Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that’s used during injections to numb the skin and reduce the pain. Typically, lidocaine injections are used to treat painful spasms from conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia and cluster headaches. However, lidocaine can also be used for numbing small areas of skin for cosmetic treatments like laser hair removal or tattoos.
The good news is that you don’t need a prescription to buy lidocaine injection over the counter. You can purchase it at most drug stores as well as online pharmacies and sites like Amazon. This article will explain where you can get lidocaine injection, how much it costs, and how to use it safely.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy Lidocaine Injection OTC?
Yes, you can buy lidocaine injection over the counter. But keep in mind that it’s not 100% pure. So, you’re not getting the same quality as if you bought it from a dermatologist or a doctor.
Lidocaine comes in 3 concentrations. They are 2%, 10%, or 5%. 2% is the most common concentration you’ll find over the counter because it’s safe to be used on all areas of the body.
You’ll have to see your doctor if you want the 10% or the 5% lidocaine solution. This is because it’s stronger than the 2% solution and can’t be bought over the counter.
How to Use Lidocaine Injection for Dermal Fillers
Before you use lidocaine for dermal fillers, make sure to clean and dry the area of the skin where you’ll be injecting. The best way to do this is to use a cotton swab dipped in some alcohol. Let the area air dry for a few seconds before proceeding.
Lidocaine is a topical anesthetic that’s injected just below the skin. Make a small incision with a needle and apply the lidocaine manually. If you’re doing this at home, make sure to follow all instructions carefully to avoid any complications.
Lidocaine will numb the skin for about 30 minutes. However, you may have to reapply it every 15-20 minutes to maintain the numbing effect.
How Much Does Lidocaine Injection Costs?
The price of lidocaine varies depending on its concentration and other factors. The 2% solution is the cheapest and can be bought for as little as $10 per bottle. The 5% lidocaine costs around $40-$50 per bottle.
Lidocaine is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. That means you don’t need a prescription to buy it. However, the lidocaine products you see on the market are not FDA approved. That’s why the lidocaine products you see on the market will come with a warning to avoid using them on sensitive areas like the eyes.
Where to buy lidocaine?
Lidocaine is sold at most drugstores and supermarkets. If you’re looking for a specific type of lidocaine, make sure to read the label to make sure it’s the right concentration.
Lidocaine is also available online. You can visit Amazon or other online pharmacies to buy lidocaine. Most online pharmacies are FDA approved and sell FDA-approved OTC products.
Some online pharmacies will require a prescription, so make sure to follow the rules and regulations for your country. Other online pharmacies will sell lidocaine without a prescription.
If you want to buy lidocaine from a legitimate source, make sure to do your research. Find out where it’s coming from, what the concentration is, and if it has any side effects.
Side Effects of Lidocaine Injection
Most of the time, lidocaine injections don’t cause any side effects. However, there’s a chance you may experience some after using it.
Some of the most common side effects include:
- Skin irritation: This happens when you use the injection on sensitive areas. To avoid irritation, make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
- Localized swelling: Swelling occurs when you use the injection on areas like the lips, nose, and ears. When the swelling goes away, it may leave behind a bruise.
Lidocaine injections have been known to cause rare but serious side effects like an allergic reaction and cardiac arrest. If you have heart issues, it’s best to avoid using lidocaine.
Conclusion
Lidocaine is a topical anesthetic that’s used during injections to numb the skin and reduce pain. While lidocaine injections are generally safe, you should always follow the instructions carefully.
Lidocaine comes in 3 concentrations. The most common one you’ll find over the counter is the 2% solution. It can be purchased at most drugstores and websites like Amazon.
Lidocaine injections are generally safe. However, there’s a chance you may experience some side effects. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before using lidocaine.
