Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin

Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin

Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin

What is Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin?

Capsaicin triggers a feeling of heat in the body, which activates certain nerve cells. With regular use of capsaicin, this warming effect reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that acts as a pain messenger in the body.

Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin is used for temporary relief of muscle or joint pain caused by strains, sprains, arthritis, bruises, or back pain. This medicine is also used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) in people with herpes zoster or “shingles”.

Qutenza is a prescription topical form of capsaicin used by healthcare professionals. Qutenza is used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes and to treat nerve pain in the feet (peripheral neuropathy) in diabetics.

Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin can also be used for purposes not listed in the Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin guide.

Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin side effects

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction:hives; difficulty breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Wash the skin and seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering of the skin where you applied this medicine.

Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin can cause serious side effects. Stop using Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• severe pain or redness of the skin where the medicine was applied;

• loss of sensation;

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing (after accidentally inhaling capsaicin odor or dried residue).

Common side effects may include pain or a burning sensation that may last for several hours or days (especially after the first topical application of capsaicin).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not use Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin if you are allergic to chili peppers or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin.

Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation wherever it is applied. If you experience severe discomfort or skin redness, wash the treated skin area with soap and cold water.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering of the skin where you applied this medicine.

Before you take this medicine

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to chili peppers or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• possible allergies (especially to plants); or

• a serious illness.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor before using this medicine.

Do not apply Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin to your breast area if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Do not use this medicine on people under 18 years of age without medical advice.

How should I use Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin?

Use exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. Qutenza brand capsaicin is only used by healthcare professionals and is not available over the counter.

Do not take orally. Topical medicines should only be used on the skin.

Capsaicin is available in various forms, such as cream, lotion, liquid, and skin patches. Carefully read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not use Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, cracked, or irritated skin.If this medicine gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.

Make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin.

Wash your hands immediately with soap and water after applying Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin or handling a topical skin patch. If you have applied the medicine to your hands or fingers to treat pain in these areas, wait at least 30 minutes before washing your hands.

To prevent this medicine from getting on your fingers, use a rubber glove, finger guard, cotton ball, or clean tissue to apply the medicine.

Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation wherever it is applied. Even if the medicine gets on a surface other than your skin, you may feel a burning sensation when you touch that surface later. This feeling is usually mild and should gradually subside over time with continued regular use of the medicine.

If the burning sensation is painful or causes severe discomfort, wash the treated skin area with soap and cold water.Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or heating pad as this may increase the burning sensation. You can cover the skin with clothing.

Avoid bathing or showering within an hour before or after applying capsaicin to your skin. Also avoid swimming or strenuous physical activity. Warm water or sweat can increase the burning sensation caused by capsaicin.

Avoid getting Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin in your eyes or near your nose where you could inhale it. If it gets into any of these areas, rinse thoroughly with water.

Also, avoid getting this medicine on contact lenses, dentures, and other items that come into contact with sensitive areas of your body.

If you use this medicine regularly, it may take up to two weeks for your symptoms to improve. For best results, continue to use the medication as directed. Pain relief should be gradual as substance P decreases in nerve cells in your body.

Call your doctor if your pain does not improve after 7 days of using this medication, or if your symptoms worsen or improve and then return after a few days.

Store Menthac Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and in a place where children and pets cannot reach.

Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin liquid is flammable. Do not use or store near fire or open flames.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not use capsaicin more than four times a day and do not take additional medication to make up for a missed dose.

A missed dose of Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin will not cause harm, but may cause the medicine to be less effective in reducing substance P and relieving your pain.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, especially if someone accidentally swallowed it.

Accidentally swallowing capsaicin can cause severe burning in or around the mouth, watery eyes, runny nose, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Applying too much Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin to the skin can cause severe burning or redness.

What should I avoid when using Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin?

Avoid inhaling the smell or dried residue of topical capsaicin. Inhaling capsaicin can cause coughing, sneezing, or watery eyes, and can irritate your throat or lungs.

Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, or rectum until the medicine has been washed off your hands. Also, avoid handling food while the medicine is still on your hands.

Avoid exposing treated skin to sunlight, sunlamps, tanning beds, or a hot tub. Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation that can be made worse by heat.

Do not use other medicated skin products, including creams or lotions for muscle pain, on the areas where you have applied capsaicin unless directed by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect Menthac arthritis cream with capsaicin?

Other medications you take orally or inject are unlikely to have an effect on topically applied capsaicin. But many medications can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.