synera

Synera is used to numb the skin before certain medical procedures. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Synera is a local anesthetic. It works by blocking nerves from sending pain signals to the brain.

Do NOT use Synera if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in the Synera Patch, to other local anesthetics, or to paraaminobenzoic acid (PABA)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Synera:

Some medical conditions may interact with Synera. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substance
• if you have liver problems or pseudocholinesterase deficiency
• if you have been very ill or have very poor health

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Synera. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, dofetilide, mexiletine, tocainide), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), cimetidine, other local anesthetics (eg, benzocaine), or other medicines containing lidocaine or tetracaine because of the risk of side effects or toxic effects, including heart or nerve problems, may be increased
• Succinylcholine because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Synera

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Synera may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Synera:

Use the Synera Patch as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• The Synera Patch is usually applied at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic. It is usually applied for 20 to 30 minutes before certain medical procedures.
• Apply the patch right away after opening the pouch.
• Do not cut the patch, remove the top cover, or damage the patch in any way. This could cause the patch to overheat and damage the skin.
• Do not cover the holes on the top side of the patch. This way prevent the patch from working properly.
• Synera should only be used on normal, unbroken skin. Do not apply to damaged or inflamed skin.
• Apply the patch as directed. Press firmly around the edges of the patch to be sure it sticks.
• Wash your hands right away after using this medication.
• After removing the used patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together. Discard the patch out of the reach of children and away from pets.
• If you miss a dose of Synera, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Synera.

Important safety information:

• The Synera Patch is for external use only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get this medication in any of these areas, rinse with plenty of water or saline. Protect the eye until feeling returns.
• Synera may infrequently cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Synera with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Synera blocks pain and feeling in the skin. Be careful not to injure the treated skin by scratching, rubbing, or coming into contact with extreme cold or heat.
• Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Check with your doctor before you receive any vaccines while you are using this medication.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you use Synera before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• If you will be having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using this medication. You will need to remove this patch before an MRI.
• The Synera Patch may cause harm if swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
• If the patient is a young child, be sure to watch the child closely to prevent the accidental swallowing of a Synera Patch.
• Use this medication with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Synera should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 3 years old; effectiveness in these children has not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Synera while you are pregnant. Lidocaine and tetracaine can be found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use the this medication Patch, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Synera Side Effects:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Abnormal skin sensations; pale skin, redness, or swelling at the application site.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; hoarseness); burning, irritation, or severe redness or swelling at the application site.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center , or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred or double vision; chest pain; confusion; dizziness; mental or mood changes; ringing in the ears; seizures; slow or irregular breathing; slow or irregular heartbeat; tremors; unusual sensations (eg, feeling of being unusually hot or cold); unusual or severe drowsiness; vomiting. A Synera Patch may be harmful if swallowed.

Store this medication at room temperature, at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Synera out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Synera, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Synera is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Synera. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.