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?

Lidocaine 5% patches are now available as a generic drug. Perhaps the insurance will cover the generic form because it is cheaper. Double check with the doctor to see if the prescription was written as a generic. Maybe doc didn't know to ask for generic.