Please note that this information leaflet should be read alongside any
patient information leaflet provided by the manufacturer of this medication.
What is a Versatis Patch?
Versatis is the brand name of a medicated patch which contains Lidocaine.
Lidocaine belongs to a group of medicines known as local anaesthetics,
which work by temporarily blocking the pathways of pain signals along the
nerves.
What is it used for?
For the relief of localised pain caused by damage to, or irritation of, the
nerves. Nerve/neuropathic pain is often described as a burning, shooting or
stabbing pain.
How does the patch work?
In nerve/neuropathic pain the nerves are sending scrambled/amplified
messages to the brain. When nerve damage or irritation is localised to one
area, applying a Versatis patch containing Lidocaine can help. The
Lidocaine (pain killer) seeps through the skin into the damaged/irritated
nerves and reduces the number of scrambled/amplified messages sent to
the brain.
• Firstly, you will notice by looking at the patch that it is quite well
padded. If you have very sensitive skin, which is painful to touch or
changes temperature, the Versatis patch can help protect this
sensitive skin.
• Secondly, the Lidocaine medication provides sustained long term
pain relief.
• Thirdly, there is the cooling effect from the hydrogel patch.
How do I use the patches?
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The skin should be unbroken, clean and dry.
The skin should be free of creams and lotions before applying the
patch.
If the painful area of skin has hair on it, you can cut the hairs using
scissors. Shaving is not advised as it may aggravate the skin and
make the pain worse.
Do not use straight after a bath or shower, allow the skin to cool off
before applying the patch.
Press the patch onto the skin and hold for at least 10 seconds to
make sure the patch sticks firmly.
Make sure that all of it sticks to your skin, including the edges.
Wear the patch for a maximum of 12 hours on and 12 hours off
When should I use the patches?
When the pain is at its worst. This differs between individuals; if the pain
is worse at night then you may find that this is the best time to use the
patch.
How long will it take for the patch to work?
It is important to remember that nerve pain often escalates or ‘winds up’
over time, it may take time to reverse or ‘unwind’. You may need to
continue treatment with Versatis for at least 2-4 weeks before any
benefit is felt because it takes time for the body to respond.
Can this medication affect other medicines I take?
It is important to tell your doctor what medication you are taking
including those bought without prescription/herbal medicines. Because
Versatis is a topical treatment very little of the active ingredient –
Lidocaine - gets into the blood stream, therefore Versatis can be used
alongside other treatments that relieve nerve pain.
Are there any side effects?
Medications affect individual people in different ways. Most people using
this medication will experience no side effects.
• Rash/itching/burning/blisters or irritation at the patch application site
• Allergic reaction
• Skin injury
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove the patch?
Slowly and gently; if it is difficult soak with warm water for a few minutes.
Fold the used patch in half, with the sticky sides together and throw
them away so that they are out of the reach of children and pets.
What if I forget to remove the patch after 12 hours?
As soon as you remember then remove the old patch. Do not reapply
again until 12hours from removal.
What if I forget to use the patch?
If you have forgotten then as soon as you remember stick on a new
patch.
Can I cut the patch?
Yes – it is possible to cut the patch to shape without losing the beneficial
effects.
What if the patch comes off?
This shouldn’t happen, but if it does try sticking it back on the same
area. If it doesn’t stay on, remove it and put a new patch in the same
area remembering to remove it as though it were the old patch.
Information Leaflet number:
Author/Contact:
542(01/02/12)
Sarah Barber
If you require any further information or have any questions about Versatis
patches please speak with the pain team.
The pain nurse can be contacted Monday to Friday 08.30- 18.00 hrs on
telephone number 0114 2717397 if it is out of hours please leave a
message and we will get back to you.
Pain Nurse Team
Sarah Barber
Julie Heeley
Rebecca Reaney
Review 2014
Versatis
(Local Anaesthetic)
Patch