Versatis medicated plasters (lidocaine) (2024)

What are Versatis medicated plasters?

Versatis plasters are pain-relieving patches that are prescribed to relieve the skin pain that some people get following an attack of shingles. This pain may be described as burning, shooting or stabbing pain and is called post-herpetic neuralgia. It occurs in the area of skin where the shingles rash was.

How do Versatis medicated plasters work?

Versatis medicated plasters contain the active ingredient lidocaine, which is a type of medicine called a local anaesthetic.

The plasters are large patches made with a special gel that allows the lidocaine to seep slowly into the skin over 12 hours. The lidocaine causes numbness and relieves pain in the area it is applied to by temporarily blocking the pathway of pain signals along nerves.

💡Key facts about Versatis plasters

• Versatis plasters are only suitable for adults aged 18 and over.
• They are only available on prescription.
• The plasters are applied to the painful area of skin and worn for 12 hours out of 24. Wear them during the day or night, depending on when the pain is worse.
• Don't apply more than three plasters at a time.
• Don't apply the plasters to broken or inflamed skin. Only use them once the shingles rash has healed.
• You should get some pain relief when you first start using the plasters, but the full effect will build up over two to four weeks. Stop using the plasters if your pain doesn't improve over this time.
• The most common side effect is skin irritation where you apply the plasters.

Who shouldn't use Versatis plasters?

Versatis plasters can be used by most adults. They should not be used by children and adolescents under 18 years of age, or by people who are allergic to local anaesthetics such as bupivacaine, etidocaine, mepivacaine or prilocaine.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have any heart, liver or kidney problems and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

⚠️ Don't apply the plasters to inflamed or broken skin, such as dermatitis, open wounds or active shingles rash. The plasters should only be used once the shingles rash has healed.

⚠️ Don't apply the plasters near your eyes or mouth.

How do I use Versatis medicated plasters?

You should apply Versatis plasters to cover the painful area of skin. You can cut the plasters into smaller sizes with scissors if needed to fit the affected area. If you're cutting the plasters, do this before removing the liner. Don't apply more than three plasters at the same time.

You can apply the plasters in the morning or evening, depending on when your pain is worse. You wear the plasters for 12 hours, then remove them and wait for 12 hours before applying new plasters.

• The skin where you're applying the plaster should be clean, dry, non-hairy, intact and non-irritated.
• Remove any hair on the affected skin with a pair of scissors. Don't shave it off.
• Don't stick the plaster on straight after a hot bath or shower, wait for the skin to cool down first.
• Don't use talc, creams or moisturisers before applying the plaster as they may prevent it sticking. (You can use creams and lotions on the affected area of skin after removing the plaster.)
• Avoid letting the plaster come into contact with water while wearing it. If possible you should do any bathing, showering or swimming while not wearing the plaster.
• Close the sachet tightly after removing the required number of plasters, to stop the remaining ones drying out.

If you forget to remove a plaster after 12 hours, remove it as soon as you remember then wait for 12 hours before applying another one. If you forget to apply a new plaster after 12 hours just apply a new one as soon as you remember and remove it 12 hours later.

Dispose of used plasters carefully, as they will still contain some lidocaine that could be harmful to children and animals. Fold the used plasters in half so the sticky side is inside and dispose of out of the reach of children or pets. Do not flush used plasters down the toilet.

What are the side effects of Versatis plasters?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that may be associated with Versatis plasters. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people using these patches will experience that or any side effect.

Very common side effects (affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• Rash, redness, itching, burning, blisters, dermatitis or irritation at patch application site.

Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine or talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Versatis plasters. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

Can I use other medicines with Versatis plasters?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're already using any other medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start using Versatis plasters. This is particularly important if you're already using other local anaesthetics, or if you're taking medicines for an irregular heartbeat, such as tocainide or mexiletine.

It's a good idea to check with your pharmacist before taking any new medicines while using Versatis plasters, to make sure that the combination is safe.

However, it's fine to take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and prescribed medicines for nerve pain like amitriptyline, gabapentin or pregabalin, while you're using Versatis plasters.

Last updated 26.10.2018