Lidoderm (Lidocaine Patch 5%) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Lidoderm

Shingles »

Shingles facts

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and can be spread to people who have not had chickenpox.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is not related to the sexually transmitted herpes virus disease called herpes genitalis, or the oral herpes virus, herpes simplex.
Shingles may cause pain that can continue after the rash disappears.
Steroids and antiviral drugs can help prevent long-term pain after shingles if they are started within the first two days of the appearance of the rash.
The Zostavax vaccine is available for people over 60 years of age to reduce the incidence and severity of shingles.

What is shingles? What causes shingles?

Shingles is a skin rash caused by a nerve and skin inflammation from the same virus that previously caused chickenpox. This virus is called the varicella zoster virus (VZV) and b...

Read the Shingles article »

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Lidoderm Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

LIDOCAINE PATCH - TOPICAL

(LIE-doh-cane)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lidoderm

USES: This medication is used to relieve nerve pain after shingles (infection with the herpes zoster virus). This type of pain is called post-herpetic neuralgia. Lidocaine helps to reduce sharp/burning/aching pain as well as discomfort caused by skin areas that are overly sensitive to touch. Lidocaine belongs to a class of drugs known as local anesthetics. It works by causing a temporary loss of feeling in the area where you apply the patch.

HOW TO USE: This product should only be applied to healthy, normal skin. Do not apply to skin that is broken or irritated. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Remove the protective liner and apply the patch to the skin area that is most painful. Apply the prescribed number of patches, usually only once a day for up to 12 hours or as directed by your doctor. Do not apply more than 3 patches once a day or leave any patch on for longer than 12 hours in any 24-hour period. If a smaller patch is needed, it may be cut with scissors before the liner is removed.

Wash your hands well after each application. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or mucous membranes (e.g., nose, mouth). If contact with the eyes accidentally occurs, wash your eyes immediately with water and protect them until normal feeling returns.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

Used patches still contain some medication. However, do not reuse them. Fold the used patch with the sticky sides together and discard it out of the reach of children and pets to prevent accidental swallowing or application.