Defined
Qutenza® is a non-opioid, FDA-approved prescription treatment used to relieve certain types of chronic nerve pain. It is commonly used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), or pain that persists after shingles. Qutenza works by delivering a high-concentration capsaicin (the active ingredient found in chili peppers) directly to the affected area, helping reduce pain by decreasing the sensitivity of pain-transmitting nerve fibers.
Procedure
During your appointment, your provider will identify and mark the area being treated. Qutenza® patches are then carefully applied to the skin for a prescribed amount of time, typically 30 minutes for the feet and up to 60 minutes for other treatment areas. Throughout the procedure, our team will monitor your comfort and ensure the treatment is well tolerated. Once the patches are removed, the area is cleansed, and you will receive instructions for caring for the treated skin. The entire visit generally lasts about 1–2 hours.
After Care
It is common to experience temporary redness, warmth, or a burning sensation at the treatment site for several hours or a few days following treatment. These effects typically resolve on their own. Avoid exposing the treated area to excessive heat, such as heating pads, hot tubs, or very hot showers, for several days after your procedure. Pain relief may begin within a few days but often continues to improve over the following weeks. Depending on your condition and response to treatment, Qutenza® may be repeated every 90 days, if appropriate.