Does Qutenza contain red chili peppers?

Drugs.com

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes, Qutenza is a prescription skin patch that contains capsaicin, the active ingredient that gives the heat to a chili pepper. It contains 8% capsaicin (179 mg) per patch.

When capsaicin is applied topically, the heating effect reduces substance P, a chemical that acts as a pain messenger in the body.

Qutenza is FDA-approved to treat postherpetic neuralgia (pain for more than 30 days after a shingles infection) and for nerve pain (neuralgia) associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet.

  • It is applied only by a health care provider and can provide up to 3 months of pain relief following a single one-hour application. If needed, treatments can be reapplied every 3 months. You will not receive this medicine to take home.
  • Accidental exposure to Qutenza can cause severe irritation of eyes, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and skin.
  • Qutenza is not an opioid pain medication and is unlikely to cause drowsiness or have drug interactions. In studies, the most common side effects in at least 5 % of patients were redness, pain, or itching on the skin where the patch was applied.

    • Is capsaicin available over-the-counter?

    Yes, capsaicin is available over-the-counter (OTC) products in lower strengths for use on the skin (topical). It is an analgesic used to relieve pain in arthritis and for postherpetic neuralgia (shooting or burning pain in the nerves). Brand name products include:

  • Zostrix
  • Capzasin-HP
  • Capzix Cream for Pain Relief
  • Nervex
  • Generics / store brands

    • Patients can buy these OTC products without a prescription at the pharmacy. Generic or store-brand options may be available, as well, which may save you money. Common side effects may include pain or a burning sensation that can persist up to several days (especially after the first use).

    This is not all the information you need to know about Qutenza or capsaicin for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

    Related medical questions

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

    Popular Keywords