I too inquired about the cream in Australia and ours is also over the counter.  It is quite expensive ($16.00 for 2 patches), so I will get them from my mother-in-law who is a theatre nurse to scam some from work( they have to be good for some things!!).  My doctor warned me though not to put them on too early as it actually makes the veins go flat if it's left on too long. ( an hour before is heaps).  All the best .

 

Lisa D