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.
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What are the possible side effects of capsaicin topical?
Stop using capsaicin topical and seek emergency medical attention or contact your
doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
-
severe skin irritation or skin ulceration (skin wound).
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
use capsaicin topical and talk to your healthcare provider if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Continue to use
capsaicin topical and talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is
especially bothersome.
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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.
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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.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not apply a double dose of this medication.
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What other drugs will affect capsaicin topical?
Although capsaicin topical is unlikely to affect medicines taken by mouth, talk to your doctor before using capsaicin topical if you are taking any other prescription medicines. You may not be able to use capsaicin topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring. Avoid using other topical products on the treated area without first talking to your doctor. Other topical products may affect the absorption or effectiveness of capsaicin topical. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with capsaicin topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Capsaicin topical has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA. Animal studies have not been reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Capsaicin topical should be given during pregnancy when need has been clearly established.
There are no data on the excretion of capsaicin topical into human milk.
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What does my medication look like?
Capsaicin topical is available over-the-counter under several brand and generic names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected or if the medication has been ingested. Symptoms of a capsaicin topical overdose may difficulty swallowing or breathing or severe skin irritation.
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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.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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