This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Pliaglis; Synera [DSC]
Brand Names: Canada
Pliaglis
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to numb an area of the skin before a procedure.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
- If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have ever had methemoglobinemia.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
All products:
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Do not scratch or rub the skin while it is numb. Do not let it get very hot or very cold.
- Do not put this drug on the treatment area after the treatment is done.
- Do not put on open sores or broken skin.
- Do not put on cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin.
- Use care when using on a large part of the skin. Talk with the doctor.
- Do not use longer than you have been told by the doctor.
- Be careful about getting vaccines while you are getting this drug.
- A severe blood problem called methemoglobinemia has happened with drugs like this one. The risk may be raised in people who have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, heart problems, or lung problems. The risk may also be raised while taking certain other drugs and in infants younger than 6 months of age. Tell your doctor if you have ever had methemoglobinemia.
- If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
- If you are breast-feeding, do not put this drug right on the nipple or the area right around it.
Cream:
- This drug may cause harm if swallowed. If this drug is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
Patch:
- The patch may have metal. Take off the patch before an MRI.
- This drug may cause harm if chewed or swallowed. If this drug has been put in the mouth, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of methemoglobinemia like a blue or gray color of the lips, nails, or skin; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; seizures; severe dizziness or passing out; severe headache; feeling very sleepy; feeling tired or weak; or shortness of breath. This effect is rare but may be deadly if it happens.
- Skin irritation.
- Burning.
- Feeling hot or cold.
- Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
- Very bad numbness and tingling.
- Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, confused, or having blurred eyesight.
- Seizures.
- Mood changes.
- Feeling nervous and excitable.
- Dizziness or passing out.
- Slow heartbeat.
- Twitching.
- Shakiness.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Ringing in ears.
- Change in eyesight.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Pale skin, redness, or swelling where this drug is used.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
- This drug is used on the skin.
- Avoid getting this drug in the eyes or on the lips.
- If you get this drug in any of these areas, rinse well with water.
- Take off this drug right away if it burns.
Cream:
- Do not rub into skin.
- Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) unless told to do so by the doctor.
- Wash your hands and applicator after use.
- Do not touch the area where this drug was put on the skin.
Patch:
- Do not cut or tear the patch.
- Do not touch the drug in the middle of the patch. Touch only the sticky edges of the patch.
- Do not put the patch on the lips or near the eyes.
- Wash your hands after use.
- Do not get the patch wet. Keep it dry. Do not cover the small holes on the outside of the patch.
- After you take off the patch, press the sticky side of the used patch onto the foil pouch.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
Cream:
- Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- You may also store this drug at room temperature. If stored at room temperature, throw away any part not used after 3 months.
Patch:
- Store in the pouch that comes with this drug to help keep away from children.
- Throw away all patches in a sealed container away from children and pets.
All products:
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2021-01-06
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