I asked my doctor who told me it could only be legally used for " shingles " in the uk and then I found this.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100005168.html

Perhaps its just me but if this is used to treat neuropathy from Shingles is there any reason why I couldnt be used use to treat other forms of unkown neuropathy ?

Lidoderms (lidocaine patch) have generalized in US to all forms
of pain.

Some of our insurances will pay for it, some not.
(I had shingles so I have that history in my records, so my insurance pays for it).

It comes to liability issues apparently here incase it has bad response as result of being used for anything else but shingles.

This article says that "off label" use in UK is permitted:

http://bjo.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/90/10/1218

http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:...lnk&cd=3&gl=us

You can offer to sign a release for your doctor, and he may allow it then. Also Lidoderms are very low risk except for those taking special drugs for heart rhythm disorders. (not common).
They have been in use in USA very successfully.

Here is a list of reactions reported:
http://patientsville.com/medication/...de_effects.htm
It is one of the smallest I have ever seen on this website!
I'd print it out and take it to your doctor to make your point.

If you look at what the other drugs these patients were taking were...you get an idea of the risk.
The one death--obviously had serious heart problems to start with!

Hi Mrs D,

Thanks for taking time to look all that out for me .

I spoke to my gp yesterday and mentioned some of what you said apart from release form and he wasnt very clear to say the least .

Today I spoke someone who told be about licenscing body here ( mhra ) who decided what medcines get put on the compulsary list ( the list gps usually have no problems prescribing from ) and those that dont because their not considered " cost effective ".

Liability excuse seems more of smokescreen ( the doctor before that gave the excuse of having to get permission ) when its soley their repsonsbility.

I am going to write to mhra and also include that information you were good enough to find .

Ironcally after all this I read the following today regarding ectasy , really makes you wonder though , how much is really controlled " objectively "

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.u...ode=405428&c=1