Lidocaine PatchLidocaine Patch 5%

About Lidocaine Patch

Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, dampens pain signals from the nerves behind post-herpetic neuralgia, the burning or stabbing pain that can last months or years after shingles. Both prescription products are labeled for that pain only. Up to three patches, cut to size before the liner is removed if needed, go on intact skin over the most painful area once, for up to 12 hours in any 24: 12 hours on, 12 hours off.

Redness, burning or swelling under the patch are common; if irritation occurs, the patch comes off until it settles. Heating pads and electric blankets can raise the amount absorbed. MedlinePlus says not to shower, bathe or swim while wearing the 5 percent patch, while ZTlido allows short showers and baths. Rarely, methemoglobinemia causes blue or gray skin, headache, a fast heartbeat or breathlessness, more often with G6PD deficiency or heart or lung disease.

A used 5 percent patch still holds most of its lidocaine, enough to seriously harm a child or pet that chews it, so new and used patches are kept out of reach. Over-the-counter 4 percent patches are sold under the FDA’s monograph system, not as generics; the labels checked allow one patch at a time from age 12 and warn against heating pads.

Taking Lidocaine Patch

How to take it

Apply the prescribed number of patches, three at most, to clean, dry, intact skin over the most painful area for up to 12 hours, then leave the skin bare for 12 hours. Cut patches with scissors before removing the liner. Avoid spots rubbed by tight clothing, keep heat sources off, and wash your hands after handling. Press a lifting ZTlido back down.

If you miss a dose

Apply it when you remember, unless the next patch is nearly due; then skip it. Never wear extra patches or keep one on longer.

Storage

In the sealed envelope at room temperature, out of reach of children and pets. Fold used patches sticky sides together and discard them out of their reach.

Interactions to know about

Class I heart rhythm medicines such as mexiletine add to lidocaine’s effects, and other local anesthetic products add to the total absorbed. Medicines linked to methemoglobinemia, including nitrates and some antibiotics, antimalarials and seizure medicines, raise that risk. Severe liver disease slows lidocaine’s breakdown.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Lidocaine Patch differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Generic 5 percent patches are rated by the FDA as equivalent to Lidoderm, so a prescription that allows substitution can be filled with whichever generic the pharmacy stocks, and quotes differ by cost and markup. Lidoderm or ZTlido written by name without substitution is priced as a brand.

Quantity drives the total: a carton of 30 lasts a month at one patch a day but ten days at three.

Ways to pay less for Lidocaine Patch without insurance

• Ask the prescriber to allow generic substitution, so a generic 5 percent patch can be dispensed instead of Lidoderm.
• If ZTlido is prescribed, ask whether the 5 percent patch would suit you, since ZTlido is quoted as a brand.
• Ask the prescriber whether an over-the-counter 4 percent patch would be enough for your pain; it follows different directions.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Lidocaine Patch

1. 1.How many patches can I wear, and for how long?
2. 2.Can I cut the patch, and can I shower with it on?
3. 3.Is this a generic of Lidoderm, or ZTlido?
4. 4.Is it safe with my heart rhythm medicine or other numbing products?
5. 5.How do I store and dispose of patches with children or pets at home?

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