Shingles may damage nerves under the skin and result in post-shingles pain

The painful condition called post-shingles pain starts with shingles. Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Unfortunately, for many people that's just the beginning.

Shingles may cause damage to nerves immediately under the skin. That damage may result in post-shingles pain, which can be more painful than shingles itself, and cause sharp, burning pain long after the shingles are gone.

Not everyone who had chicken pox will get shingles, and not everyone who gets shingles will develop post-shingles pain. However, the older you are, the greater your risk of developing post-shingles pain. Among people who get shingles after the age of 60, about half will develop post-shingles pain.¹ Post-shingles pain can occur at any time of year, and affects men and women equally.¹

Important Safety Information

LIDODERM^® is used to relieve the pain of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia, also referred to as post-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 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.

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 provider 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 provider if you experience any of these symptoms while using LIDODERM^®. Only your healthcare provider can determine if LIDODERM^® is right for you. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions when using LIDODERM^®.

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

Reference:

1. Griffin MJ, Chambers FA, MacSullivan R. Post herpetic neuralgia: a review. Ir J Med Sci. 1998;167(2):74-78.

Intended for U.S. residents only.