What is EMLA cream?
EMLA cream is a topical anaesthetic. It can be used for a number of reasons such as numbing an area prior to injection and as a treatment for premature ejaculation (PE) in men. It contains the active ingredients Lidocaine and Prilocaine.
This page is for the use of EMLA cream for premature ejaculation. As it is an 'Off-label' use, the directions on the label should be followed and these may differ from those in the patient information leaflet.
How to buy EMLA cream online
You can use our online prescription service to buy EMLA cream for premature ejaculation online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. EMLA cream use for premature ejaculation is an 'Off-label' use and it is important that you only use it for this use after an appropriate consultation, EMLA cream bought over the count should not be used to treat premature ejaculation.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How it works
EMLA cream is a local anaesthetic and numbs the surface of the skin for a short time, this reduces sensitivity of the penis to help delay the ejaculation response in some men.
How to use EMLA cream for premature ejaculation
For premature ejaculation, use only the amount, application area and timing on your prescription label. This is an off-label use, so these directions may differ from the leaflet; the leaflet still contains important safety information. If the amount or timing is unclear, ask your pharmacist before applying it.
Wash the cream off thoroughly before sexual contact to reduce transfer and numbness in your partner. Do not apply it to broken or irritated skin. Ask your pharmacist whether the cream is compatible with the condom you use; do not rely on a condom to prevent transfer of the cream.
Who cannot use EMLA cream
It is generally well tolerated and suitable for most men. However it may not be suitable if you:
- Have previously had an allergic reaction to EMLA cream or its ingredients including lidocaine and prilocaine
- Have any of the rare inherited conditions porphyria, methaemoglobinaemia or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
EMLA Alternatives
There are other methods to try either alongside or instead of EMLA cream:
- Priligy tablets
- Using a thick condom
- Counselling
- Behavioural techniques – stop-start" and "squeeze" techniques can help learn how to control ejaculation. These techniques involve learning to recognize the sensations leading up to ejaculation and then stopping sexual activity before ejaculation occurs
- Masturbating an hour or two before sex
- Lifestyle changes – stopping smoking, diet changes or increasing exercise can help treat premature ejaculation
Treatments do no work the same for everyone and multiple different options may need to be tried before finding an effective treatment. Combining multiple options is usually the best way to treat PE.
Sources and further information
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy EMLA Cream over the counter for premature ejaculation?
No for the purposes of premature ejaculation EMLA cream must be prescribed by a registered prescriber.
How many times can I use EMLA cream in one day?
Follow the maximum frequency on your prescription label. Do not apply extra cream or repeat it more often to increase its effect; ask your pharmacist if the directions are unclear.
Does EMLA cream work for premature ejaculation?
Local anaesthetics such as lidocaine and prilocaine can reduce sensitivity and help some men delay ejaculation. The benefit varies from person to person. EMLA is prescribed off-label for this purpose; follow your prescription instructions and speak to your prescriber if it does not help.
How long does EMLA cream last?
The duration of numbness depends on where the cream is applied, the amount used and how long it is left on. There is no guaranteed two-hour effect for premature ejaculation. Follow the timing on your prescription and do not leave it on longer or apply extra cream to prolong the effect.
Is it safe to buy EMLA cream from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.Does EMLA cream expire?
Yes, like most medicines it has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them, the expiry date refers the end of the month. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store EMLA cream?
Keep the cream below 30°C and do not freeze it. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children and follow the storage instructions on the pack.
Can I take Viagra while using EMLA cream?
Ask your prescriber before combining treatments. Viagra must be suitable for your health and other medicines, and the prescriber should know that you are using EMLA for premature ejaculation. Do not assume that two medicines are safe for you simply because they can be prescribed together.
