B157 Lidocaine 5% patch in the treatment of post herpetic neuropathy (PHN)

Background and AimsPost Herpetic Neuropathy (PHN) is difficult to treat. Combinations of anticonvulsants, antidepressants and opioids are often ineffective, whereas side effects especially in older or very sick patients preclude their use. Results of invasive therapy are still controversial. An old local anesthetic, lidocaine has been produced in the form of patch, recommended for the treatment of PHN.MethodsIn total 102 patients were identified (registry files; 2016–2019) with a mean age of 72 years. Lidocaine 5% patch (Versatis 5%), was used as add on therapy, to conventional pharmaceutical therapy. One up to three patches were used every 24 hours. Length of therapy, pain intensity differences, global therapy assessment, adverse effects and reasons for treatment stopping were recorded.ResultsLength of treatment was 4 to 12 months (mean 9 months). Pain was reduced 30–80%. Patient assessment: fairly good result in 40 patients(39,2%), good in 42(41,1%), very good 18(17,6%), Local erythema was observed in 8 patients (7,84%) Treatment was abandoned by 1 patient due to local erythema and by 3 due to difficulty in obtaining the patch.ConclusionsVersatis 5% patch was fairly efficient as add on therapy, in the studied group of patients suffering of PHN. The patch was safe and well tolerated even as long term therapy (up to 14 months), since serious adverse effects attributable to treatment were not observed.