Capsaicin

Applies to capsaicin topical: topical cream, topical lotion, topical patch extended release, topical solution

Along with its needed effects, capsaicin topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking capsaicin topical:

More common - all forms

• Burning, itching, dryness, pain, redness, swelling, or soreness at the application site

Less common - all forms

• Cough
• cough-producing mucus
• difficulty with breathing
• shortness of breath or troubled breathing
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose
• tightness in the chest or wheezing

Less common - patch only

• Blurred vision
• dizziness
• headache
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat

Incidence not known - patch only

• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• increased sensitivity to pain
• increased sensitivity to touch
• rapid weight gain
• tingling in the hands and feet
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• unusual weight gain or loss
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Some side effects of capsaicin topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common - patch only

• Fever
• muscle aches
• nausea
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Incidence not known - patch only

• Abnormal skin color
• change in taste
• loss of taste

Applies to capsaicin topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical film, topical gel, topical kit, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical stick

The most commonly reported side effects were application site erythema and application site pain.

Very common (10% or more): Application site erythema (63%), application site pain (42%)

Common (1% to 10%): Application site pruritus, application site papules, application site edema, application site swelling, application site dryness

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Application site urticaria, application site paresthesia, application site dermatitis, application site hyperesthesia, application site excoriation, application site warmth, application site anesthesia, application site bruising, application site inflammation, application site exfoliation

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): First degree atrio-ventricular (AV) block, tachycardia, palpitations, increased blood pressure

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Herpes zoster, pruritus

Frequency not reported: Abnormal skin odor, second degree burns

Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cough, throat irritation

Frequency not reported: Sneezing, dyspnea, wheezing, exacerbation of asthma, irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (such as nasal and throat irritation)

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pain in extremity, muscle spasms

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia, hypoesthesia, burning sensation

Frequency not reported: Headache, peripheral sensory neuropathy, dizziness, dysgeusia, hyperesthesia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eye irritation

Frequency not reported: Irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, runny eyes

Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema