Qutenza

Generic name: Capsaicin Topical
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Usage of Qutenza

Qutenza patches contain Capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot.

Qutenza patches are used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) in people who have had herpes zoster, or "shingles."

Qutenza patches are also used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet.

Qutenza side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic Reaction to Qutenza patches: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Wash the skin and get medical attention right away if you have severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering of the skin where you applied this medication.

Stop using Qutenza and call your doctor at once if you have:

skin redness where the medicine was applied; or

trouble breathing or swallowing (after accidental inhalation of capsaicin odor or dried residue).

Less serious side effects may include a mild burning sensation that can last for several hours or days, especially after your first use of Qutenza.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Qutenza

Do not use Qutenza if you are allergic to chili peppers, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Capsaicin topical.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using Qutenza if you have any allergies (especially to plants), or if you have a serious medical condition.

It is not known whether Qutenza will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether capsaicin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not apply Qutenza to your breast area if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication on anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Relate drugs

How to use Qutenza

Usual Adult Dose for Postherpetic Neuralgia:

Up to 4 patches applied to intact, non-irritated, dry skin, and allowed to remain in place for 30 minutes for the feet and 60 minutes for other locations Comments: -Treatment may be repeated not more frequently than every three months. -The patch should be applied by a physician or by a health care professional under the supervision of a physician.

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) of the Feet:

Up to 4 patches applied to intact, non-irritated, dry skin, and allowed to remain in place for 30 minutes. Comments: -Treatment may be repeated not more frequently than every three months. -The patch should be applied by a physician or by a health care professional under the supervision of a physician.

Warnings

Qutenza patches must be applied only by a healthcare professional.

Do not use Qutenza if you are allergic to chili peppers, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to capsaicin topical.

Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation wherever it is applied. If you have significant discomfort or skin redness, it can be treated with an ice pack or pain relieving medication.

Get medical attention right away if you have severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering of the skin where you applied the Qutenza patches.

What other drugs will affect Qutenza

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied capsaicin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

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