Patients should talk with their health care professional if they are considering using a topical anesthetic before a mammogram. The following summarizes advice for patients if a topical anesthetic is recommended for their use:

* use a topical anesthetic that contains the lowest strength, and amount, of medication that will relieve the pain;
* apply the topical anesthetic sparingly and only to the area where pain exists or is expected to occur;
* do not apply the topical anesthetic to broken or irritated skin;

* ask their healthcare professional what side effects are possible and how to lower their chance of having life-threatening side effects from anesthetic drugs; and
* be aware that wrapping or covering the skin treated with topical anesthetics with any type of material or dressing can increase the chance of serious side effects, as can applying heat to the treated area while the medication is still present.

Consumers and health care professionals may report adverse events to the 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.
To read the FDA's 2009 Public Health Advisory, go to: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/topical_anesthetics2009.htm

To read the FDA's 2007 Public Health Advisory, go to: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/topical_anesthetics.htm

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