Comparison of Prescription Lidocaine Patch to Over the Counter Lidocaine Patch and Placebo for Back Pain and Arthritis
Comparison of Prescription Lidocaine Patch to Over the Counter Lidocaine Patch and Placebo for Back Pain and Arthritis
A comparison of transdermal patches for efficacy, side effects and quality of life for
 patients with back pain and arthritis. The three arms in the trial were; prescription
 strength lidocaine 5%, over the counter lidocaine 3.6%, menthol 1.25% and placebo.
In this comparison of; lidocaine 5%, lidocaine/menthol 1.25% and placebo for patients with
 back pain and arthritis, subjects had to qualify by meeting various inclusion and exclusion
 criteria. Subjects signed an informed consent and were randomized in a double blinded fashion
 to one of the three arms. After randomization subjects completed a baseline questionnaire
 regarding how pain affects their lives. Then they began therapy with their blinded product.
 This same questionnaire was administered after the second day of therapy and after the final
 day on day 10. Responses at the day two and ten endpoints were compared to baseline to access
 the response of each arm.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Diagnosis of back pain

 -  Diagnosis of arthritis

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Pregnancy or expected pregnancy in the next three months

 -  Allergic to any lidocaine, menthol and methylparaben

 -  No reliable access to the internet

 -  Baseline average pain intensity of 1,2,9 or 10 on a scale of 0-to 10.

 -  Pain on the area of the body not conducive to patch therapy (eg fingers, toes etc)