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Lidoderm vs. Flector Patch

Are Lidoderm and Flector Patch the Same Thing?

Lidoderm (lidocaine patch 5%) and Flector Patch (diclofenac epolamine) are used to relieve different types of pain.

Lidoderm is used to relieve nerve pain after shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).

Flector Patch is used for the topical treatment of acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Lidoderm?

Common side effects of Lidoderm include:

  • irritation,
  • redness,
  • swelling,
  • blisters,
  • numbness, or
  • changes in skin color at the site of application.

Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Lidoderm including

  • irregular heartbeats,
  • drowsiness,
  • confusion, tremors,
  • seizures (convulsions), or
  • blurred vision.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Flector Patch?

Common side effects of Flector Patch include:

  • dryness
  • itching
  • peeling
  • scaling
  • burning
  • redness, or
  • other skin irritation where the patch is applied

Other side effects of Flector Patch include:

What is Lidoderm?

Lidoderm (lidocaine patch 5%) is a local anesthetic used to relieve nerve pain after shingles (infection with the herpes zoster virus). This type of pain is called post-herpetic neuralgia.

What is Flector Patch?

Flector Patch (diclofenac epolamine) contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) used as a pain reliver indicated for the topical treatment of acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions.

What Drugs Interact With Lidoderm?

Lidoderm may interact with anti-arrhythmic drugs or other local anesthetic products.

What Drugs Interact With Flector Patch?

Flector Patch may interact with alcohol, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners, cyclosporine, lithium, methotrexate, diuretics (water pills), steroids, or heart or blood pressure medications.

How Should Lidoderm Be Taken?

Apply Lidoderm to intact skin to cover the most painful area. Apply up to three patches, only once for up to 12 hours within a 24-hour period.

How Should Flector Patch Be Taken?

The recommended dose of Flector Patch is one (1) patch to the most painful area twice a day.

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