A Retrospective Study of Topical Lidocaine 5% Plasters in Chronic Off-Label Pain Conditions

Abstract

Dear Editor,

Among many formulations, lidocaine (lignocaine) is available in a transdermal plaster (patch) containing 5% w/w lidocaine (Versatis®, trademark of Grünenthal GmbH used by Seqirus as an authorized user). This formulation is approved for symptomatic treatment of neuropathic pain associated with herpes zoster infection (post-herpetic neuralgia); thus, use of these plasters for other pain conditions is considered off-label.

The use of lidocaine 5% plasters (L5%P) in off-label indications has been explored in a limited number of small studies. Currently, L5%P are recommended as a second-line treatment for neuropathic pain in a systematic review by Finnerup et al., limited by weak...