I have been using Lidoderm patches for PN pain.Today I received letter from Tricare that they want prior authorization or pay full price.

I hope to be able to get authorization. In the meantime, are there any over the counter things I can use? Some have mentioned Salon Pas.

Can I make patches last longer by cutting in half?

There are no lidocaine OTC patches.

Salonpas are menthol, camphor, and methyl salicyclate and basically are for inflammatory pain.

You may be able to use 1/2 of a Lidoderm patch, if it is placed properly over the correct nerve path you need to intercept.

I use 1/2 on the tops of my feet, or behind the knees.
But on my back I typically use a whole one.

It is possible that your insurance is not going to pay for
brand name Lidoderm?
This link says Watson is making a generic version as of Aug 2012.
You'd have to contact your pharmacy and see if they have those.

http://www.drugs.com/availability/generic-lidoderm.html

The letter said "Due to high potential for non FDA-approved use..." That is why they want authorization. Is PN FDA approved? Would a Lido gel work?

I believe that the FDA has only approved them for
shingles neuralgia. The company has to do studies for other
conditions etc.

Insurance companies use this tactic to get out of paying for things.
The Lidoderms have generalized to many other pain conditions.

I get mine easily since I had shingles, testing for it and diagnosis sent at the time. Lidoderms were not out yet. But when they did come out, I already had that diagnosis logged.

Here is the policy of use and coverage for Express Scripts:
http://www.amidacareny.org/Collatera..._PA_policy.pdf

TriCare has always been odd and limiting.

This is the new TriCare document --
http://www.tricare.mil/tma/pharmacy/...rmation_37.pdf

It suggests, that neuropathic pain is covered. Getting a prior auth. is just your doctor faxing them a document with your diagnosis on it. You will probably be approved.

My husband had to get Prior Auth for his Dovenox cream for his psoriasis. The doctor's office did that for us over the phone.
It was not TriCare however. It took one day. They all differ.

Lidoderm was supposed to go generic last Nov. my pharmacist said they got a court order, it remains name brand only.

I am on Tricare Prime. This means that next time I renew my prescription for Lidoderm, the same authorization will also be asked by Express Script.

Have you tried calling your rx doc and explain what is going on? They may be able to give you some direction

I went to site and found request form. It lists conditions and neuropathy was one listed. Another listed was osteoarthritis and if dr wrote Rx for that justification was required. So it looks like my PN would be covered since Dr did not have to do additional justification.

Changes don't go into effect until August and I hope to get refills up til then. I haven't brought it up to DR as I felt it is too soon.