lidocaine / methyl salicylate / camphor
LiMetCam patch is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that's applied to the skin to help relieve minor aches and pains. This medication doesn't cause many side effects if it's used as directed. But it can put certain people at higher risk of rare, but serious problems, like stomach bleeding.
What is LiMetCam?
What is LiMetCam used for?
Mild-to-moderate aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:
- Muscle soreness/stiffness
- Strains
- Sprains
- Arthritis
- Backache
- Bruises
How LiMetCam works
LiMetCam is a topical analgesic. This means that it relieves pain when applied to the skin. The patch contains a combination of three medications: lidocaine, methyl salicylate, and camphor.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic, meaning it only lowers pain in the area of skin closely around or directly in contact with the medication. Lidocaine eases pain and skin irritation by numbing the nerves and making them less sensitive to pain or irritation.
Methyl salicylate and camphor act as counterirritants when applied to the skin. This means that they activate sensory receptors in the skin, which then causes the receptors to be less sensitive to pain signals.
Drug facts
Side effects of LiMetCam
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Burning sensation
- Skin irritation
LiMetCam serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Stomach bleeding: bloody or black stool, stomach cramps, dizziness, feeling tired or weak, trouble breathing, vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Serious skin burns: pain, swelling, blistering of the skin
- Salicylate poisoning: nausea, vomiting, fast breathing, dizziness, confusion, headache
- Blood problems (methemoglobinemia): seizures, loss of consciousness, fast heart beat, trouble breathing, feeling dizzy or faint, feeling tired, skin color turning blue
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Pros and cons of LiMetCam
Pros
- Available over the counter
- Can be applied directly to the painful area
- One patch can be worn for up to 12 hours
- Generally well-tolerated with few side effects
Cons
- Can't be applied to irritated or damaged skin
- Can cause irritation if it makes contact with the eyes
- Can't be used in people who are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs)
- Very rare risk of stomach bleeds in certain people, such as older adults
Pharmacist tips for LiMetCam
- Before applying LiMetCam, clean and dry the area where you want to place the patch. The patch won't stick well to damp skin.
- Remove the backing from the patch and apply the sticky side of LiMetCam patch directly to the affected area.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after applying or removing the patch. This will help prevent you from getting medication into your eyes or other places that might get irritated.
- It can take minutes to hours before you experience pain relief from LiMetCam. If you're not sure whether this medication is helping with your pain, talk with your healthcare provider.
- Don't put a heating pad over the area where you applied the LiMetCam patch. Doing so can raise your risk for serious chemical burns.
- If you're allergic to NSAIDs, ask your healthcare provider before using LiMetCam. Methyl salicylate, a medication in the patch, is an NSAID. This means that if you've ever had an allergic reaction to an NSAID, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)), you might also be allergic to LiMetCam.
- Stop using LiMetCam and let your healthcare provider know if your pain gets worse or if you get a rash, itchiness, or serious skin irritation. This might mean that you're sensitive to a medication or other ingredient in the patch. Or it could mean you have a more serious condition that should be checked by your provider.
- Throw the LiMetCam patch away after a single use. The best way to throw away a medication patch is to fold it in half, sticky sides together. This will keep someone from accidentally touching the medication side of the patch and getting it on their skin. Used patches can be dangerous if a child or pet chews or eats them because they still contain some medication.
- Reseal the pouch containing unused LiMetCam patches immediately after each use. You shouldn't use any patch from a pouch that has been opened for 7 or more days.
Common questions about LiMetCam
You should only apply LiMetCam to skin that's not damaged or broken. Don't apply it on rashes, wounds, or irritated or damaged skin. Don't apply the patch to your face or genital area. Also, avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth right after you've applied the patch. Make sure to washed your hands first. Otherwise, some of the medication from the patch might stick to your fingers and can irritate sensitive skin.
Ask your provider if it's safe to cut a LiMetCam patch. In general, you shouldn't cut a LiMetCam patch unless the manufacturer or the FDA say it's safe to do so. Cutting a patch can change the way the medication is released, which might affect the way it works or lead to more side effects.
Yes, LiMetCam patches can help relieve inflammation. Both menthol and methyl salicylate, 2 ingredients in the patch, are known to ease inflammation. LiMetCam is used to lessen pain in conditions where there's inflammation, such as arthritis or sprains.
No, you should only apply one LiMetCam patch at a time. You can leave the patch on for 8 to 12 hours. If you're still experiencing pain, you can apply a new patch after you remove the old patch. However, you shouldn't use more than 2 patches per day.
You shouldn't use LiMetCam during the last 3 months of pregnancy because it can harm your unborn baby or cause problems during delivery. It's unclear whether LiMetCam is safe to use during the first 6 months of pregnancy. Ask your provider before you use this medication if you're pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.
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Risks and warnings for LiMetCam
LiMetCam can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Stomach bleeding
- Risk factors: Age 60 years and older | History of stomach ulcers or bleeding | Taking other NSAIDs | Taking a blood thinner or steroid medication | Having 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day | Using LiMetCam for a long period of time
LiMetCam contains an NSAID (methyl salicylate), which can raise your risk of stomach bleeding. This side effect is very rare, but some factors can put you more at risk, like being over 60 years old, having a history of stomach ulcers, or taking other medications that can raise your risk of stomach problems. If you have bloody or black stools, stomach cramps, dizziness, weakness, trouble breathing, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds while using LiMetCam, contact your provider right away.
Salicylate poisoning
Rarely, methyl salicylate, one of the components of LiMetCam, can cause salicylate poisoning. This happens when your body absorbs too much of the medication, mostly through overusing or ingesting the product. Salicylate poisoning is a serious side effect that should be treated immediately. Let your provider know if you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing, or dizziness.
Risk of serious burns
- Risk factors: Covering the application area | Applying heat to the application area
Although very rare, LiMetCam can cause serious skin burns. If this happens, it usually occurs within 24 hours of the first use. Sometimes they can be so severe that the event requires hospitalization. Stop using the patches if you experience pain, blistering, or swelling at the site of application and get medical help immediately.
Blood problems (methemoglobinemia)
- Risk factors: Breathing problems | Heart disease | Certain genetic conditions | Liver problems | Young children
Lidocaine, an ingredient found in LiMetCam, can cause a condition known as methemoglobinemia where your blood can't get enough oxygen to your body. While this reaction is rare, it can be life-threatening. The signs of methemoglobinemia are headaches, dizziness, fast heart rate, feeling tired, and pale, gray- or blue-colored skin, lips, and nail beds. The risk is higher in young children and people with heart or breathing problems. Contact your provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms after using LiMetCam.
LiMetCam dosage
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 patches of 2.5%/4%/2% | 1 carton | $609.20 | $609.20 |
How much does LiMetCam cost?
$609.20
LiMetCam contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because LiMetCam will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergic to NSAIDs
- Recent or upcoming heart surgery
What are alternatives to LiMetCam?
Mild-to-moderate aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:
Short-term relief of minor aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by: