Local anesthetics

Coverage decision

L&I covers lidocaine 5% patch and lidocaine 2.5% with prilocaine 2.5% cream for FDA indications with prior authorization when the condition is related to the industrial injury or occupational disease.

Lidocaine and prilocaine are local anesthetics thought to stabilize neuronal membranes. Lidocaine 5% patch is approved to relieve pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia while lidocaine with prilocaine cream is indicated for local analgesia.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following products:

• Lidoderm® (lidocaine 5% patch) to relieve pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia.
• EMLA® (lidocaine 2.5% with prilocaine 2.5% cream) is indicated for use on normal intact skin for local analgesia.