Is there a prescription-strength capsaicin cream?

You can purchase capsaicin cream online, at the drugstore, grocery store, or health food store — or ask your doctor about a prescription-strength capsaicin cream or patch. When shopping, look for pain-relieving products for arthritis. Capsaicin is a common ingredient in OTC arthritis creams.

Do you need a prescription for capsaicin?

Capsaicin comes in two main forms: Capsaicin cream. For most types of pain relief, your doctor may suggest you try capsaicin cream, lotion, ointment, gel, stick, film, or ointment. You usually don’t need a prescription.

What is capsaicin cream 0.025 used for?

Capsaicin topical is used for temporary relief of muscle or joint pain caused by strains, sprains, arthritis, bruising, or backaches. Capsaicin topical is also used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) in people who have had herpes zoster, or “shingles.”

Why is capsaicin cream no longer available?

Teva, the sole supplier of capsaicin cream, have informed the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) that due to manufacturing delays, both products will be out of stock until at least November 2019.

Can you use too much capsaicin cream?

Accidental swallowing of capsaicin can cause severe burning in or around the mouth, watery eyes, runny nose, and trouble swallowing or breathing. Applying too much capsaicin topical to the skin can cause severe burning or redness.

Does capsaicin work for neuropathy?

Topical capsaicin has shown analgesic benefits in postherpetic neuralgia, painful polyneuropathies including diabetic and HIV-related neuropathy, and postmastectomy/surgical neuropathic syndromes. The capsaicin 8% patch is FDA approved for postherpetic neuralgia.

Is capsaicin cream over the counter or prescription?

There are many different types of capsaicin cream formulations that are available over the counter (OTC). The most common OTC preparations include: Capzasin-P – a capsaicin 0.1 percent topical analgesic cream. Zostrix – a capsaicin 0.033 percent topical analgesic cream.

Is capsaicin cream good for neuropathy?

Are there different strengths of capsaicin?

Capsaicin is commercially available as 0.025%, 0.075%, and 0.1% creams. Creams are applied by patients or caregivers three to four times per day. The duration of treatment with the cream is empiric. A single-application high-dose capsaicin 8% patch is available.

Is capsaicin good for neuropathy?

How long can you use capsaicin cream for?

It is recommended that you apply the cream regularly for 4-6 weeks before deciding if it is having any benefit. If you are getting benefit then carry on using the cream while your pain is still a problem. This should be reviewed every few months with your doctor, pain specialist or pharmacist.