Has anyone tried Capsaicin (Qutenza) for neuropathy in their feet?

Posted by Steve @stevebern, Aug 17, 2022

Hello everyone, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post a link like this, and if I’m not, please remove it, but… someone (non-medical person) sent this to me as a possible treatment.

I have idiopathic non-diabetic neuropathy of the feet, and would definitely try this (although the way it gets applied indicates it could be harmful if any of it gets on any other area), but at this point I’ll try anything.

So, has anyone tried this? It seems to be an ingredient in pepper spray, if you can believe it.

https://www.qutenza.com/

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

In reply to @sidemounts "What is the cost" + (show)
@sidemounts

What is the cost

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It is very expensive. $3000. Medicare coverage $2000.

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@judee1948

Yes I have had four office procedures where they do a stronger doze then you will get across the counter. I thought the first application was a miracle. I was pain free for 7 weeks one foot and 8 weeks the other. The next three application only helped a little

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This was suggest to me by my pain doctor. It scares me. I have so much burning in my feet, I can't imagine what this procedure feels like. Does it hurt?

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@sidemounts

Has anyone tried qutenza?

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It is not painful at all. I had alittle burning sensation while I was wrapped. After, for about 2-3 hrs I felt like I had sunburned my feet. They gave me like a Aloe gel to apply and that totally helped. Before the procedure, They told me to get capzasin cream (this is a way smaller dose than the patches) and rub some on feet to make sure I won't have a bad reaction. I did and I was fine.

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@sidemounts

Has anyone tried qutenza?

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QUTENZA
I have started Qutenza. It has been 5 days and I have only minor burning in the morning after I put on my shoes and socks. I notice the burning is relieved when I take them off in the evening. I have no pain at night and sleep better. I am satisfied with the Qutenza.

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@26sabrina

QUTENZA
I have started Qutenza. It has been 5 days and I have only minor burning in the morning after I put on my shoes and socks. I notice the burning is relieved when I take them off in the evening. I have no pain at night and sleep better. I am satisfied with the Qutenza.

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I wrote about this before and noticed that it got no response but I have to tell you, Qutenza has made a significant impact on my neuropathy. Now I have only a little tingling, NO pain or burning.
I strongly believe it's worth asking your doctor about it as a possible solution for you.

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@26sabrina

I wrote about this before and noticed that it got no response but I have to tell you, Qutenza has made a significant impact on my neuropathy. Now I have only a little tingling, NO pain or burning.
I strongly believe it's worth asking your doctor about it as a possible solution for you.

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Thank you.

I will.

My neuropathy is driving me crazy.

Keep posting.

One day you’ll change someone’s life even if you never know it.

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@26sabrina

I wrote about this before and noticed that it got no response but I have to tell you, Qutenza has made a significant impact on my neuropathy. Now I have only a little tingling, NO pain or burning.
I strongly believe it's worth asking your doctor about it as a possible solution for you.

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Has anyone else tried Qutenza for neuropathy?

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@26sabrina

I wrote about this before and noticed that it got no response but I have to tell you, Qutenza has made a significant impact on my neuropathy. Now I have only a little tingling, NO pain or burning.
I strongly believe it's worth asking your doctor about it as a possible solution for you.

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@26sabrina, I moved your posts to this existing discussion to help other members find your experience and to connect with you.
- Has anyone tried Qutenza? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-tried-qutenza/

From anyone interested, here's a bit more information https://www.drugs.com/qutenza.html
"Qutenza patches contain capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Qutenza patches are used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) in people who have had herpes zoster, or "shingles." Qutenza patches are also used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet."

Qutenza patches must be applied by a healthcare professional.

Sabrina, how often does your doctor apply the patches?

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Years ago I tried some Capsaicin from Walgreens. I don't recall what percentage it was. I put a little on my feet and an hour later it was burning so bad that I tried to wash it off. That didn't work as the burning continued for hours until it finally just went away. Never used it again. No "months of relief" afterward either.
If you want to try Capsaicin I would suggest finding some of the most diluted 0.1% cream and start off with that.

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@colleenyoung

@26sabrina, I moved your posts to this existing discussion to help other members find your experience and to connect with you.
- Has anyone tried Qutenza? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-tried-qutenza/

From anyone interested, here's a bit more information https://www.drugs.com/qutenza.html
"Qutenza patches contain capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Qutenza patches are used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) in people who have had herpes zoster, or "shingles." Qutenza patches are also used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet."

Qutenza patches must be applied by a healthcare professional.

Sabrina, how often does your doctor apply the patches?

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Qutenza states doses online every 3 months. At this time I have only had mine for 10 days and I am happy to report that I am experiencing only tingling that is relieved with Tylenol or Ibuprofen. I have been able to sleep very well

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