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What is the most important information I should know about capsaicin topical?

Do not use capsaicin topical more often or for longer than is directed. Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

What is capsaicin topical?

Capsaicin topical causes a decrease in a substance in the body (substance P) that causes pain.

Capsaicin topical is used to relieve minor aches and pains of muscle and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains, and sprains. Capsaicin topical may also be used under medical supervision for the relief of some types of neuralgia (nerve pain).

Capsaicin topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using capsaicin topical?

Do not use capsaicin topical in wounds or on skin that is burned, broken, damaged, or irritated.

Before using capsaicin topical, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any other serious medical conditions, or if you use other topical prescription or over-the-counter skin products on the affected area. Capsaicin topical may not be recommended in some situations.

It is not known whether capsaicin topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use capsaicin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether capsaicin topical passes into breast milk. Do not use capsaicin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use capsaicin topical?

Use capsaicin topical exactly as directed. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Capsaicin topical is intended for external use on the skin only. Do not swallow the medication.

Do not use capsaicin topical in wounds or on skin that is burned, broken, damaged, or irritated. Do not apply capsaicin topical in or near the eyes, in the nose, or in the mouth. If this occurs, wash with water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

Capsaicin topical should be applied regularly, as directed, to get the best results from the medication. Pain relief may occur gradually, as the substance P is decreased in the nerve cells. Relief may be decreased or delayed if capsaicin topical is not applied regularly as directed.

Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area, and gently massage the skin until the medicine is fully absorbed. For best results, capsaicin topical should be applied 3 to 4 times a day. Avoid thick application of capsaicin topical.

Wash your hands immediately after application of the medication to avoid spreading the medication to the mucous membranes, eyes, contact lenses, and other sensitive areas. Since a small amount of capsaicin topical may still remain on the hands after washing, avoid touching the eyes, nose, mouth, contact lenses, or other sensitive areas of the body after use.

If you are using capsaicin topical to treat a hand condition, wait 30 minutes after application before washing your hands. Avoid touching the eyes, nose, mouth, contact lenses, or other sensitive areas until the medication has been washed off.

A localized burning sensation may occur with application of capsaicin topical. This sensation is typically mild, and generally decreases with regular use of the product. If the sensation becomes painful or unbearable, wash the area with soap and cool water. Heat and excessive perspiration may intensify the burning sensation.

Do not wrap or bandage the area after application of capsaicin topical. Do not apply capsaicin topical immediately before or after activities such as bathing, swimming, sun bathing, or strenuous exercise. Do not apply external heat to the treated area immediately before or after applying capsaicin topical.

Do not inhale the dried residue of capsaicin topical which can cause coughing, sneezing, tearing, and/or throat or lung irritation. If difficulty breathing or swallowing occurs, seek medical attention.

Do not use capsaicin topical more often or for longer than is directed. Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen. Store capsaicin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat, out of the reach of children and pets.