Lidocaine dermal patch

What are lidocaine dermal patches?
LIDOCAINE (Lidoderm ®) causes loss of feeling in the skin and surrounding tissues. It is used to treat nerve pain related to herpes (shingles) infections. Generic lidocaine patches are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I use lidocaine dermal patches?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease
• skin rash or inflammed and irritated skin
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?
Apply lidocaine patches over the most painful areas of skin. Make sure the skin does not have any open sores or rashes. You may apply up to 3 patches at one time. Leave the patches on for only 12 hours during a 24-hour period. Patches may be cut into smaller sizes with scissors before removing the adhesive liner. You may wear clothing over the patches.

What if I miss a dose?
Apply the patches as needed. Do not use continuously for longer than 12 hours during any 24 hour period.

What drug(s) may interact with lidocaine dermal patches?

• medicines to control heart rhythm
• heart medicine such as digoxin
• other ointments or creams that may contain anesthetic medicine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using lidocaine dermal patches?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• skin rash
• abnormal heart rate
• wheezing or difficulty breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• skin irritation
• redness
• swelling
• unusual sensations such as numbness, tingling, or burning feelings

What should I watch for while taking lidocaine dermal patches?
Avoid contact of lidocaine patches with eyes due to severe irritation. If eye contact occurs wash the eye out with water and protect the eye until sensation returns.

The patches may be worn during bathing or showering. Patches should not be worn during swimming.

If irritation or burning feelings occur while using lidocaine patches, remove the patch or patches and do not apply the patch again until the irritation resolves.

Be careful to avoid injury while the area is numb from the lidocaine and you are not aware of pain.

If you are going to have a MRI procedure, let your MRI technician know about the use of these patches. Some drug patches contain an aluminized backing that can become heated when exposed to MRI and may cause burns. You may need to temporarily remove the patch during the MRI procedure.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Store out of reach and make sure to dispose of used lidocaine patches in a place out of reach of children or pets. Accidental chewing or swallowing of a new or used patch may cause serious and life-threatening effects in small children or pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.