What is RadiaGuard?
Lidocaine acts as a local anesthetic. Lidocaine is available in many different brands and forms. This leaflet does not list all brands.RadiaGuard is used for skin irritations like sunburns, insect bites, and poisonous plants such as poison ivy. This medicine can also be used to treat rectal pain caused by hemorrhoids.Lidocaine intradermal devices can be used for minor medical procedures such as venipuncture and peripheral intravenous catheterization.RadiaGuard can be used in other ways not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side effects of RadiaGuard
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, lips, face, tongue or throat swelling and redness or itching - medical attention must be sought immediately.
RadiaGuard can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- severe headache or vomiting;
- The medicine may cause severe irritation, burning, or stinging where it is applied.
- Swelling or redness
- After taking medicine, you may experience sudden dizziness or drowsiness.
- Confusion, speech problems, vision problems, ringing of the ears, or
- Unusual sensations of heat
Side effects that are common include:
- Mild irritation at the site of application;
- The medicine accidentally applied to the skin can cause numbness.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Tramadol, Naproxen, Oxycodone, Tylenol, and Vancomycin
Warnings
A skin-absorbed overdose of numbing medication can have fatal side effects.Avoid using large amounts of topical lidocaine or covering treated skin with bandages or plastic wraps without consulting a doctor.Keep used and unused skin patches away from children or pets. A child or pet that accidentally swallows or sucks a skin patch could suffer harm from the amount of lidocaine.
Before you take this drug
RadiaGuard should not be used if you have an allergy to numbing medicines.Overdoses can be fatal when numbing medicine is used without a doctor's advice (such as for a cosmetic procedure such as laser hair removal). Overdoses have also happened in women who were given numbing medication before undergoing a mammogram.Be aware that cosmetic procedures can be performed without the presence of a doctor.
Inform your doctor of any of the following issues:
- A blood cell disorder known as methemoglobinemia in you or your family member;
- liver disease
- If you are taking a medicine for heart rhythm,
Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or nursing.Avoid areas where the mouth of a baby may come into contact with RadiaGuard when applying RadiaGuard to your chest.
How to take RadiaGuard?
RadiaGuard should be used exactly as prescribed by your physician or on the label. This medicine should not be applied in higher amounts than prescribed.The improper use of lidocaine topically can lead to death.RadiaGuard is available in many forms, including gel, spray, creams, lotions, ointments, liquids, skin patches, and more.Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine enters your eyes, mouth, nose, rectum, or vagina.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, seek help from either your physician or pharmacist.Do not use more than is necessary to relieve pain or numb skin. You may absorb too many of these medications if they are applied to large areas of skin or if bandages or plastic wraps are used on the treated area. Cut or irritated skin may absorb more topical medications than healthy skin.
This medicine should not be applied to areas of swollen or punctured skin. Use the medicine only on skin that has been burned or abraded.Cover treated skin only if your doctor tells you to.RadiaGuard can be applied using your fingertips or a cotton swab.A healthcare provider applies the Lidocaine intradermal devices.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.RadiaGuard skin patches, both used and unused, should be kept out of reach of pets or children. Lidocaine in the skin patch could cause harm to children or pets who accidentally swallow or suck on the patch.
What happens if I miss the dose?
RadiaGuard can be used as needed, and you might not have a schedule. If your next dose is near, skip any missed doses. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. If you take too much numbing medication, it can have fatal side effects.Overdose symptoms include irregular heartbeats (convulsions), slow breathing, coma, or respiratory failure.Lidocaine on the skin will not cause an overdose unless you use more than the recommended dosage.
What should be avoided?
When applying a skin patch containing lidocaine, avoid touching the sticky side.Avoid injuring the treated areas of skin while they are still numb. Avoid coming in contact with surfaces that are very hot or cold.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you take are unlikely to affect the medicine applied to your skin. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
