QUTENZA (Capsaicin) For Neuropathic Pain

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QUTENZA is indicated in adults for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet.

  • It is a single-use topical system (patch) stored in a foil pouch.
  • Each patch contains a total of 179 mg of capsaicin or 640 micrograms of hashtag#capsaicin per square cm.


Mechanism of action

  • Capsaicin is an agonist for the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1), which is an ion channel-receptor complex expressed on nociceptive nerve fibers in the skin.
  • Topical administration of capsaicin causes an initial enhanced stimulation of the TRPV1-expressing cutaneous nociceptors that may be associated with painful sensations. This is followed by pain relief thought to be mediated by a reduction in TRPV1- expressing nociceptive hashtag#nerve endings.

Only physicians or healthcare professionals are to administer and handle QUTENZA


Usage

− Administer it in a well-ventilated treatment area.

− Wear only nitrile gloves when handling QUTENZA. Do not use latex gloves as they do not provide adequate protection.

− Use of a face mask and protective glasses is advisable.

− Use QUTENZA only on dry, intact (unbroken) skin.

− Remove QUTENZA gently and slowly by rolling the adhesive side inward.

− If QUTENZA is cut, ensure unused pieces are properly disposed of.


Dosage

  • The recommended dose of QUTENZA for neuropathic pain associated with hashtag#postherpetic hashtag#neuralgia is a single, 60-minute application of up to four topical systems.
  • The recommended dose of QUTENZA for hashtag#neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a single, 30-minute application on the feet of up to four topical systems.
  • Treatment with QUTENZA may be repeated every three months or as warranted by the return of hashtag#pain (not more frequently than every three months).


Adverse reactions

  • Patients may experience substantial procedural pain and burning upon application of QUTENZA and following removal of QUTENZA. Prepare to treat acute pain during and following the application procedure with local cooling (such as an ice pack) and/or appropriate analgesic medication.
  • Transient increases in blood pressure may occur with QUTENZA treatment. Monitor blood pressure during and following the treatment procedure.
  • Reductions in hashtag#sensory function, which were generally minor and temporary, have been reported following administration of QUTENZA. If sensory loss occurs, treatment should be reconsidered.


Counsel your patient

  • Not to touch their eyes and other areas and that if irritation of eyes or airways occurs, or if any of the side effects become severe, to notify their doctor immediately.
  • To avoid hot showers, direct sunlight and vigorous exercise for a few days following treatment.


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Resource Person: Lobna Adi

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