Capsaicin Transdermal

Capsaicin transdermal is both available by prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) and is used for neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (Rx, Qutenza) and for skeletomuscular pain (OTC, Salonpas Gel Patch).

Capsaicin transdermal is available under the following different brand names: Qutenza and Salonpas Gel Patch.

Dosages of Capsaicin Transdermal:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Transdermal Patch (Rx, Qutenza)

• 8%; contains 640mcg/sq.cm (179mg/patch)

Transdermal Patch (OTC, Salonpas Gel Patch)

• 0.025%
• 0.075%

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Neuropathic Pain

• Qutenza is indicated for neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia
• Qutenza (Rx): Single 60-minute application of up to 4 patches to dry, intact (unbroken) skin
• May repeat no more frequently than every 3 months
• Skeletomuscular Pain
• Salonpas Gel Patch (OTC): Apply patch to affected area up to 3-4 times daily for 7 days; patch may remain in place for up to 8 hours
• Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients

Common side effects of capsaicin transdermal (Quetenza transdermal patch) include:

• Transient increased pain at the application site
• Application site redness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Itching at the application site
• Papules at the application site
• Skin dryness at the application site

Less common side effects of capsaicin transdermal (Quetenza transdermal patch) include:

• Exfoliation
• Dizziness
• Cough
• Skin odor
• Headache
• Changes in taste

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Capsaicin transdermal has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Capsaicin transdermal has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Capsaicin transdermal has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Capsaicin transdermal has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains capsaicin transdermal. Do not take Qutenza or Salonpas Gel Patch if you are allergic to capsaicin transdermal or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Capsaicin Transdermal?”

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Capsaicin Transdermal?”

Cautions

• Monitor for at least 1 hour after patch application because of risk for increased blood pressure
• Do not apply to the face or scalp to avoid exposure to eyes or mucous membranes
• Remove patch gently to avoid aerosolization (airborne capsaicin can result in coughing or sneezing)
• The treated area may be sensitive to heat for several days (e.g., hot water, direct sunlight, vigorous exercise)
• Use caution in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, history of cerebrovascular events

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Capsaicin transdermal may be acceptable for use during pregnancy. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies are not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies were done and showed no risk.
• It is not known whether capsaicin transdermal is distributed in breast milk. Do not nurse while using capsaicin transdermal.