The Prepare patch is designed to prevent pain and reduce fear from injections, blood draws, IV placement, and more. Using max-strength, 4% lidocaine* formulated for fast release, the patch is comfortable to wear, easy to use, and leaves no mess behind.
*Available over the counter. †Patient under two? Ask your doc.
Take the pain and stress out of needles.
Prepare is the first and only topical anesthetic patch, available without a prescription, specially designed to prevent pain from needle procedures, including:
Vaccination
Blood draw
IV placement
Self-injection
Blood donation
How to use
Apply the patch to clean, dry skin 60 minutes before procedure. Immediately prior to procedure, remove the center of the patch leaving ring in place to outline treated area. Follow usual needle procedure steps. Remove ring after procedures. Children under 2 years of age: consult a doctor. Not sure where to place the patch? We have helpful tips included on this page below and inside every box.
For external use only. Do not use on wounded, damaged, or blistered skin; on sensitive areas, including the eyes; if allergic to lidocaine or any ingredients in the patch; in large quantities. When using this product, use only as directed. Do not inject through any patch material.
Stop using and ask a doctor if you develop a rash or skin irritation. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. If swallowed, get medical help or contact Poison Control Center right away.
Powerful results, one patch at a time.
Developed by a physician.
The Prepare patch uses max-strength, 4% Lidocaine to numb the skin in a targeted area. Our fast-release formula quickly penetrates the top layer of skin for results within 60 minutes—and you can leave the patch on for up to 6 hours before procedures.
O marks the spot. Our innovative, patent-pending patch is thoughtfully designed to outline the treated area. The ring also indicates where to press or pinch for added pain relief.
The Prepare Patch
Doctor recommended.
“Thimble provides a comprehensive approach to needle fear… A first-class consumer experience.”
Dr. Tracey V.
“The Prepare patch is a game changer to help alleviate the pain of an injection.”
Dr. Diana L.
“I can’t feel anything with Thimble… I’m no longer anxious about the future shots.”
Christine E.
“My son immediately noticed that it didn’t hurt and quickly calmed down. Thimble is a game-changer.”
Natasha K.
90%
would use a product for needle pain
92%
would recommend the Prepare patch
Comfort where you need it.
Vaccine
Place the center of the patch on your outer arm at the thickest part of the muscle, about three finger widths below the shoulder bone.
Injection: Stomach
Choose an area of your abdomen where you can pinch a 1- to 2-inch fold of skin, avoiding the area around your belly button.
Blood Draw
Place the patch on the inner fold of your arm, where your veins are largest and most visible. The exact spot will be unique to you.
Injection: Infant (0–1 years)
The most common placement is the outer thigh muscle. Choose the thickest point around the middle section of the outer thigh muscle, halfway between the knee and hip.
Ask your healthcare team about the best placement for you, whether it’s one spot or a few on the same day.
For children ages 1–3, injection sites may vary. Ask your healthcare team for their preference.
Pain relief as simple as a postage stamp.
Whisper thin and mess-free, the Prepare patch can be worn comfortably under clothing. Plus, it’s safe for all ages* and doesn’t require a prescription—saving you a trip to the doctor.
Our products are made for our community—our family, friends, patients, and the people we care about most. That’s why we’re committed to an elevated set of standards in everything we do.
FAQ
Can the Prepare patch help with fear of needles?
The Prepare patch eases the pain of needle procedures by numbing the skin. By reducing the pain and making procedures more comfortable, it can help the associated anxiety and stress, especially for those with a fear of needles.
Can I use the Prepare patch on kids?
The size and strength of Prepare patch make it safe for nearly everyone. We do recommend that you ask your doc for kids under 2 years old.
What needle procedures can the Prepare patch be used for?
Pretty much all of them! Medical needle procedures include injections, immunizations, vaccinations, blood tests, IV insertion, dialysis, and more. If you’re not sure, just ask your doctor.
Can I use the patch myself or do I need to have a doctor apply it?
You can apply yourself, on a friend or a child. We recommend it for both at home self-injections (like GLP1s, Insulin, IVF injections, Biologics, etc) or in-office procedures (like vaccines, blood draws, chemo, infusions, dialysis, etc)
Does topical numbing affect how well vaccines work?
Clinical studies involving a range of different vaccines (including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diptheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, haemophilus influenzae B, hepatitis B) have examined whether using topical numbing impacts the effectiveness of immunizations. The studies showed that numbing did not reduce the efficacy of any of the vaccines.
When should I apply the Prepare patch?
Apply the Prepare patch about an hour before your procedure to allow the Lidocaine’s numbing effect to work. You can even apply the Prepare patch at home before you leave for your appointment. As long as you leave it on, the patch will work for up to 6 hours.
Can I wear more than one Prepare patch at a time?
You can wear multiple patches at a time. If you need more than 4, we’d recommend checking with your doctor.
What happens if I put it in the wrong place?
No harm, no foul. Ask your healthcare team if it's possible to reschedule or work with them to utilize other pain reducing techniques.
What’s your return policy?
We love our products and hope you do, too. But if for any reason you need a return or replacement, we’re just an email away. To make the process as painless as possible, we’ll set things right within 30 days and even cover shipping costs. Simply email team@thimblehealth.com with your order number and reason for the return or replacement. A member of our team will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Get needle care guidance and 10% off our products.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
