Compare Lidoderm vs. Duragesic
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Lidoderm (lidocaine) and fentanyl patches are both used to manage pain, but they have significant differences. Lidoderm is a local anesthetic that numbs the nerves in a specific area of your skin, making it effective for localized nerve pain, such as pain from shingles. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, and comes in various strengths. In contrast, fentanyl is a powerful opioid used for severe, long-term pain and is only available by prescription. Fentanyl works by acting on opioid receptors in your brain and requires you to already be taking other opioid medications around-the-clock. While Lidoderm patches are generally well-tolerated with mild side effects like skin irritation, fentanyl patches carry a high risk of addiction, abuse, and serious side effects, including life-threatening breathing problems. Additionally, fentanyl patches are under strict monitoring programs due to their potential for misuse, whereas Lidoderm patches are not.
- Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)Fentanyl patch
- Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)Fentanyl patch
Summary of Lidoderm vs. Duragesic
Summary for Local anestheticPrescription onlyLidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm) is a prescription medication used to relieve nerve pain caused by a shingles infection, also called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). It's a local anesthetic that works by numbing your nerves to help reduce pain. You apply the patch directly to the painful area of your skin once a day, and it can be worn for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Common side effects include temporary skin irritation, redness, and a mild burning sensation where the patch is applied.
Summary for OpioidPrescription onlyThe fentanyl transdermal patch, previously known by the brand name Duragesic, is an opioid. It's a patch that's applied on the skin every 3 days to manage severe, long-term or chronic pain. The fentanyl patch is only approved for people who are "opioid tolerant" whose pain isn't controlled well enough with other treatment options. Fentanyl is a very powerful opioid, so the medication can be especially dangerous for those who aren't opioid tolerant because of their high risk for extremely slowed breathing and overdose. Some side effects include nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness.
Indications of Lidoderm vs. Duragesic
Indications for•Nerve pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)Indications forPros and Cons of Lidoderm vs. Duragesic
Pros and Const for Local anestheticPros•Works directly on the skin•Generally well-tolerated with few side effects•Can cut patches to fit the area of painCons•Commonly causes skin irritation•Must avoid contact with water wearing the patch•Might interact with many medicationsPros and Const for OpioidPros•A possible option for severe, chronic pain if you've already tried other treatments and they don't work well enough for you•A possible choice if you have trouble swallowing pills•Replaced on the skin every 3 daysCons•Only approved for people who are already taking opioids around-the-clock (opioid tolerant)•Not intended to use as needed, for short-term pain, or for mild painCommon Side Effects of Lidoderm vs. Duragesic
Common Side Effects for•Blisters•Bruising•Burning sensation•Changes in skin color•Rash or redness•Swelling•Peeling or flaking skin•Itching•Small bumps or spots•Tiny red or purple dots under the skin•Tingling or numbness in the areaCommon Side Effects for•Nausea (41%)•Vomiting (26%)•Sleepiness (19%)•Dizziness (10%)•Trouble sleeping (10%)•Constipation (9%)•A lot of sweating (6%)•Tiredness (6%)•Feeling cold (6%)Warnings of Lidoderm vs. Duragesic
Common Side Effects for•Blood problem (methemoglobinemia)•Absorbing too much medication•Accidental poisoning in children or petsCommon Side Effects for•Potential for misuse and addiction•Life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)•Risk for opioid overdose•Life-threatening risks with accidental exposure•Life-threatening risks with patch exposure to high temperatures (e.g., heat, high fever)•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness•Physical dependence and withdrawal•Harm to newborn babies•Drug interactions•Serotonin syndrome•Low blood pressure and slow heart rate•Low adrenal hormone levels•SeizuresPrices with our coupons for Lidoderm vs. Duragesic
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.