Qutenza Dosage

USE IN NEUROPATHIC PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA

(60-MINUTE APPLICATION TIME)

Prepare

• Administer QUTENZA in a well-ventilated treatment area.
• Put on nitrile (not latex) gloves. Use of a face mask and protective glasses is advisable for healthcare professionals.
• Inspect the pouch. Do not use if the pouch has been torn or damaged.

• The treatment area (painful area including areas of hypersensitivity and allodynia) must be identified by a physician or healthcare professional and marked on the skin.

• If necessary, clip hair (do not shave) in and around the identified treatment area to promote QUTENZA adherence.
• QUTENZA can be cut to match the size and shape of the treatment area. Gently wash the treatment area with mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly.

• ​The treatment area may be pretreated with a topical anesthetic to potentially reduce discomfort associated with the application of QUTENZA.
• Apply topical anesthetic to the entire treatment area and surrounding 1 to 2 cm, and keep the local anesthetic in place until the skin is anesthetized prior to the application of QUTENZA.

• Remove the topical anesthetic with a dry wipe. Gently wash the treatment area with mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly.

• Tear open the pouch along the three dashed lines and remove QUTENZA.
• Inspect QUTENZA and identify the outer surface backing layer with the printing on one side and the capsaicin-containing adhesive on the other side. The adhesive side of QUTENZA is covered by a clear, unprinted, diagonally cut release liner.
• Cut QUTENZA before removing the protective release liner. Ensure that unused pieces do not make contact with other objects and are disposed of appropriately.
• The diagonal cut in the release liner is to aid in its removal. Peel a small section of the release liner back and place the adhesive side of QUTENZA on the treatment area.
• While you slowly peel back the release liner from under the QUTENZA with one hand, use your other hand to smooth QUTENZA down onto the skin.

• Once QUTENZA is applied, leave in place for 60 minutes (PHN).
• To ensure QUTENZA maintains contact with the treatment area, a dressing, such as rolled gauze, may be used. Remove the nitrile gloves after the application.
• Instruct the patient not to touch QUTENZA or the treatment area.

• Put on nitrile (not latex) gloves. Remove QUTENZA by gently and slowly rolling inward.

Cleanse

• After removal of QUTENZA, generously apply Cleansing Gel to the treatment area and leave on for at least one minute. Remove Cleansing Gel with a dry wipe and gently wash the area with mild soap and water. Dry thoroughly.

• Dispose of all treatment materials as described .
• Inform the patient that the treated area may be sensitive for a few days to heat (e.g., hot showers/baths, direct sunlight, vigorous exercise).

USE IN NEUROPATHIC PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

(30-MINUTE APPLICATION TIME ON THE FEET)

Prepare

• Administer QUTENZA in a well-ventilated treatment area.
• Put on nitrile (not latex) gloves. Use of a face mask and protective glasses is advisable for healthcare professionals.
• Inspect the pouch. Do not use if the pouch has been torn or damaged.

• The treatment area (painful area including areas of hypersensitivity and allodynia) must be identified by a physician or healthcare professional and marked on the skin.
• Examine the feet prior to application of QUTENZA to detect skin lesions related to underlying neuropathy or vascular insufficiency.

• If necessary, clip hair (do not shave) in and around the identified treatment area to promote QUTENZA adherence.
• QUTENZA can be cut to match the size and shape of the treatment area. Gently wash the treatment area with mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly.

• ​The treatment area may be pretreated with a topical anesthetic to potentially reduce discomfort associated with the application of QUTENZA.
• Apply topical anesthetic to the entire treatment area and surrounding 1 to 2 cm, and keep the local anesthetic in place until the skin is anesthetized prior to the application of QUTENZA.

• Remove the topical anesthetic with a dry wipe. Gently wash the treatment area with mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly.

• Tear open the pouch along the three dashed lines and remove QUTENZA.
• Inspect QUTENZA and identify the outer surface backing layer with the printing on one side and the capsaicin-containing adhesive on the other side. The adhesive side of QUTENZA is covered by a clear, unprinted, diagonally cut release liner.
• Cut QUTENZA before removing the protective release liner. Ensure that unused pieces do not make contact with other objects and are disposed of appropriately.
• The diagonal cut in the release liner is to aid in its removal. Peel a small section of the release liner back and place the adhesive side of QUTENZA on the treatment area.
• While you slowly peel back the release liner from under the QUTENZA with one hand, use your other hand to smooth QUTENZA down onto the skin.
• QUTENZA can be wrapped around the dorsal, lateral, and plantar surfaces of each foot to completely cover the treatment area.

• Once QUTENZA is applied, leave in place for 30 minutes on the feet (DPN).
• To ensure QUTENZA maintains contact with the treatment area, a dressing, such as rolled gauze, may be used. Remove the nitrile gloves after the application.
• Instruct the patient not to touch QUTENZA or the treatment area.

• Put on nitrile (not latex) gloves. Remove QUTENZA by gently and slowly rolling inward.

Cleanse

• After removal of QUTENZA, generously apply Cleansing Gel to the treatment area and leave on for at least one minute. Remove Cleansing Gel with a dry wipe and gently wash the area with mild soap and water. Dry thoroughly.

• Dispose of all treatment materials as described .
• Inform the patient that the treated area may be sensitive for a few days to heat (e.g., hot showers/baths, direct sunlight, vigorous exercise).