Capsaicin Topical System

What is this medication?

CAPSAICIN (cap SAY sin) treats nerve pain. It works by making your skin feel warm or cool, which blocks pain signals going to the brain.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Qutenza

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Have had a heart attack or stroke
• High blood pressure
• Large areas of burned or damaged skin
• An unusual or allergic reaction to capsaicin, hot peppers, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. It is applied by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without asking your care team.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Talk to your care team about how to treat discomfort. You may place a cooling pack from the refrigerator (not the freezer) on the area. Do not place it directly on the skin.

Try not to touch the area where the patch was applied. If you do, wash your hands with soap and water right away.

Your skin may be sensitive to heat for a few days after treatment. Avoid hot baths or showers, heating pads, and direct sunlight on the treated area.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
• Increase in blood pressure
• Numbness, decrease in sense of touch or sensation

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.