capsaicin
Brand names: Zostrix, Qutenza
Capsaicin cream is a medicine that helps relieve minor aches and pains. It comes in different brand names like Zostrix and Qutenza.
Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Generic Price
$0.07/unit
Generic Available
Yes (0 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
This medicine can help with minor muscle and joint pain.
Common side effects
Burning sensation, Pain at application site, Redness at application site
Key warnings
There are no boxed warnings for this medication.
How It Works
Capsaicin works by affecting nerve endings in the skin. It reduces the feeling of pain in the area where you put the cream. This provides temporary relief.
How to Take It
Adults and children 18 and older should apply a thin layer of cream to the painful area. Gently rub it in until it's fully absorbed, unless you are treating your hands. Wash your hands well with soap and water right after using it. Use it 3 to 4 times each day.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this medicine.
Missed Dose
Apply the cream as soon as you remember. Do not apply extra cream to make up for the missed dose.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 2,340 FDA adverse event reports.
FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis
Detailed analysis of 3,030 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2004–2025.
Total Reports
3,030
Death-Related Reports
147
Hospitalization Reports
602
Top Indication
Diabetic Neuropathy
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)
| # | Reaction | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | APPLICATION SITE PAIN | 475 |
| 2 | PAIN | 404 |
| 3 | DRUG INEFFECTIVE | 351 |
| 4 | BURNING SENSATION | 291 |
| 5 | PAIN IN EXTREMITY | 178 |
| 6 | FATIGUE | 162 |
| 7 | OFF LABEL USE | 141 |
| 8 | APPLICATION SITE ERYTHEMA | 137 |
| 9 | INSOMNIA | 101 |
| 10 | WEIGHT INCREASED | 100 |
| 11 | DYSPNOEA | 99 |
| 12 | NAUSEA | 91 |
| 13 | ERYTHEMA | 89 |
| 14 | PARAESTHESIA | 88 |
| 15 | HYPERTENSION | 85 |
Reactions in Death Reports
Reactions in Hospitalization Reports
Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation
Serious Warnings
There are no boxed warnings for this medication.
Common Questions
What is capsaicin cream used for?
How often should I apply the cream?
Can children use this cream?
What should I do if I get the cream in my eyes?
Is it okay to use a heating pad with this cream?
Can I use this cream for severe pain?
How long will it take to feel relief?
Can I use this with other pain relievers?
What should I do if my skin gets irritated?
Can I use this cream if I am allergic to peppers?
What are the common side effects of capsaicin?
What drug class is capsaicin?
Is capsaicin safe during pregnancy?
Has capsaicin been recalled?
Active Recalls
Out of Specification for active ingredient. Violative grade of propylene glycol used during the manufacturing process.
ARG Laboratories, Inc.
Out of Specification for active ingredient. Violative grade of propylene glycol used during the manufacturing process.
ARG Laboratories, Inc.
Out of Specification for active ingredient. Violative grade of propylene glycol used during the manufacturing process.
ARG Laboratories, Inc.
Out of Specification for active ingredient. Violative grade of propylene glycol used during the manufacturing process.
ARG Laboratories, Inc.
Related Medications in Topical Analgesic
Other drugs grouped near capsaicin — same-class peers and common alternatives.
abatacept
Orencia
Orencia is a medicine that helps to reduce inflammation.
Compare with capsaicin →
acetaminophen
Tylenol
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a medicine that can relieve pain and reduce fever.
Compare with capsaicin →
acetaminophen/hydrocodone
Vicodin, Norco
This medicine contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone.
Compare with capsaicin →
acetaminophen/oxycodone
Percocet
Percocet is a strong pain medicine.
Compare with capsaicin →
adalimumab
Humira
Idacio is a medicine that blocks a protein called TNF.
Compare with capsaicin →
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Related Health & Safety Data
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What the FDA Data Shows for capsaicin
The FDA label for capsaicin (sold under brand names such as Zostrix, Qutenza) classifies it as an over-the-counter product in the Topical Analgesic class. This medicine can help with minor muscle and joint pain. Official labeling lists 3 commonly reported side effects, including Burning sensation, Pain at application site, Redness at application site.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 2,340 voluntary reports. Interaction data is drawn directly from FDA-approved prescribing information. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $0.07.
Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history (currently 4 recall records on file), and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: December 6, 2024
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book — approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed — NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) — post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm — standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files — federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database — current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages