Precautions and Warnings With Capsaicin 8% Patch

If you are using capsaicin 8% patch, it is important to know that this medication may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions (such as heart disease or high blood pressure). Other precautions and warnings with capsaicin 8% patch relate to possible side effects and the safety of using this patch while pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, do not apply the patch yourself; it must be applied and removed by your healthcare provider.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using Capsaicin 8% Patch?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza™) if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Have had heart surgery recently.
     
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Capsaicin 8% Patch Warnings and Precautions

Some warnings and precautions to be aware of with this product include:
 
  • Even when numbing cream is appropriately applied ahead of time, some people may experience significant pain and discomfort during the patch application. Ice packs and pain medications may be necessary to help relieve such pain.
     
  • Never apply a capsaicin 8% patch by yourself or at home. Your healthcare provider should apply (and remove) the patch.
     
  • Capsaicin 8% patch sometimes causes a temporary increase in blood pressure, typically related to pain or discomfort. Although it is not a problem for most people, this may be serious for people who have high blood pressure or for those who have recently had a heart attack or stroke.
     
  • Avoid touching the patch. If you do, make sure not to touch your eyes, nose, mouth, or genital area until your hands have been thoroughly cleansed with a special cleansing gel that comes with capsaicin 8% patch.
     
  • Capsaicin 8% patch may release capsaicin particles into the air, especially if not handled properly. If you start sneezing, coughing, or experiencing shortness of breath, let your healthcare provider know right away.
     
  • Capsaicin 8% patch is unlikely to interact with other medications (see Drug Interactions With Capsaicin 8% Patch).
     
  • Capsaicin 8% patch is a pregnancy Category B medicine, meaning that it is probably safe for use during pregnancy (see Qutenza and Pregnancy for more information).
     
  • It is unknown if capsaicin 8% patch passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding a child, check with your healthcare provider (or your child's healthcare provider) before taking this medication (see Qutenza and Breastfeeding).
     
Precautions and Warnings With Capsaicin 8% Patch Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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