QUTENZA® for Nerve Pain

If you’re struggling with nerve pain from conditions like shingles or diabetes, you may have heard about QUTENZA® (capsaicin) 8% topical system. This FDA-approved treatment offers an approach to managing neuropathic pain, specifically for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet, in addition to nerve damage caused by shingles..

What is QUTENZA®?

QUTENZA is a prescription-strength topical treatment designed to relieve nerve pain caused by damaged nerves. Unlike a traditional patch, it’s a specialized system applied by a healthcare provider in their office. It uses capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, to target pain directly at the source by reducing the number of pain signals sent from damaged nerves to your brain. QUTENZA is approved for adults with nerve pain from post-shingles nerve pain (PHN) or diabetic nerve pain in the feet (DPN). It’s nonaddictive, not a pill, and doesn’t interact with other medications, making it a versatile option for pain relief. A single 30-minute treatment for DPN or 60-minute treatment for PHN can provide up to 3 months of relief.

Am I a Candidate for QUTENZA®?

You might be a good candidate for QUTENZA if you experience nerve pain from:

• Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN):This is nerve pain that lingers after a shingles outbreak, often described as burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in the area where the shingles rash occurred.

• Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) of the Feet:This is nerve pain in the feet caused by long-term high blood sugar levels in diabetes, leading to symptoms like burning, tingling, or numbness.

• Post herpetic pain.This is nerve damage caused by shingles.

QUTENZA is applied by healthcare providers like neurologists, podiatrists, pain specialists, or endocrinologists. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. You should discuss QUTENZA with your doctor if you have:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or recent heart issues, as QUTENZA can temporarily raise blood pressure.

• Sensitivity to capsaicin or a history of severe allergic reactions.

• Open wounds or infections on the treatment area, as QUTENZA should only be applied to intact skin.

Your healthcare provider can assess your condition and medical history to determine if QUTENZA is a good fit.

What Can I Expect During QUTENZA® Treatment?

QUTENZA treatment is a straightforward, in-office procedure that takes about 30 minutes for DPN or 60 minutes for PHN. Here’s what happens:

1. Preparation:: Your healthcare provider will examine the painful area and clean your skin to ensure it’s free of cuts or infections. They may apply a numbing cream to reduce discomfort during the procedure.

2. Application:: The QUTENZA topical system is placed on the painful area. You’ll sit comfortably while it works, and your provider will monitor your blood pressure periodically.

3. Removal:: After the treatment time, your provider carefully removes the QUTENZA system to avoid contact with your eyes or other sensitive areas.

4. Cleansing:: special cleansing gel is applied to remove any remaining capsaicin, and your skin is washed thoroughly.

You may feel warmth, stinging, or burning during the application, but your provider can offer a cooling pack or pain relief medication to help. After treatment, you’ll be advised to avoid hot water, direct sunlight, or intense exercise for a few days to prevent irritation. Some patients notice pain relief as early as 1-2 weeks, though it may take up to three treatments for optimal results.

What Side Effects Can I Expect from QUTENZA®?

QUTENZA is generally well-tolerated, with a safety profile studied for over a decade. However, like any medication, it can cause side effects. The most common ones include:

• Redness, pain, or itching: at the application site, which is usually mild and short-lived.

• Temporary burning or stinging during or right after treatment, which can be managed with cooling packs or medication.

Serious side effects are rare but can include:

• Severe irritation: if capsaicin accidentally contacts your eyes, nose, or mouth. Your provider will take precautions to prevent this.

• Increased blood pressure during treatment, so your provider will monitor you if you have heart or blood pressure concerns.

• Frostbite risk if cooling packs are too cold or applied directly to the skin.

How Long Do I Need to Take QUTENZA®?

QUTENZA isn’t a daily medication—it’s a treatment applied every 3 months, up to four times a year, depending on when your pain returns. Each session provides up to 3 months of relief, making it a low-maintenance option. Because nerve pain from PHN or DPN is often chronic, ongoing treatments may be necessary to maintain relief. Your healthcare provider will work with you to schedule treatments based on your pain levels. Many patients find that committing to regular treatments helps them regain control over their daily activities, like walking or sleeping, with less pain.