Lidocaine Patch; Menthol Gel

What is this medication?

LIDOCAINE; MENTHOL (LYE doe kane; MEN thole) treats nerve pain caused by shingles. It works by making your skin feel warm or cool and numbing the affected area. This blocks pain signals going to the brain.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Elemar

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• G6PD deficiency
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Skin conditions
• An unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine, menthol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. Use it as directed on the prescription label. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not apply to wounds, burns, or damaged skin.

Place the patch on clean, dry skin. Remove the patch after 12 hours.

Apply a thin film of gel to the affected area. Avoid tight bandages. Do not get the gel in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Acetaminophen
• Certain medications for irregular heartbeat, such as mexiletine
• Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid
• Chloroquine
• Cyclophosphamide
• Flutamide
• Hydroxyurea
• Ifosfamide
• Metoclopramide
• Nitric oxide
• Nitroglycerin
• Nitroprusside
• Nitrous oxide
• Other local anesthetics, such as pramoxine or tetracaine
• Primaquine
• Quinine
• Rasburicase
• Sulfasalazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Be careful to avoid injury while the area is numb, and you are not aware of pain.

Avoid external heat sources, such as heating pads or electric blankets, while wearing the patch.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Headache, unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips, which may be signs of methemoglobinemia
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Irritation at application site
• Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
• Pale skin, loss of color around application site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.