What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking capsaicin topical?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to chili peppers, or if you have ever had an
allergic reaction to capsaicin topical.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using capsaicin topical if you have any allergies (especially to
plants), or if you have a serious medical condition.
It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use capsaicin
topical without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether capsaicin topical passes into breast milk. Do not use capsaicin
topical without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medication on anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a
doctor.
How should I take capsaicin topical?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not
use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation wherever it is applied. This sensation is usually mild
and should gradually lessen over time with continued regular use of the medicine.
Do not apply capsaicin topical to open wounds, or to skin that is sunburned, windburned,
dry, chapped, or otherwise irritated.
Do not get this medication in your mouth or eyes, or near your nose where you might inhale
it. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse thoroughly with water.
Also avoid getting this medication on contact lenses, dentures, and other items that come into
contact with sensitive areas of your body.
To keep the medication from getting on your fingers when you apply it, you may use a rubber
glove, finger cot, cotton ball, or clean tissue to apply the medicine.
Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you apply capsaicin topical.
When using capsaicin topical
cream
or
lotion
, apply a thin
layer to the affected area and rub in gently until completely absorbed.
To use capsaicin topical
liquid
or
stick
, uncap the
applicator and press it firmly on your skin to apply the medication. Massage gently onto the affected
are until completely absorbed.
Capsaicin topical may be used up to 4 times daily or as directed on the medicine label.
To apply a capsaicin topical
patch
, remove the liner and apply the patch to
your skin over the area of pain. Press the edges firmly into place. Remove the patch and apply a new
patch 1 or 2 times daily if needed.
Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after applying capsaicin topical or
handling the topical patch. If you have applied the medicine to your hands or fingers to treat pain in
those areas, wait at least 30 minutes before washing your hands.
Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or heating pad, which can increase the burning
sensation. You may cover the skin with clothing.
Avoid taking a bath or shower within 1 hour before or after you apply capsaicin topical to your
skin. Also avoid swimming or vigorous exercise. Warm water or perspiration can increase the burning
sensation caused by capsaicin.
If the burning sensation caused by capsaicin is painful or causes significant discomfort, wash the
treated skin area with soap and cool water.
It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine regularly before your symptoms improve. For
best results, keep using the medication as directed. Pain relief should occur gradually as the substance
P in your body is decreased in the nerve cells.
Call your doctor if your pain does not improve after using this medication for 7 days, or if
your symptoms get worse or get better and then come back in a few days.
Store capsaicin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat, in a place where
children and pets cannot get to it.
Capsaicin topical
liquid
is flammable. Do not use or store near fire or open
flame.