Quetenza (capsaicin 8% patch) is an FDA-approved prescription topical treatment for neuropathic pain — specifically approved for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN, the nerve pain that follows shingles) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet. It is a powerful, high-concentration capsaicin patch applied in a clinical setting.
🩺 Diabetic Neuropathy Pain: If you have painful diabetic neuropathy in your feet, ask our team whether Quetenza is appropriate for you. Call 832-968-7003 to discuss.
What Is Capsaicin?
Capsaicin is the active component in hot chili peppers. At therapeutic concentrations, capsaicin works by activating and then desensitizing TRPV1 receptors — pain receptors on the surface of skin nerve fibers. After exposure to high-dose capsaicin:
- Pain fibers temporarily lose their ability to transmit pain signals
- This produces a sustained period of reduced pain sensitivity
- The effect is reversible — nerve fibers eventually regenerate, which is why repeat treatments are needed
What Conditions Is It Used For?
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet — the most common use in endocrinology practice
- Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) — chronic nerve pain after shingles
- HIV-associated distal sensory polyneuropathy (approved in some countries)
It is typically considered when first-line treatments (pregabalin, gabapentin, duloxetine, tricyclic antidepressants) have not provided adequate relief or are not tolerated.
How Is It Applied?
Quetenza is not a self-applied over-the-counter patch. It is applied by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting:
- A topical anesthetic (usually lidocaine cream) is applied first to reduce discomfort
- The Quetenza patch (8% capsaicin) is applied to the affected area of the feet
- The patch is worn for 30 minutes on the feet
- After removal, the area is cleansed thoroughly
- A localized burning sensation during application is expected and normal
Treatment frequency: Typically every 3 months as needed, depending on symptom relief and response.
What to Expect After Treatment
- Pain relief may begin within 1–2 weeks of treatment
- Peak benefit is typically seen at 2–8 weeks post-application
- Duration of relief: generally 3 months, sometimes longer
- Some patients experience redness, swelling, or blistering at the application site — this is expected and resolves
- A temporary increase in blood pressure during application can occur due to pain; patients with cardiovascular conditions are monitored
Advantages Over Oral Medications
- Localized action — minimal systemic side effects (no sedation, no kidney risk)
- No daily pill burden
- Effective even for patients who cannot tolerate oral neuropathy medications
- Can be used in combination with oral treatments
Who Is Not a Good Candidate?
- Active skin breakdown, wounds, or ulcers in the treatment area
- Severe cardiovascular instability (due to transient blood pressure elevation during application)
- Allergy to capsaicin or any patch component
- Patients who cannot tolerate the application procedure
Key Takeaways
- Quetenza is an 8% capsaicin patch applied in-office for painful diabetic foot neuropathy
- Applied for 30 minutes; relief typically lasts ~3 months
- Works by temporarily desensitizing pain nerve fibers
- Minimal systemic side effects — localized treatment
- A good option when oral neuropathy medications are insufficient or not tolerated
- Ask your endocrinologist if Quetenza is appropriate for your neuropathy pain
Our Team Can Help with Your Medications
All five of our providers prescribe and manage endocrine medications. Book with any member of our team:
Book an Appointment → or call 832-968-7003