New alcohol swabs with anesthetic!

Recently, a friend of mine with Thalassemia told me about these new alcohol swabs that are over the counter, that have a mild anesthetic in them, and they are GREAT!  The only place that I know of that has them so far is CVS pharmacy, but if I find them anywhere else I will let you guys know.  I wish they had these a long time ago!  They work so well!  They are regular alcohol swabs, but they gently numb the surface of the skin, so that the normally painful stick of the needle is bearable.  They are safe and can be used every day. They also work immediately, unlike EMLA which takes a while.  If you guys see these anywhere, make sure you pick them up and try them!   

Hi,

Thanks for letting us know.

Why didn't they think of it earlier

Anyway, it really does sound very useful especially for the little ones who move a lot right at the time of the prick.

Do you know which brand they come in or what are they called (anesthetic swabs etc?)

   Hi! that's great! I also hope it would be available soon here in our country. Wished they've thought of that long time ago........ thanx for sharing with us that Danielle........

This is really a great product, most people find it cumbersome to put EMLA an hour before starting the pump and its expensive also.

On the other hand, I know using Alcohol swab cleans the surface before the needle, is there any other benefit of usng the alcohol swab?? How well alcohol cleans the surface that is another question I have??

Thanks

Hi C.F,

Alcohol is anti-septic and kills live bacteria present on the skin that might get injected if not cleaned(killed) by alcohol.

These swabs are marketed as a relief from insect bites and stings but can also be used prior to injection. They can be found at many drug stores. Shown below is the very inexpensive CVS barnd. This is an excellent idea. Please keep in mind that alcohol is flammable so keep them away from any open flame.

CVS Alcohol Prep Swabs With Pain Relief

http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/detail?prodid=422045&previousURI=/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/search?ActiveCat=499^Query=benzocaine+swab^Click+to+go+to+search+results..x=0^Click+to+go+to+search+results..y=0^Click+to+go+to+search+results.=submit

wow they sound too good t be true!!!!!! I would like to get them to take with me to the lab and for my port sticks on transfussion days.  I wonder how long it will take us to convince ourfacilities that we each use to start useing these?

Maybe you can get a box at CVS before your next appointment and take them with you and show them to the nurse. It may be all it will take to get them to use the swabs.

Do these work as well as emla?

  hmm  can you please tell us what the name of the company and thename of the product..
          thank you
                                                        khalifa
                                                 state of kuwait
                                           one for all and all for one

I previously listed a link for one brand. There are several companies that make alcohol swabs with benzocaine, but these are the cheapest price I have found.

http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/detail?prodid=422045&previousURI=/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/search?ActiveCat=499

The ones that Andy gave the link to, are the ones that I had bought.  Honestly, I do not recommend them for port sticks, as these swabs do not work as well as EMLA.  I would only recommend them for the pump or other quick injections.  I've had a few ports in the past, so I know how painful that stick can be, so I definitely wouldn't recommend forgoing the EMLA for the alcohol swab when it comes to that.