Read experts' opinions on the treatment of localized PHN pain pathology and the mechanism of action of LIDODERM.

Treating localized postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): An evidence-based and experience-based discussion
Charles E. Argoff, MD and Bill McCarberg, MD (LD-1388RW)

Topics in pain management: part 1 in a series
PDF (132k) | May 2006
"While clinical experience is important in choosing pharmacological treatment, I believe that an evidence based treatment approach provides the basis for healthcare providers to choose therapies for their clinical practices."
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Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): pain mechanisms and pathologies
Clifford J. Woolf, MD, PhD (LD-1415W)

Topics in pain management: part 2 in a series
PDF (98k) | July 2006
"Postherpetic neuralgia is a peripheral neuropathic pain involving damage to restricted regions of the peripheral nervous system. PHN is, therefore, a type of neuropathic pain that has a regional topographic restriction—so localized pain is generally a prominent feature in this syndrome."
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Targeting localized pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): A mechanism-based approach to treatment
Christopher Gharibo, MD (LD-1422W)

Topics in pain management: part 3 in a series
PDF (82k) | September 2006
"The advantage of targeted peripheral analgesia is its mechanism of peripheral desensitization that allows the local analgesic to inhibit impulses directly at the site of hyperexcitable cutaneous nerve endings."
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LIDODERM (lidocaine Patch 5%) as foundation therapy for localized pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
Dennis J. Patin, MD (LD-1445W)

Topics in pain management: part 4 in a series
PDF (1.4mb) | January 2008
"LIDODERM is the foundation of my rational polypharmacy approach. It has low risk of systemic side effects, addresses both peripheral and central pain mechanisms, and is easy for patients to understand and administer."
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LIDODERM (lidocaine patch 5%): a proven analgesic for the treatment of the localized pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
Christopher Gharibo, MD (LD-1508W)

Topics in pain management: part 5 in a series
PDF (2.8mb) | March 2008
"LIDODERM provides effective analgesia with a favorable side effect and tolerability profile. For the treatment of neuropathic pain of PHN, I always rely on LIDODERM and an oral analgesic first."
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Mechanism of Action
LIDODERM reduces the potential for PHN pain signal transmission. See the full MoA video
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Important Safety Information

LIDODERM® (lidocaine patch 5%) is indicated for relief of pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia. Apply only to intact skin.

LIDODERM is contraindicated in patients with a history of sensitivity to local anesthetics (amide type) or any product component.

Even a used LIDODERM patch contains a large amount of lidocaine (at least 665 mg). The potential exists for a small child or pet to suffer serious adverse effects from chewing or ingesting a new or used LIDODERM patch, although the risk with this formulation has not been evaluated. It is important for patients to store and dispose of LIDODERM out of reach of children, pets, and others.

Excessive dosing, such as applying LIDODERM to larger areas or for longer than the recommended wearing time, could result in increased absorption of lidocaine and high blood concentrations leading to serious adverse effects.

Avoid contact of LIDODERM with the eye. If contact occurs, immediately wash the eye with water or saline and protect it until sensation returns. Avoid the use of external heat sources as this has not been evaluated and may increase plasma lidocaine levels.

Patients with severe hepatic disease are at greater risk of developing toxic blood concentrations of lidocaine, because of their inability to metabolize lidocaine normally. LIDODERM should be used with caution in patients receiving Class I antiarrhythmic drugs (such as tocainide and mexiletine) since the toxic effects are additive and potentially synergistic. LIDODERM should also be used with caution in pregnant (including labor and delivery) or nursing mothers.

Allergic reactions, although rare, can occur.

During or immediately after LIDODERM treatment, the skin at the site of application may develop blisters, bruising, burning sensation, depigmentation, dermatitis, discoloration, edema, erythema, exfoliation, irritation, papules, petechia, pruritus, vesicles, or may be the locus of abnormal sensation. These reactions are generally mild and transient, resolving spontaneously within a few minutes to hours. Other reactions may include dizziness, headache and nausea.

When LIDODERM is used concomitantly with local anesthetic products, the amount absorbed from all formulations must be considered.

Immediately discard used patches or remaining unused portions of cut patches in household trash in a manner that prevents accidental application or ingestion by children, pets, or others.

Before prescribing LIDODERM, please refer to the full Prescribing Information.