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Qutenza is a prescription patch applied to the skin by a health care provider to treat certain types of nerve pain. Common side effects include redness, pain, and itching where it is applied. Serious side effects are less common but may include severe pain or blisters where Qutenza is applied, increased blood pressure during or shortly after using it, or a decreased ability to feel things in the treatment area. Tell your health care provider right away if you have severe pain or blistering or any change in your ability to feel things where Qutenza was applied.

Uses

What is Qutenza used for?

Qutenza (capsaicin) is commonly used for certain people with nerve pain from the following conditions.

Qutenza may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Capsaicin is also available in various over-the-counter (OTC) forms that are applied to the skin. See: Capsaicin  for more information.

How does Qutenza work (mechanism of action)?

The active ingredient in Qutenza is capsaicin. Capsaicin is a natural substance. It is what makes chili peppers feel hot and spicy. Qutenza may work by causing the release of substance P. Substance P tells your brain something hurts. When Qutenza is first applied, you may feel some temporary burning or pain. Over time, repeated use of Qutenza can cause substance P levels to go down in the treated area. This seems to help reduce nerve pain.

How is Qutenza supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Qutenza

Dosage forms and strengths

Qutenza is available in an 8% topical patch that is applied by a health care provider.

How should I store Qutenza?

Qutenza is applied by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Qutenza?

The most common side effects of Qutenza are redness, pain, and itching where it is applied. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Qutenza that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Qutenza?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Qutenza are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Qutenza may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Qutenza and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Qutenza may cause your blood pressure to go up while the medicine is applied and shortly after it is removed. This can happen even if you do not have high blood pressure. Your health care provider will likely check your blood pressure while Qutenza is on your skin and for some time after it is removed. Tell your health care provider if you have high blood pressure or recently had a heart attack or stroke. 

Reduced Sensation. Qutenza can sometimes lead to a reduced ability to feel things where it is applied. This may mean you are less likely to feel pain or extreme temperature. If this happens, it is usually minor and does not last a long time. Tell your health care provider if you have any changes in your ability to feel things. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Qutenza?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Qutenza.

  • Capsaicin
  • Qutenza
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Qutenza.

What should I know about Qutenza before using it?

Qutenza is usually applied to your skin by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will take special steps to make sure Qutenza is applied correctly.

It is important to avoid getting Qutenza on sensitive areas, such as your eyes, nose, lips, mouth, or genitals. This could be very painful. To reduce the risk of accidental exposure, avoid touching the area where your health care provider applies Qutenza. Tell your health care provider right away if any part of your body (including your eyes) is accidentally exposed to Qutenza so they can wash the area properly.

When your health care provider removes Qutenza, some of the medicine might be released into the air. If you breathe in the medicine, it may cause you to cough or sneeze. Your health care provider will take steps to limit this risk. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns. 

It is common to have temporary pain or a burning sensation where Qutenza is applied. Talk to your health care provider about ways to limit these side effects, such as cold compresses or other medicines. If you use cold compresses, be sure to use cold packs that have been stored in the refrigerator and not the freezer. It is also best to use a cloth or clothing between the cold pack and the skin so the area does not get too cold. If you have severe pain that does not go away or any blistering where Qutenza was applied, contact your health care provider right away.

After Qutenza is applied, the treated area may be more sensitive to heat for a few days. Heat sources may include a heating pad, hot compresses, a hot shower or bath, direct sun exposure, or intense exercise. Consider limiting heat exposure if you find that the treated area is sensitive to heat. Contact your health care provider if you have concerns. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Qutenza?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Qutenza is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Blood pressure problems
  • Recent heart attack or stroke
  • A reduced ability to feel things
  • Areas of broken skin or other prior skin damage, trauma, or wounds

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Qutenza could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Qutenza while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Qutenza passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Qutenza while breastfeeding. 

How can I get more information about Qutenza?

For more information about Qutenza, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.qutenza.com or call them at 877-900-6479.

Interactions

Does Qutenza interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Qutenza and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Qutenza.

Does Qutenza interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Qutenza and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Qutenza?

If you or someone else has used too much Qutenza, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Qutenza?

Missing doses of Qutenza can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses.

Qutenza is usually applied by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Qutenza dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.