NeuroTalk Support Groups - New---Aspercreme with Lidocaine 4%

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- - New---Aspercreme with Lidocaine 4% (https://www.neurotalk.org/peripheral-neuropathy/225542-aspercreme-lidocaine-4-a.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by indigo (Post 1171114)

I would love to try something like the Aspercreme with Lidocaine but it's illegal in my country. Just tried Amazon to see if it was possible but it blocked me. I have severe burning pain in my feet and hands and nothing helps. It's meant I'm now in a wheelchair. It's incredibly frustrating knowing there are a wide range of medications available overseas that could be helpful that I'm never going to be able to access.

This is partly a slightly depressed rant and also wondering if some others face this difficulty? If so any ideas about solutions?

I found out today I'm being discharged from the pain clinic who have seen me for the last 9 months. So it's sort of end of the line. I pretty much know what's available to me and also know it's not enough as I'm steadily
deteriorating. It means I'll have no specialist care but I think there's a recognition that they don't have anything else to offer me. They've been very good to me and I'm grateful but I'm also scared. My quality of life is not high. Guess the frustration is knowing there could be something out there that could make things more bearable but I can't access it simply because of the country I live in. Sorry if this sounds very negative. Just a bit worn out.

Hi indigo
I realize the Aspercreme is what you'd really like to try and it's not available here in NZ - Searching NZ databases I did find a different product LMX4 which is a topical cream that has 4% Lidocaine (same as Aspercreme) which is used in NZ for local anesthetic. Here's the link to the Medsafe safety data sheet for the product (Suppliers name is at bottom):

http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/Dat.../l/LMX4crm.pdf

You may be able to get your GP to write a prescription for it. Another possibility is to have your GP write a prescription for a compounded cream with Lidocaine in it and have it made up. I use Pharmaceutical Compounding NZ Ltd for another medication which is not available at the pharmacy and they're very helpful and professional.

I've also recently found a source for Biofreeze in NZ and will pick some up next time I go to the city and try it. Happy to share details if you think it might help you.

Sorry to hear you've been discharged by pain management clinic - I hope you at least have a good GP who can keep monitoring your condition and refer you quickly back to a specialist if you need it.
Take care bluesfan

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsD (Post 1171183)

The patches are designed to release the lidocaine slowly ...over 12 hours. I've never used more than one patch of Lidoderm, and usually cut them down in fact. But I have never had this symptom when using the patch on my back before.

The cream seems to penetrate quickly, IMO.

http://www.target.com/p/aspercreme-l...z/-/A-16836627

I only use intermittently anyway as lidocaine doesn't work as well as menthol for me. However my compounded cream has it as an ingredient and there is no warning about that specifically. But of course everyone reacts different. I'll certainly keep your warning in mind however.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GYRGYXX (Post 1168790)

I have PN in my feet and ankles as a result of stenosis at L5/S1 and it's driving me crazy. I am anxious to try this to see if there is any relief in it.

I went to see my pain management specialist a few weeks ago and almost the first words out of her mouth were, "Spinal Cord Stimulation." Not ready for more surgery at this point.

Well, after having the usual injections; then the spinal cord stimulator came into play. After much urging from my PM doctor; did a trial which thankfully was unsuccessful. He wanted me to do another trial; but I declined.

Unfortunately, I am on a pretty high amount of pain meds. My PM doctor thought the SCS would help lower my dose. I have had so many issues, as well as surgeries; did not want to deal with getting wired and a pocket incision in the butt to put a battery in. I felt the SCS would just add to my already over the top pain.

I do have the PN leg pain, as well as the burning feet and ankles. About 9 years had spinal fusion/laminectomy. Picked up a tube of the Aspercreme with Lidocaine yesterday but have not as of yet used it. I did notice a warning regarding its use if you have swelling . I do have some swelling; especially in my left ankle. I do have edema as well with the feet and ankles so am a bit hesitant. Might try the sides of the knee as Mrs. D Suggested instead of using on my ankles/feet.

Gerry

I believe that warning is directed at people self medicating an injury (with swelling) with a pain reliever instead of going to a doctor for evaluation of breaks, gout, etc.

Since you know your problem and do see a doctor regularly, I think you can try some on the ankles. Do one only and see what happens.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsD (Post 1168550)

Yes, I know about this... When I dislocated my right knee, years ago.. What a painful thing that was. The pain from it went right to my big toe also.

The ortho I went to asked nothing about it.

So when I was thru with the ortho --had the shot in the joint after Xray and MRIs... I went to a chiropractor who reset my knee. On the entry sheet to fill out there was a diagram of the legs...and it asked for the areas of pain... so I drew it out there.

After she snapped my knee back (why couldn't the DOCTOR do this?--- he wanted to do a knee replacement is why)... the pain in my toe INSTANTLY stopped! This is why when I have to use a Lidoderm in bad pain times... I place it along the back of that knee, and it works in one day for me.

The ortho explained that as we age, our cartilage gets thinner and the knee tends to slip with the increased spaces created.
So I got a knee brace to hold my knee when walking long distances or stressing at the gym. And I started the SAMe to rebuild my cartilage. Both work well for this. 400mg of SAMe daily on an empty stomach in the morning. (Costco is affordable for this).

I too had dislocated that knee walking down a hill. We live in a hilly place and I had that happen the day after a long walk. I think it is the coming DOWN the hill that does it for me.

Mrs. D:

Do you really believe that taking "SAMe" can really re-build cartilage, and have there been any credible studies to prove this?

Many thanks!

David