Capsaicin
QUTENZA
Pronunciation: kap-SAY-i-sin
What it isTRPV1 agonist causing nociceptor defunctionalization; neuropathic pain.
Why this oneThe 8% patch gives months of relief from a single application by depleting nerve terminals.
What limits itIntense burning during application requires pre-treatment and supervised administration. Benefit takes weeks to appear.
FDA-approved for
- neuropathic pain (2009)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical analgesic (minor aches/pains) | Adults & children ≥12 yr | Apply to affected area | 3–4 times daily |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Apply to affected area; children <12 yr ask a doctor
Available strengths
- patch 8 %
- sol 0.1 g/100 g
- sol 0.075 g/100 mL
- sol 0.0015 g/mL
- sol 0.25 mg/mL
- cream 0.025, 0.035, 0.075, 0.1 g/100 g
- cream 0.12 g/120 g
- cream 0.08 g/80 g
- + 10 other marketed forms not shown
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Capsaicin (QUTENZA)
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 % | patch | per unit | not offered |
NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Capsaicin is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskIntense burning during application