NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has launched an appeal asking patients who are currently prescribed lidocaine patches – prescribed under common names such as Ralvo or Versatis – to contact their GP practice and ask to be referred to the GP practice pharmacy team to discuss if their prescription is still right for them.
The appeal – named ‘The Evidence is Patchy’ – aims to reduce inappropriate use of these patches, and to tackle the significant costs associated with them.
Lidocaine patches provide short-term pain relief in a very small number of conditions. However, use of this medicine has greatly increased in recent years, and latest figures show the prescribing of lidocaine patches cost NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde around £7 million in the year to April 2024 – even though most of the people who receive them could use alternatives that are better for their needs.
The patches are only recommended for the short-term treatment of nerve pain following shingles. They are not always suitable for long-term use for other types of pain, such as back pain or hip pain, as lidocaine does not get absorbed deep enough to relieve the deeper pain. According to the evidence, lidocaine patches can be used less often over time and in general are not part of a long-term management plan.
Dr James Morton, a GP within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Lidocaine patches are an effective medicine for shingles, and they will continue to be prescribed to patients for whom their use is appropriate.
“However, there are some patients who receive these patches where other options are more appropriate, and we are keen to review these people by telephone or in person to fully assess their ongoing need.
“We would encourage anyone who is currently prescribed these patches to ask for a review by the GP practice pharmacy team, so that they can ensure that your prescription is right for you. We would also ask people to speak to a friend or loved one who uses these patches and encourage them to seek a review of their prescription.”
Heather Harrison, Senior Prescribing Adviser Pharmacist at NHSGGC, said: “We always encourage patients to stay in control of the medicines they are prescribed.”
To find out more about taking control of your treatments, go to: It’s OK to Ask
