not follow the application duration instruction, your appointment may need to be delayed or the procedure may hurt more than it would otherwise.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• local skin reactions such as itching
• swelling at application site
• paleness of skin
• redness
• burning sensation

Important Warnings

Before using Numit 5% cream, make sure it’s safe for you by checking these important warnings and contraindications.

Who Should Not Use Numit 5% cream

Do not use if you are allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, or any ingredients in the cream. Do not use on any open wounds except leg ulcers. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have: dermatitis, methaemoglobinaemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, mollusca contagiosa, allergies to local anaesthetics (like those used at the dentist), or allergies to adhesives or sticking plasters. It may not be safe for you or your child to use this cream if you have any of these conditions.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. The ingredients have been used for many years with no ill effects shown during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if breastfeeding – only very small amounts get into the blood, so risk to your baby through breast milk is unlikely to cause problems. Should not be used in premature babies as we don’t have enough knowledge to be sure it’s safe.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking, as some may interfere with Numit 5% cream and affect how it works.

• sulphonamide antibiotics (e.g. sulfatrimoxazole)
• medicines used to treat irregular heartbeat such as amiodarone
• other local anaesthetics

Safety Precautions

Follow these important safety guidelines while using Numit 5% cream to avoid complications.

Application Safety

Do not use on broken skin unless a doctor has told you to. Do not apply to large areas of the body except on advice of a healthcare practitioner. Do not apply near eyes as it may cause eye irritation – if it gets in your eyes, immediately rinse with large amounts of water and contact your doctor.

Usage Limitations

Do not use on leg ulcers for longer than 2 months without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose as this may be harmful. If using on leg ulcers, only use the tube once and throw out any cream left after use.

Storage

Keep your cream in the pack until it’s time to use it. Store in a cool dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Keep away from moisture, heat or sunlight – do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Do not let it freeze. Keep where young children cannot reach it. If you squeeze too much cream out of the tube, it should be discarded and not kept.

Overdose Information

If you think you have used too much Numit 5% cream, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort. Using too much may cause serious side effects such as methaemoglobinaemia (blood cannot carry enough oxygen) or cardiovascular effects. Overdose symptoms may include nervousness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, numbness of mouth, skin turning blue, blurred vision, shaky hands, or rash where cream has not been applied.

Frequently Asked Questions