Capsaicin Side Effects
Brand Names: Axsain, Capzasin-P, Qutenza
Please note - some side effects for Capsaicin may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.
Side Effects of Capsaicin - for the Consumer
Capsaicin in Lidocaine Cream
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Capsaicin in Lidocaine Cream:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Capsaicin in Lidocaine Cream:Temporary burning or stinging at the application site that usually disappears in a few days.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty breathing or swallowing; irritation, redness, blistering, or severe or persistent burning at the application site.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Capsaicin Cream
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Capsaicin Cream:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Capsaicin Cream:Temporary burning or stinging at the application site that usually disappears in a few days.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty breathing or swallowing; irritation, redness, blistering, or severe or persistent burning at the application site.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Capsaicin Liquid
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Capsaicin Liquid:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Capsaicin Liquid:Temporary, mild burning or stinging at the application site.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); irritation, redness, blistering, or severe or persistent burning at the application site.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Capsaicin Lotion
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Capsaicin Lotion:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Capsaicin Lotion:Temporary burning or stinging at the application site that usually disappears in a few days.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty breathing or swallowing; irritation, redness, blistering, or severe or persistent burning at the application site.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Capsaicin/Menthol/Methyl Salicylate Lotion
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Capsaicin/Menthol/Methyl Salicylate Lotion:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Capsaicin/Menthol/Methyl Salicylate Lotion:Temporary burning or stinging at the application site.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); irritation, redness, blistering, or severe or persistent burning at the application site.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Capsaicin/Lidocaine/Menthol/Methyl Salicylate Lotion
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Capsaicin/Lidocaine/Menthol/Methyl Salicylate Lotion:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Capsaicin/Lidocaine/Menthol/Methyl Salicylate Lotion:Temporary burning at the application site.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); irritation, redness, blistering, or severe or persistent burning at the application site.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Capsaicin/Menthol/Methyl Salicylate Ointment
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Capsaicin/Menthol/Methyl Salicylate Ointment:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Capsaicin/Menthol/Methyl Salicylate Ointment:Temporary burning or stinging at the application site that usually disappears in a few days.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty breathing or swallowing; irritation, redness, blistering, or severe or persistent burning at the application site.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Capsaicin/Menthol Patch
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Capsaicin/Menthol Patch:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Capsaicin/Menthol Patch:Temporary burning or stinging at the application site that usually disappears in a few days.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); irritation, redness, blistering, or severe or persistent burning at the application site.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Capsaicin Patch
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Capsaicin Patch:
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Capsaicin Patch:Mild pain, redness, burning, or itching at the application site; mild sore throat; nausea.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blisters or swelling at the application site; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; severe or persistent pain, redness, burning, or itching at the application site; shortness of breath, coughing, or sneezing.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
TopSide Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals
Local
Local side effects have included transient stinging, burning, pain, edema, swelling, papules, dermatitis, bruising, urticaria, inflammation, exfoliation, erythema, hyperalgesia, paresthesia, hyperesthesia, anesthesia, pruritus, dryness, and abnormal skin color at the application site.
General
In general, no serious adverse events have been reported.
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects have included headache, burning sensation, peripheral sensory neuropathy, dizziness, dysgeusia, hyperesthesia, and hypoesthesia.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea and vomiting.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects have included transient hypertension.
Respiratory
Respiratory side effects have included cough and throat irritation, nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
TopMore Capsaicin resources
- Axsain Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Axsain Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Capzasin-P Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Qutenza Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Qutenza Consumer Overview
- Qutenza Patch MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
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