If you’re looking for a strong, over-the-counter pain relief patch, 4% lidocaine plus 1% menthol pain relief gel-patches offer a powerful combination of numbing and cooling effects to help ease discomfort. With the FDA-approved maximum strength of lidocaine available without a prescription, plus the added benefit of menthol, these patches can be a great option when you’re dealing with muscle aches, joint pain, or general soreness. Here is my review of the affordable Sumifun Lidocaine +Menthol Pain Relief Gel-Patches I have been using to help me with a painful upper back muscle spasm.
Recently I developed a painful muscle spasm in my upper back that seems to have pinched a nerve. (I suspect it was caused by my propensity to spend too much of each day looking down at a mobile phone or laptop screen.)
A few years ago, when my husband had an even more severe muscle spasm that caused a pinched nerve, he was prescribed not only oral painkillers but also 5% lidocaine patches that helped him enormously. Subsequently, when he developed a less severe muscle spasm in his back, we decided to give 4% lidocaine patches from the pharmacy a try, since 5% lidocaine patches are only available by prescription. After buying a box of the popular but expensive Salonpas 4% lidocaine pain relieving gel-patch from the local pharmacy and realizing that he would need to use the patches for an extended period of time, my husband bought a less expensive 4% lidocaine roll-on product, but it wore off faster and was smellier than the gel-patches.
So, when my recent back spasm began, I decided to try a more affordable brand of gel-patch and opted for the over-the-counter (OTC) maximum-strength lidocaine plus menthol version.
Overview
Sumifun 4% Lidocaine + 1% Menthol Pain Relief Gel-Patch is a maximum-strength over-the-counter pain relief patch designed to alleviate a variety of aches and pains, including backaches, stiff necks, joint pain, and muscle soreness. Combining 4% lidocaine, a potent local anesthetic, with 1% menthol, a counterirritant that provides a cooling and warming sensation, these patches promise fast-acting, long-lasting relief for up to 8 hours. Available in various pack sizes, they are also FSA/HSA eligible, adding to their appeal for convenient topical pain relief without a prescription.
Packaging and Presentation
The Sumifun patches are individually wrapped, ensuring convenience, cleanliness and portability. Each patch measures approximately 3.9” x 5.5” (similar in size to most other large OTC lidocaine patches). Instructions are printed not only on the box, but also on the wrapper of each lidocaine pain relief patch.
The patches have a soft, stretchy fabric exterior and a sticky adhesive side infused with the active ingredients. The menthol gives them a subtle scent.
Application
Applying the patch is straightforward: Remove the patch from the individual packaging, partially peel back the protective backing film, position the patch over the affected area and press to adhere, then remove the remaining backing film as you press and firmly smooth down the patch against the skin. If you have back pain, you probably will need someone to apply the patch for you.
I have found that, if adhered smoothly and firmly, paying special attention to the edges, the patches stay in place on my upper back for about 5-8 hours during light activity (sitting, standing, walking). However, some customers report that the edges may begin to lift slightly after sweating or bending, especially when the patch is applied to more mobile areas like knees or lower legs. You might need to use tape to help keep it in place securely in those situations.
The patch feels lightweight and flexible, molding to the skin without feeling bulky. However, it’s thinner than the prescription-grade patches we’ve used, which makes it a bit trickier to apply without it folding onto itself. Once properly applied, however, it’s discreet under clothing and there’s no greasy residue like with lidocaine creams or lotions.
Effectiveness
The combination of 4% lidocaine and 1% menthol is the star of this product. Lidocaine, at 4%, is the highest OTC strength available, working by numbing nerve signals to dull pain. Menthol complements this by creating a cooling sensation followed by subtle warmth, which can distract from discomfort and soothe the area.
The patches feel extremely cold upon application. The cooling effect from the menthol provides some comfort within about 15–20 minutes. The lidocaine kicks in shortly after, reducing the sharp ache to a more manageable level. For moderate pain, like my tech use-induced back muscle spasm, it has worked well, taking the edge off enough to improve mobility and focus. However, it hasn’t completely eliminated deeper soreness, and the relief is mostly gone after about 6 hours.
These lidocaine patches with menthol are especially helpful for backaches or joint stiffness. They would not be adequate to help with more severe or chronic pain, like neuropathy or post-surgical discomfort. Compared to prescription 5% lidocaine patches my husband has used previously, these over-the-counter 4% lidocaine patches are slightly less potent, but they’re a solid alternative for less severe pain.
The product claims up to 8 hours of relief per patch, with a recommendation to leave it on for no longer than 8 hours. In my experience, the pain relief peaks around hours 2–4 and then gradually declines. By hour 6, the numbing effect is faint. However, when applied an hour before bedtime, these patches have helped me fall asleep and stay asleep, which has been a blessing.
Key Features
- Maximum OTC Strength: Contains 4% lidocaine, the highest strength available over the counter, to provide numbing relief for pain.
- Enhanced with 1% Menthol: Provides an instant cooling sensation that helps soothe discomfort while the lidocaine takes effect.
- Fast-Acting & Long-Lasting: Works quickly and delivers pain relief for up to 8 hours.
- Flexible & Comfortable: Designed to be thin and stretchable to conform to different body areas without restricting movement.
- Non-Greasy & Mess-Free: Unlike creams or gels, these patches adhere to the skin without leaving a sticky residue.
Benefits
- Great for localized pain relief: Ideal for back pain, arthritis, and muscle soreness.
- Easy to use: Just peel and apply; no need for rubbing or massaging like creams.
- Affordable compared to prescription options: Provides effective relief without the need for a doctor’s visit.
- Dual action relief: The lidocaine-menthol combo offers both numbing and soothing sensations, making it versatile for various pain types.
- OK to use even on sensitive skin: I have had to have these patches applied and removed twice a day for the past five days so far, and even though I have fairly delicate skin, the affected area where the patches are being applied and removed repeatedly is slightly pink but not irritated.
- Affordable: At roughly $1-$1.50 per patch (depending on pack size), it’s a cost-effective OTC option compared to prescription alternatives or better known brands like Salonpas.
- Discreet and Mess-Free: No greasy residue or strong smell, ideal for daytime use.
- FSA/HSA Eligible: A bonus for those leveraging tax-advantaged accounts.
Considerations
- May not stick well on very mobile or perspired areas: If you sweat or move a lot, the adhesive can loosen, especially on joints like knees or elbows.
- Cooling sensation fades quickly: While the menthol effect is noticeable at first, it doesn’t last as long as the lidocaine.
- Not a cure-all for chronic pain: Works well for temporary relief but may not be strong enough for severe or deep pain conditions.
- Adhesion issues: Edges may lift with flexion or sweat, especially on joints or lower extremities, where tape may be required to hold the patch in place securely. However, a stronger adhesive might cause skin irritation, especially if you need to apply and remove multiple gel patches successively until the muscle pain resolves permanently.
- Application challenges: Thin and stretchy material requires care to avoid folding and sticking to itself when being applied. If the affected area is inaccessible, such as the back, you might need someone to apply the patch for you.
Who Is This Best For?
- People with mild to moderate muscle or joint pain
- Individuals with arthritis or general body aches
- Anyone looking for easy, on-the-go pain relief without messy creams
Value for Money
Priced at $29.74 for two packs of 15 patches (30 patches total), equivalent to $0.99 each, on Amazon at the time of this review’s publication, these large Sumifun lidocaine and menthol pain relief patches deliver excellent value. By comparison, the Salonpas Lidocaine Gel-Patch (15 Count) 2 Pack cost $47.99, equivalent to $1.60 each, on Amazon as of this writing. That’s a significant difference in price! Note that Salonpas also makes other pain relief gel patches with different and potentially less effective active ingredients.
The addition of menthol in the Sumifun lidocaine patches is helpful, enhancing the pain relief at an affordable price. For occasional use on mild to moderate pain, these patches are definitely a worthwhile investment.
My Final Verdict
The Sumifun 4% Lidocaine + 1% Menthol Patches are a solid choice for those who need fast-acting, targeted pain relief. The combination of numbing lidocaine and soothing menthol makes them effective for many types of pain, especially sore muscles. They offer a convenient and affordable way to manage muscle aches and pains without a prescription.
