Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

LIDOCAINE PATCH - TOPICAL

(LIE-doh-cane)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lidoderm, Lidopain

Uses

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic agent used to relieve pain associated with shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).

How To Use

Remove the protective liner and apply the patch to normal, intact skin to cover the most painful area. Apply up to three patches once a day; or use as directed by your doctor. Do not leave patch on for longer than 12 hours. If a smaller patch is needed, it may be cut with scissors before removal of the liner. If irritation or a burning sensation occurs, remove the patch and do not reapply until the irritation is gone. This product should only be applied to intact skin. Avoid contact with eyes, open wounds, or mucous membranes. If eye contact occurs, wash eye immediately with water and protect eye until sensation returns.

Side Effects

Redness or swelling at the site of application may occur. These effects will usually disappear within a few minutes or hours. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these very unlikely but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, tremors, unusually slow heartbeat, drowsiness. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, allergies you may have. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: anti-arrhythmic drugs (e.g., tocainide, mexiletine), other local anesthetics. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, remove the patch. Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Discard the used patch out of the reach of children and pets.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep envelope tightly sealed at all times.