My doctor wanted me to have lidocaine patches, but my insurance wouldn't pay for it. So she changes it to 5% lidocaine ointment 50 grams, which is around $100 as regular price.

My research on the net says there are 30-gram over-the-counter 5% lidocaine anorectal ointment for around $30, which I suppose can be applied to none-rectum skin too.

What puzzles me is the big price difference between the prescription and this non-prescription 5% lidocaine ointment. I would appreciate your explanation.

What I prefer is skin patches, as they are easier to apply than ointment. Is there any over-the-counter lidocaine patches?