Qutenza 179mg Patch for Neuropathic Pain

Qutenza 179 mg Patch is a medicated skin patch containing capsaicin at a concentration of 8%. Each patch contains 179 mg of capsaicin. It is used to treat peripheral neuropathic pain in adults and may be used alone or in combination with other pain medications. Capsaicin acts locally on TRPV1 receptors located on sensory nerve fibers involved in pain perception, helping to reduce nerve signals associated with pain.

What are QUTENZA patches used for?

• Helps relieve peripheral neuropathic pain in adults.

• Contains a high concentration of 8% capsaicin to provide a prolonged local effect on sensory nerves.

• Can be used alone or in combination with other pain treatments.

• May help reduce pain and improve sleep and quality of life associated with neuropathic pain.

• A single 30-minute treatment session can provide pain relief for up to 3 months.

• Acts locally and directly on pain-sensing nerve fibers without significant systemic exposure.

• Does not require daily application and treatment may be repeated when pain returns, according to the physician’s assessment.

How to Use Qutenza 179 mg Patch

• Qutenza must be applied by a physician or healthcare professional under medical supervision. The patch should not be applied by the patient at home.

• The area most affected by pain is identified, and the patch is applied to intact, dry, and non-irritated skin. Up to 4 patches may be used during a single treatment session, depending on the size of the area being treated.

• When treating neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the feet, the patch is left in place for 30 minutes. For postherpetic neuralgia, it may be left in place for 60 minutes, according to the physician’s instructions.

• Treatment may be repeated when pain returns, while maintaining the interval specified by the physician. Treatment should not be repeated before 3 months have passed.

• After removal, the skin is cleaned with the supplied cleansing gel for one minute and then washed with soap and water.

Precautions and Warnings

• Qutenza should only be used under medical supervision, and the patient should not handle or apply the patch themselves.

• Do not apply the patch to broken, wounded, or irritated skin.

• Do not apply the patch to the face or scalp.

• Avoid contact of capsaicin with the eyes and mucous membranes, as it may cause severe irritation.

• Treatment may cause pain or intense burning at the application site during treatment and after patch removal. The physician may therefore use measures to help relieve pain during the procedure.

• A temporary increase in blood pressure may occur during or after treatment, and blood pressure may be monitored when necessary.

• Avoid inhaling air near the patch during application, as this may cause coughing or throat irritation.

• Inform the physician if the patient has heart disease, high blood pressure, or is taking medications that affect blood pressure.

• Do not touch the patch or the treated area with bare hands. Follow the healthcare professional’s instructions to prevent capsaicin from coming into contact with the eyes or other areas of the body.

• If severe eye, skin, or respiratory irritation occurs following accidental exposure to capsaicin, seek medical attention.

• Not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age.

• Use with caution during pregnancy. Breastfeeding should be discontinued before starting treatment.

Qutenza side effects

The most common side effects may include:

• Pain or burning at the treatment site.

• Redness of the skin.

• Itching.

• Temporary increase in blood pressure.

• Irritation or temporary changes in sensation in the treated area.

Pain and burning at the application site may be severe in some patients, particularly during treatment and after patch removal. These symptoms are usually managed by the healthcare professional according to the patient’s condition.

Storage

• Store Qutenza in the original unopened package and keep it out of the reach of children.

• Store the patch at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Keep it flat in the original pouch and package. Once the pouch is opened, the patch should be used within 2 hours.

Ingredients of Qutenza patch treatment

• Active ingredient: Capsaicin 179 mg per patch, equivalent to 640 micrograms/cm², at a concentration of 8%.

• Inactive ingredients in the patch: Silicone adhesives, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, silicone oil, and ethylcellulose (E462).

• Backing layer: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.

• The patch is supplied with a Cleansing Gel for removing residual capsaicin after treatment. The gel contains: macrogol 300, carbomer, purified water, sodium hydroxide (E524), disodium edetate, and butylated hydroxyanisole (E320).