Nonprescription (over-the-counter) capsaicin patches (Aspercreme Warming, Salonpas Pain Relieving Hot, among others) are used to alleviate mild discomfort in muscles and joints brought on by arthritis, backaches, muscular strains, bruises, cramps, and sprains. Capsaicin patches (Qutenza) on prescription are used to alleviate the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pain or aches that may last for months or years after an attack of shingles). With the use of prescription capsaicin patches (Qutenza), diabetic neuropathy symptoms can also be treated (numbness or tingling due to nerve damage in people who have diabetes). Capsaicin is a substance found in chilli peppers. It works by interfering with the activity of pain-related nerve cells in the skin, which reduces the sense of pain.

Prescription transdermal capsaicin comes as an 8% patch (Qutenza) to be applied to the skin by a doctor or nurse. Your doctor will choose the best place to apply the patch(es) in order to treat your condition. If transdermal capsaicin (Qutenza) is used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia, up to 4 patches are usually applied for 60 minutes once every 3 months. If transdermal capsaicin (Qutenza) is used to relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy, up to 4 patches are usually applied for 30 minutes once every 3 months.

Transdermal capsaicin that is available without a prescription (over-the-counter) comes in 0.025% patches (Aspercreme Warming, Salonpas Pain Relieving Hot, among others) that can be applied up to three or four times per day for a maximum of eight hours each time. Apply capsaicin patches without a prescription exactly as instructed. Use just as indicated by the instructions on the package. Do not use more or less of it, or use it more frequently or for a longer period of time.

In order to numb your skin before applying prescription transdermal capsaicin, your doctor may first apply an anaesthetic (Qutenza). If you feel pain at the application site, let your doctor know. Your doctor might apply a cold compress or administer another painkiller.

As instructed on the packaging, apply nonprescription (over the counter) capsaicin patches to a clean, dry, and hairless area of skin. Applying capsaicin patches to skin that is harmed, cut, diseased, or covered in a rash is not advised. Avoid bandaging or wrapping the treated area.

To get any medication off your hands that may have gotten on them, wash them with soap and water. After washing your hands, refrain from touching your eyes.

Avoid getting the non-prescription (over-the-counter) patches in your mouth, nose, or eyes. If the patch accidentally touches your eye, or if it irritates your eyes, nose, or mouth, wash the area with water very away. In case of eye, skin, nose, or throat irritation, call a doctor.

Protect the region treated with a capsaicin patch from direct heat sources such heated pads, electric blankets, hair dryers, heat lamps, saunas, and hot tubs while you are using the patch and for a few days after receiving a prescription for transdermal capsaicin. In addition, after receiving a prescription for transdermal capsaicin, one should refrain from engaging in strenuous activity for a few days. While using a nonprescription (over the counter) capsaicin patch, you shouldn’t bathe or take a shower. Applying capsaicin patches right away after taking a shower or bath is not recommended; you should remove the patch at least an hour before doing so.

If severe burning or pain that lasts more than seven days happens, or if it gets worse, gets better, then gets worse, stop using over-the-counter capsaicin patches and notify your doctor.

For a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using capsaicin patches,

• If you have an allergy to capsaicin, any other drugs, chilli peppers, or any of the other components in capsaicin patches, let your doctor and pharmacist know right once. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use. Mention any of the following: topical painkillers, opioid (narcotic) painkillers, codeine (found in many cough and painkillers), morphine (Kadian), hydrocodone (Hyslingla, Zohydro), oxycodone (Oxycontin, Xtampza), and other opioid (narcotic) painkillers.
• If you experience high blood pressure, a stroke or mini-stroke, heart issues, or trouble feeling or sensing touch on the skin, let your doctor know.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while wearing capsaicin patches.
• Plan to use protective clothing and sunscreen, prevent unnecessary or prolonged sun exposure, and avoid being outside in the sun. Your skin may become sun sensitive if you wear capsaicin patches.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

As soon as you recall, apply a fresh patch. If, however, the subsequent application is almost due, skip the missing dose and carry on with your regular plan. Applying an extra capsaicin patch to make up for a forgotten dose is not advised.

Side effects from transdermal capsaicin are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• An itching or burning feeling where the patch was put
• Small lumps, itchiness, or redness may appear where the patch was applied
• Nausea

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur to you:

• Inflammation, pain, or scorching where the patch was placed
• Cough
• Eye sensitivity or discomfort
• Throat annoyance

Other negative effects of transdermal capsaicin are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this prescription tightly wrapped in the container it came in, out from the reach of children and animals. Place it in a cool, dry place.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.