FAQs

What is PHN?

PHN (postherpetic neuralgia), or after-shingles pain, is nerve pain that is thought to be caused by complications from shingles. PHN pain is caused by injury to the superficial and deep peripheral nerves that occurs during shingles infection and usually occurs in and around the area of the shingles rash1. However, the area and location of the affected part of the body varies with each individual1.

Who can get PHN?

About one in five people with shingles develop PHN, but the likelihood of shingles complications increases with age. People age 50 or older with shingles have a more than ~50 percent chance of developing PHN. People age 80 or older with shingles have an 80 percent chance of developing PHN2.

Is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) contagious

No. Once the rash of shingles has resolved, the virus is not contagious3. The pain is thought to be caused by nerve damage during the shingles infection4.

What does the pain feel like?

The feeling and intensity of pain varies from person to person, but patients often describe it as burning, aching, sharp and itching5 and in some patients this can last months or even years4. The pain may be constant, episodic or provoked or a combination of all of these1. Because of PHN, the skin may become sensitive to changes in temperature and the feel of clothing and daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming may be painful4.

Where does the pain occur?

PHN pain usually occurs in and around the area of the shingles rash. However, the area and location of the affected part of the body varies with each individual1.

What can be done to reduce the risk of PHN?

Unfortunately, there is no treatment that will definitely prevent the occurrence of PHN. However, studies have shown that antiviral medication taken within 72 hours after the appearance of the rash can lessen the severity and duration of shingles and may reduce the possibility of getting PHN in the future4. A shingles vaccine was approved by the FDA in 2006 and is currently recommended by the CDC for adults age 60 and older in the U.S.6

How is PHN treated?

Both oral and topical medications are available to treat the pain of PHN (see Treatments for more information). Other non-medication approaches may be useful as well such as relaxation, biofeedback and stress management. Physical therapy approaches such as Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a device where electrodes are placed onto the skin and slight amounts of electrical current are produced, may also give temporary relief to some PHN patients7.

Who can I turn to for more information?

Your healthcare professional's office is the first place to go for more information and help. Call for an appointment today.

For Caregivers

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How to Apply the Patch
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Indication

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.

Important Safety Information

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. Galer BS. Advances in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: The Topical Lidocaine Patch. Today’s Therapeutic Trends. 2000; 1-20
  2. Cluff RS, Rowbotham MC. Pain caused by herpes zoster infection. Neurol Clinics. 1998; 16(4):813-832
  3. Shingles & PHN: Your Questions Answered, VZV Research Foundation, Inc 2000: 1-12. Available at: http://vzvfoundation.org/publicdownloads/Shingles_PHN_Q&A_2000.pdf. Accessed April 6, 2009
  4. Cure PHN: Your Questions Answered, VZV Research Foundation, Inc. 2004: 1-6. Available at: http://www.vzvfoundation.org/publicdownloads/PHN_Brochure_Feb2004.pdf. Accessed April 6, 2009
  5. Galer, Bradley S. The Lidocaine Patch 5% Effectively Treats All Neuropathic Pain Qualities: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind,Vehicle-Controlled, 3-Week Efficacy Study With Use of the Neuropathic Pain Scale. The Clinical Journal of Pain 2002; 18: 297-301
  6. Shingles Vaccine: What You Need to Know. Department of Health and Human Services: Centers for Disease Control. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-shingles.pdf. Accessed February 20, 2009
  7. Schmader K. Postherpetic Neuralgia in immunocompetent elderly people. Vaccine. 1998;16(18):1768-1769