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Capsaicin Coupon - Capsaicin 42.5g of 0.1% tube of cream

capsaicin

Generic
Used for Pain
Used for Pain

Capsaicin is a medication that can be applied to the skin (topical) to help relieve minor aches and pains. It's available over the counter (OTC) as a brand-name or lower-cost generic medication. It comes as a cream, liquid, and patch. Capsaicin is made from a chemical that comes from chili peppers, so it can cause a slight burning sensation when applied.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 11, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Capsaicin?

What is Capsaicin used for?

Relief of minor aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:

  • Arthritis

  • Backache

  • Strains

  • Sprains

  • Bruises

How Capsaicin works

Capsaicin is a topical analgesic. It relieves pain when applied to the skin by acting as a counterirritant. This means that it activates (wakes up) pain sensors in the skin, which then causes them to be less sensitive to other pain signals.

Are you looking for information on Qutenza (capsaicin) for certain nerve-related pain instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCapzasin-HP, Salonpas-Hot
Drug ClassTopical analgesic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$16.71(save 68.18%)
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$5.32
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What are the side effects of Capsaicin?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Burning sensation
  • Itching

Other Side Effects

  • Rash
  • Skin irritation
  • Skin redness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious skin burns: pain, swelling, blistering of the skin

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:

More common - all forms

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

Less common - all forms

Body aches or pain

chills

cough

difficulty with breathing

dry or productive cough

ear congestion

fever

headache

loss of voice

sneezing

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common - patch only

Blurred vision

breakdown of the skin

dizziness

nervousness

pain in the arms or legs

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

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

eye irritation or pain

increased sensitivity to pain or touch

scarring of the skin

stabbing pain

throat irritation

unusual weight gain or loss

Some side effects 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

Muscle aches

nausea

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

vomiting

Incidence not known - patch only

Abnormal skin odor

change in or loss of taste

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Capsaicin

thumbs-up

Pros

Available OTC as a lower-cost generic

Can be applied directly to the painful area

Comes as a patch, cream, and liquid

Patch can be worn for up to 8 hours

Generally well-tolerated with few side effects

thumbs-down

Cons

Can't be used in people who are allergic to chili peppers

Can't be applied to irritated or damaged skin

Can cause irritation if it makes contact with the eyes, mouth, or nose

Can cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight

Patch won't stick well to damp skin

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Capsaicin

pharmacist

  • You can test capsaicin on your skin to see how you react to it before using it on a larger area. Apply a thin layer to a small area of skin and leave it on for 24 hours. A mild burning sensation is normal. You can continue to use the medication as directed by the packaging if your reaction is tolerable.

    • For the cream or gel, apply a thin layer and gently rub it in until it's fully absorbed.

      • For the liquid, place the applicator on your skin, press firmly, and hold to release liquid. Rub the liquid well into the painful area until it's completely absorbed.

        • For the patch, clean and fully dry the affected area. You can trim the patch to better fit the area you're treating. Be sure to trim the patch before removing its backing. Remove the backing from the patch and apply it directly to the painful area. Throw the patch away after a single use. Make sure to fold the sticky sides of your used patch together before throwing it away. This helps prevent accidental exposure of any remaining medication on the patch to children and pets.

          • Wash hands well with soap and water right after applying capsaicin to avoid spreading the medication to other areas of the body like the eyes or mouth. You can also wear gloves when applying to avoid getting the medication on your hands. If you're using this medication to treat your hands, wait 30 minutes before washing them. And be sure not to touch your face before you've washed your hands.

            • Warm or hot water, direct sunlight, heat from hair dryers or heat lamps, and intense exercise can put you more at risk for burning and itching after applying capsaicin. Don't apply this medication right before or after a hot shower or bath, intense exercise, or being exposed to direct sunlight or heat.

              • Capsaicin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Try to avoid long periods of sun exposure. If you're going to be in the sun, wear sunscreen and protective clothing that covers the skin you've treated with capsaicin.

                • Capsaicin comes from a chemical that's found in chili peppers. Talk to your provider before using this medication if you're allergic to chili peppers.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Capsaicin

                  Where can I apply capsaicin?
                  You should only apply capsaicin to healthy skin. Don't apply it to wounds or irritated or damaged skin. Don't get the medication in or around your eyes, nose, or mouth. Also, be careful not to apply it to your genital area. Applying the medication to these very sensitive areas can cause serious irritation or burning sensation.
                  How long can I use capsaicin?
                  If you're still having pain in the same area after 7 days of using capsaicin, you should talk to your provider. You should also contact your provider if your pain gets worse while using this medication. There might be something else causing your pain that your provider should check out.
                  Does capsaicin help with nerve pain or shingles?
                  Topical OTC capsaicin should only be used for aches and pains related to arthritis, backaches, strains, sprains, and bruises. It shouldn't be used to treat pain caused by damaged nerves. There is a prescription formulation of capsaicin known as Qutenza, which can be used for nerve pain due to diabetes or shingles. But this medication contains a much higher strength of capsaicin and has to be applied by a healthcare provider. If you think you have pain caused by damaged nerves, you should speak with your provider before using any medication.
                  Why does capsaicin burn?
                  Capsaicin is made from a chemical from hot chili peppers. When it comes in contact with your skin, it causes a slight burning sensation. For this reason, don't apply capsaicin to very sensitive areas or broken skin. Also, don't apply a tight bandage or heating pad on top of capsaicin. This can cause you to absorb more of the medication, which can put you at risk for more side effects like serious burns.
                  How long does capsaicin burn last?
                  The slight burning sensation caused by capsaicin usually goes away after a few days of using the medication regularly. But if it continues or you start to experience signs of skin injury, such as swelling or blistering, let your provider know.
                  How do you get capsaicin off your hands?
                  After you apply capsaicin to your skin, you should wash your hands with soap and water right away. This can help avoid or limit the burning sensation on your hands.
                  Is capsaicin cream available over the counter?
                  Yes, capsaicin is available over the counter (OTC) as a brand-name or lower-cost generic medication. It comes as a cream, liquid, and patch. If you're not sure about which product is best for you, ask your provider or pharmacist.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Capsaicin?

                  Capsaicin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Risk of serious burns

                  • Risk factors: Covering the application area | Applying heat to the application area

                    Although rare, capsaicin can cause serious skin burns. If this happens, it usually occurs within 24 hours of the first use. Sometimes, they can be so severe that the event requires hospitalization. Stop using this medication if you experience pain, blistering, or swelling at the site of application and get medical help right away.

                    dosage

                    Capsaicin dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 tube of 42.5g of 0.1% of Capsaicin is $7.30 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 56.34% off the average retail price of $16.71.
                    carton
                    Carton
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    2 patches of 0.025%10 cartons$12.68$1.27
                    10 patches of 0.025%3 cartons$17.77$5.92
                    15 patches of 0.025%1 carton$10.13$10.13
                    tube of cream
                    Tube of cream
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    50g of 0.025%1 tube$5.32$5.32
                    42.5g of 0.1%1 tube$7.30$7.30

                    Typical dosing for Capsaicin

                    Capsaicin is available in different dosage forms and strengths, which might have different instructions for use. Read the package label to make sure you're using the medication correctly. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're unsure about how to use it. Some examples include:

                    Cream and liquid

                    • Adults ages 18 years and older: Apply a thin layer to the affected area 3 to 4 times daily.

                    • Children under 18 years old: Ask your child's provider.

                    Patch

                    • Adults and children ages 12 years or older: Apply 1 patch to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily. You can leave the patch on for up to 8 hours. Don't use for longer than a week.

                    • Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's provider.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Capsaicin and other drugs

                    Capsaicin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Capsaicin. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                    How much does Capsaicin cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                    Capsaicin (generic)
                    GoodRx lowest price

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                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Capsaicin?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Capsaicin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Capsaicin
                    Used for:

                    Relief of minor aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:

                    • Arthritis

                    • Backache

                    • Strains

                    • Sprains

                    • Bruises

                    $5.32 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)
                    Used for:
                    $46.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                    This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Cream.

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Alexso, Inc. (2020). Capsaicin patch [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Barkin, R. L. (2013). The pharmacology of topical analgesics. Postgraduate Medicine.

                    Cardinal Health, 110 dba LEADER. (2023). CAPSAICIN HOT PATCHES- capsaicin patch [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    View All References (5)

                    Chang, A., et al. (2023). Capsaicin. StatPearls.

                    CVS. (2019). CVS CAPSAICIN ARTHRITIS PAIN RELIEF- capsaicin liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Marcum, Z. A., et al. (2016). Pharmacotherapies in geriatric chronic pain management. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine.

                    Noble OTC LLC. (2023). Capsaicin cream- capsaicin cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). FDA drug safety communication: Rare cases of serious burns with the use of over-the-counter topical muscle and joint pain relievers.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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