The science behind Versatis®
Versatis® is a topical 5% lidocaine medicated plaster, indicated for the symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain associated with previous herpes zoster infection (post-herpetic neuralgia, PHN) in adults. 1
Definitions:
What is PHN?
Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the medical term for post-shingles pain, or pain after shingles. Post-herpetic neuralgia pain can last for months or even years. The pain appears in the same area where the rash resided. With increasing age, the chance of developing post-herpetic neuralgia increases.21
What is post-shingles pain?
Shingles is a disease affecting the nerves that causes pain and blisters during the outbreak. After the shingles outbreak is over, severe nerve pain can continue or occur later. If it continues for more than three months, it is called Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Post-shingles pain may be difficult to diagnose, especially in patients who develop herpes zoster infection without typical rash.21
How Versatis® works:
Topically acting, medicated, hydrogel plaster measuring 10 cm x 14 cm.
Active ingredient: Lidocaine 5%. 1
Lidocaine acts on sensitised nerve fibres to reduce impulse transmission in local, damaged fibres, resulting in analgesia. 3,7,8
In addition, the plaster provides a protective cover over the hypersensitive area of the skin and offers an immediate cooling and soothing effect. 2,8
Versatis® has a dual mode of action 1
1. Pharmacological effect: lidocaine within the Versatis® plaster diffuses into the skin and blocks pain sensations directly over the area of pain with minimal systemic absorption 1,20
2. Mechanical effect: the hydrogel Versatis® plaster provides an immediate and soothing effect, whilst giving physical protection to the hypersensitive area of the skin. 2,8
The use of Versatis® is recommended as a first line treatment for PHN in the elderly by EFNS 6, see Professor Gunnar Wasner commenting on this:
(Dept. of Neurology, Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Kiel).
