Synera Patches

Generic name:lidocaine and tetracaine topical [ LYE-doe-kane-and-TET-ra-kane-TOP-i-kal ]
Drug class:Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 2, 2021.

What is Synera?

Synera patches contain a combination of lidocaine and tetracaine. Lidocaine and tetracaine are local anesthetics (numbing medicines). They work by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Synera patches are used to numb a small area of your skin. This can help prevent pain during certain medical procedures such as a skin biopsy, minor skin surgery, insertion of an intravenous (IV) needle, or other needle-stick procedures.

Synera patches are also used to numb a skin area during minor cosmetic procedures such as a Botox injection, laser treatment, or tattoo removal.

Warnings

An overdose of numbing medicine can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin. This can happen if you apply more than the recommended dose, or if you leave a Synera skin patch on too long.

Keep both used and unused Synera skin patches out of the reach of children or pets.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Synera if you are allergic to:

• any type of numbing medicine; or

• sunscreen or other skin products that contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

Fatal overdoses have occurred when numbing medicines were used without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.

Synera skin patches are not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

To make sure Synera is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;

• a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia (in you or a family member);

• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

• a condition for which you take a heart rhythm medicine; or

• allergy to any other medicine used for anesthesia.

Older adults and people who are debilitated may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you apply lidocaine and tetracaine topical to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

The Synera transdermal patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch b...