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Capsaicin Dermal Patch

In Non-Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Drugs volume 70, pages 1831–1842 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Capsaicin dermal patch is an adhesive patch containing a high concentration (8% w/w) of synthetic capsaicin. It is indicated in the EU for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in non-diabetic adults using a single 30- or 60-minute application repeated every 90 days, as required, and in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

In pivotal, randomized, double-blind, multicentre trials in adults with PHN, a single 60-minute application of capsaicin dermal patch reduced the mean Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores from baseline to a significantly greater extent than a low-concentration (0.04% w/w capsaicin) control patch during weeks 2–8.

In randomized, double-blind, multicentre trials in patients with HIV-associated neuropathy, capsaicin dermal patch reduced the mean NPRS scores from baseline significantly more than control in one study for the 30- and 90-minute, but not the 60-minute, application during weeks 2–12. In another study, the differences between capsaicin (30- and 60-minute applications) and control did not reach statistical significance. An integrated analysis of both studies showed that the 30-minute application of capsaicin dermal patch was significantly better than control for the reduction from baseline in mean NPRS scores during weeks 2–12.

The efficacy of capsaicin dermal patch was maintained for up to 1 year in extension studies in which patients could receive up to three or four repeat treatments.

Capsaicin dermal patch was generally well tolerated in clinical trials. The most common adverse events were transient, mostly mild to moderate, application-site reactions.

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Acknowledgements and Disclosures

The manuscript was reviewed by: E.D. Dunteman, A & A Pain Institute, St Louis, Missouri, USA; C. Rivat, Pain Team, CRicm INSERM UMRS 975, Université Pierre et Marie-Curie-Paris 6, Paris, France; D. Walk, Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on this article. Changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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    Paul L. McCormack

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Correspondence to Paul L. McCormack.

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McCormack, P.L. Capsaicin Dermal Patch. Drugs 70, 1831–1842 (2010). https://doi.org/10.2165/11206050-000000000-00000

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Keywords

  • Neuropathic Pain
  • Capsaicin
  • Numeric Pain Rate Scale
  • Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
  • Control Patch