FDA Warns on Potentially Lethal Side Effects of Topical Anesthetics

The FDA is warning consumers that improper use of topical anesthetics can cause serious side effects, including irregular heart beat, seizures, difficulty breathing, and death. The products, available over the counter or by prescription, contain agents such as lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, or prilocaine. Compounded versions that combine agents or use high concentrations of the drugs are often used after cosmetic procedures and have been linked with two deaths.

Two women in their 20s died after applying large amounts of compounded topical anesthetic cream to their legs and then wrapping them in plastic. Such wrapping, along with applying the products to a large area, keeping the products on too long, heating the skin, or applying to irritated skin may increase the risk.