Lidocaine (skin patch)

Lidocaine (skin patch) is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). There are many brands of lidocaine (skin patch) available. Not all brands are listed in this leaflet.

Lidocaine (skin patch) is used to treat adults and children who are at least 12 years old to provide temporary relief of muscle or joint pain or discomfort.

Lidocaine (skin patch) is also used in adults to treat nerve pain caused by shingles (herpes zoster).

Lidocaine (skin patch) may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

An overdose of numbing medicine can lead to serious side effects that could be life-threatening if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin. Do not use lidocaine more often or for a longer time than instructed.

You should not use a lidocaine patch if you are allergic to any type of numbing medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
• a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia (in you or a family member);
• heart or lung problems; or
• liver disease.

You may develop methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder that prevents tissues from getting enough oxygen. Ask your doctor about your risk.

It is not known if a lidocaine patch will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Do not apply this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lidocaine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• dizziness, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness;
• severe burning, pain, swelling, itching, irritation, blistering, or other skin injury where the patch is applied;
• a light-headed feeling, as if you might faint;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, or slow breathing (breathing may stop);
• a hot or cold sensation;
• anxiety, tremors, feeling nervous, restless, or excited;
• confusion, vision problems, or ringing in your ears; or
• pale, gray, or blue skin, headache, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, or tiredness.

Common side effects of lidocaine may include:

• irritation, redness, or itching where the patch is applied; or
• numbness in areas where the medicine is accidentally applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Lidocaine patch is usually applied 1 to 4 times daily depending on the formulation. Do not use lidocaine more often or longer than directed. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not apply on the nose and mouth.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Clean and dry the affected area with soap and water before application. Wash your hands after applying or removing the patch. You may wear clothing over the area of application.

Do not bandage treated skin or expose it to heat.

Apply the patch to clean, dry, healthy skin. Do not apply this medicine to wounds or skin that is damaged.

If a burning feeling or irritation occurs during application, wash lidocaine patch off your skin and do not reapply this medicine until the irritation or burning goes away.

After removing the patch, throw it away by folding in half so the adhesive side sticks to itself. Keep used and unused patches out of the reach of children or pets. A patch could be fatal to a child or pet who accidentally chews on it. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.

If you are using this medicine for temporary pain relief, call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, if it gets worse, or if it clears up and then comes back in a few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Lidocaine (skin patch) is used as needed. If you have a dosing schedule and miss a dose, skip it. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

An overdose of numbing medicine can cause serious side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, seizures, slow breathing, coma, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

Lidocaine patch applied to the skin is not likely to cause an overdose unless you apply more than the recommended dose.

Certain brand forms of the patch may not stick if they get wet, so you may need to avoid contact with water, such as bathing, swimming, or showering.

Do not get lidocaine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with lidocaine patch, unless your doctor tells you to.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other topical medicines for pain relief or medicines containing lidocaine patch.

Lidocaine (skin patch) can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia. Your risk may be higher if you also take certain other medicines, such as local anesthetics or medications for infections, inflammatory conditions, seizures, heart problems, high blood pressure, cancer, or malaria.

Inform your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking, especially heart medications like tocainide and mexiletine.

Other drugs may interact with lidocaine (skin patch), including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Make sure to tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.