Lidoderm (skin patch)

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

Lidocaine patch is used to help adults and children who are at least 12 years old to temporarily relieve muscle or joint pain or discomfort.

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

Lidocaine patch may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

An overdose of numbing medicine can lead to serious side effects if too much of the medicine gets through your skin. Do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than instructed.

You should not use the 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 the 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.

Lidoderm may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• dizziness, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness;
• severe burning, pain, swelling, itching, irritation, blistering, or other skin injury where the patch is applied;
• feeling light-headed, like you might faint;
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, or slow breathing (breathing may stop);
• feeling hot or cold;
• 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 Lidoderm 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 may report side effects to 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 this medicine 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 patch is used as needed. If you are following a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

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

Taking too much numbing medicine can lead to serious side effects if too much is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. Signs of an overdose may include uneven heartbeats, seizures, slow breathing, coma, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

A lidocaine patch applied to the skin is not likely to cause an overdose unless you use more than the recommended dose.

Some brands 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 let this medicine get in your eyes. If it does, rinse with water.

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

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

Lidocaine patch can cause methemoglobinemia. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines like local anesthetics or medicines for infections, inflammatory conditions, seizures, heart problems, high blood pressure, cancer, or malaria.

Inform your doctor about all your other medicines, especially heart medications such as tocainide and mexiletine.

Other drugs may affect lidocaine patch, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Make sure to tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using.

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