Use of 5% lidocaine medicated plasters for the treatment of pain in routine hospital practice: patient reported pain, functioning and satisfaction

Abstract

Objective:

5% lidocaine medicated plasters are a topical option in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain, as monotherapy or as an adjunct to systemic medication. This study sought to determine the impact of lidocaine plaster use on self-reported pain, functioning and patient satisfaction within a large teaching hospital.

Research design and methods:

Patients were selected from the pain and rheumatology outpatient departments in Cardiff, Wales (2008–9). Postal surveys were sent to patients prescribed lidocaine plaster asking whether patients currently used the plaster and, if not, reason for discontinuation. Patients were asked to record pain score before and after therapy initiation, percentage pain relief, duration of effectiveness and impact on functioning.

Main outcome measures:

Pain scores, pain relief and levels of functioning before and after treatment.

Results:

A total of 850 surveys were dispatched; 408 (48.0%) responses received; 197 (48.3%) patients were current users at survey completion. Median pain score prior to plaster use was 8 (IQR 7–9). One month after initiation, median pain score was 6 (4–8, p < 0.001) overall and 5 (4–7, p < 0.001) for current users. Median pain relief, after initial month of plaster use, was 30% (10–60%) for all patients and 50% (30–70%) for current users, whilst pain relief at time of survey was 30% (0–60%) and 50% (30–70%), respectively. A total of 181 (93.3%) current users claimed the plasters were effective. All three measures of functioning were significantly improved in current users: sleep (63.3% versus 20.1%, p < 0.001), mood (59.2% versus 18.6%, p < 0.001) and activity level (50.0% versus 19.5%, p < 0.001). Median satisfaction was 5 (IQR 1–8) for all patients and 7 (5–9) for current plaster users.

Conclusions:

The results of this study need to be considered within the context of a self-reported survey. However, pain, functioning and patient satisfaction were significantly improved in current users of 5% lidocaine medicated plasters.

Keywords::

• 5% lidocaine medicated plaster
• Local anesthesia
• Neuropathic pain
• Questionnaire
• Treatment outcome

Transparency

Declaration of funding

This study was funded by a research grant (number 14448/08) from Grünenthal Ltd UK.

Author contributions: S.Kh. and S.Ka. conceived the study, designed the questionnaire, collated the data and interpreted the results. C.Ll.M. and C.D.P. were responsible for data analysis and interpretation. All authors discussed the results and commented on the manuscript.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

S.Kh. and S.Ka. have disclosed that they have previously received financial support from Grünenthal for GP continuing professional development lectures and a meeting presentation, respectively. C.Ll.M. and C.D.P. have disclosed that they are employees of Pharmatelligence, a research consultancy that has received funding from Grünenthal for their role in developing this manuscript.

CMRO peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr Anurag Negi, Consultant Rheumatologist at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, for assistance and providing access to the patient database.

Notes

*Versatis is a registered trademark of Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany.