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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using capsaicin topical?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to chili peppers, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to capsaicin topical.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using capsaicin topical if you have any allergies (especially to plants), or if you have a serious medical condition.

It is not known whether capsaicin topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether capsaicin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not apply capsaicin topical to your breast area if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication on anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I use capsaicin topical?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation wherever it is applied. This sensation is usually mild and should gradually lessen over time with continued regular use of the medicine.

Do not apply capsaicin topical to open wounds, or to skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or otherwise irritated.

Do not get this medication in your mouth or eyes, or near your nose where you might inhale it. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse thoroughly with water.

Also avoid getting this medication on contact lenses, dentures, and other items that come into contact with sensitive areas of your body.

To keep the medication from getting on your fingers when you apply it, you may use a rubber glove, finger cot, cotton ball, or clean tissue to apply the medicine.

Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you apply capsaicin topical.

When using capsaicin topical cream or lotion, apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently until completely absorbed.

To use capsaicin topical liquid or stick, uncap the applicator and press it firmly on your skin to apply the medication. Massage gently onto the affected are until completely absorbed.

Capsaicin topical may be used up to 4 times daily or as directed on the medicine label.

To apply a capsaicin topical patch, remove the liner and apply the patch to your skin over the area of pain. Press the edges firmly into place. Remove the patch and apply a new patch 1 or 2 times daily if needed.

Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after applying capsaicin topical or handling the topical patch. If you have applied the medicine to your hands or fingers to treat pain in those areas, wait at least 30 minutes before washing your hands.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or heating pad, which can increase the burning sensation. You may cover the skin with clothing.

Avoid taking a bath or shower within 1 hour before or after you apply capsaicin topical to your skin. Also avoid swimming or vigorous exercise. Warm water or perspiration can increase the burning sensation caused by capsaicin.

If the burning sensation caused by capsaicin is painful or causes significant discomfort, wash the treated skin area with soap and cool water.

It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine regularly before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Pain relief should occur gradually as the substance P in your body is decreased in the nerve cells.

Call your doctor if your pain does not improve after using this medication for 7 days, or if your symptoms get worse or get better and then come back in a few days.

Store capsaicin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat, in a place where children and pets cannot get to it.

Capsaicin topical liquid is flammable. Do not use or store near fire or open flame.

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