Qutenza® for Nerve Pain

The search to find relief from the shooting pain and extreme sensitivity of post-shingles and diabetic nerve pain can be extremely frustrating. More than likely, you’ve tried multiple treatment methods that didn’t improve your symptoms or had unwanted side effects.​​​​​​​

If you suffer from neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) or neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet, you may benefit from QUTENZA — the first and only treatment to deliver prescription-strength capsaicin directly to the skin.​​​​​​​

QUTENZA

What is QUTENZA?

QUTENZA is a topical system that contains 8% capsaicin. Our medical providers apply prescription-strength capsaicin patches to affected areas for 30-60 minutes. QUTENZA contains concentrations of capsaicin capable of producing severe irritation of eyes, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and skin if handled incorrectly, therefore QUTENZA treatment must be performed only by a healthcare provider. While administering QUTENZA, nitrile gloves are required and must be disposed of properly to prevent accidental contact.

How long does it last?

The treatment may provide up to 3 months of relief and may be repeated every 3 months.

What is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)?

Post-shingles nerve pain, also known as PHN, occurs if nerves are damaged due to a previous herpes zoster infection, commonly referred to as shingles. Damaged nerves cannot correctly transmit signals from the skin to the brain, which can cause the chronic and debilitating pain you may be feeling.

Symptoms of post-shingles nerve pain are often limited or localized to the area of the skin where the shingles outbreak first occurred, in the band around your trunk, usually on one side of the body.
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Less common symptoms of post-shingles nerve pain include itching, numbness, or feeling “pins and needles.”

What is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)?

Diabetic nerve pain of the feet, also known as DPN, occurs if nerves are damaged as a result of diabetes. Damaged nerves cannot correctly transmit signals from the skin to the brain, causing the signals to become exaggerated and create the debilitating pain in your feet.

  • Although diabetic nerve pain can affect any nerve, it’s most often felt in extremities, such as the feet.

  • Patients have described diabetic nerve pain of the feet as “shooting electric shocks,” “walking on broken glass,” or “burning sensations.”

Is QUTENZA covered by insurance?

In most cases, insurance will cover QUTENZA for PHN and DPN. If you have commercial insurance (not affiliated with any government coverage), you may also be eligible for the patient cost savings program.