For Caregivers

After-shingles pain can also affect caregivers

After-shingles pain can have a significant impact, ranging from depression to the deterioration of a loved one's lifestyle1.

It’s important for caregivers to understand and recognize the symptoms of pain and the associated side effects. Visual cues may not always be there to signal a problem with your patient. Look for changes in activity level, or decreased engagement in things or events that at one time were enjoyed (visiting and interacting with family members, for instance). Decreased appetite, an increase in time spent sleeping, and changes in overall mood can all be signs of a serious medical condition, including after-shingles pain.

As a caregiver, you also need to pay attention to your own needs. Shingles and after-shingles pain can be difficult for both you and your loved one. Caring for a loved one can be satisfying and rewarding, but it can also take a toll on your health and well-being -- both emotionally and physically. Know your limit - don’t be afraid to take breaks and ask for help when you need it. Make sure to eat well and get plenty of rest.

Beyond the body, take care of your mind. Seek out local support groups – connecting with others living with similar situations, whether caregiver or patient, will help you and your loved one know you are not alone.

For additional information, visit our Online Resources section

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Important Safety Information

LIDODERM® (lidocaine patch 5%) is used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia, also referred to as after-shingles pain. Apply only to intact skin with no blisters.

You should not use this product if you are sensitive to local anesthetics such as lidocaine, or to any of the other ingredients in LIDODERM.

Even a used LIDODERM patch contains a large amount of lidocaine. A small child or a pet could suffer serious adverse effects from chewing or swallowing a new or used LIDODERM patch. Store and dispose of patches out of the reach of children, pets and others. Never reuse a patch.

LIDODERM patches should be worn for no more than 12 hours a day. Applying the patches for a longer time or using more than 3 patches could cause serious reactions.

Fold used patches so that the adhesive side sticks to itself, and safely discard used patches or pieces of cut patches where children and pets cannot get to them.

Avoid the use of external heat sources, such as heating pads or electric blankets, as this has not been studied.

Avoid contact of LIDODERM with the eye. If contact occurs, immediately wash the eye with water or saline and protect it until sensation returns.

Be sure to tell your healthcare professional if you have liver disease, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medication for irregular heartbeat. For such people, LIDODERM should be used with caution.

Allergic reactions, though rare, can occur.

During or immediately after using LIDODERM, the skin around the patch may develop a change in color, colored spots, irritation, itching, flaking of the skin, rash, bruising, swelling, pimple-like raised skin, a cyst containing fluid, pain, burning, or abnormal sensation. These reactions are generally mild and go away on their own within a few minutes to hours. Other reactions may include dizziness, headache, and nausea. Tell your healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms while using LIDODERM.

Only your healthcare professional can determine if LIDODERM is right for you. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions when using LIDODERM.

Please see the LIDODERM important product information and discuss it with your healthcare provider.

References

  1. Schmader K. Postherpetic Neuralgia in immunocompetent elderly people. Vaccine. 1998;16(18):1768-1769