The dosages of Qutenza to treat nerve pain from shingles or diabetes may vary. Generally, you receive doses every 3 months.

Qutenza is a prescription drug used to treat certain nerve pain. Specifically, Qutenza is used in adults to treat neuropathic pain associated with:

The drug comes in a topical form that a healthcare professional applies to your skin. You usually receive it as a single treatment every 3 months as needed.

The active ingredient in Qutenza is capsaicin. Qutenza belongs to a group of drugs called transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1) agonists.

This article describes the dosages of Qutenza, its strength, and how it’s applied. To learn more about this medication, including its side effects and uses, read this in-depth Qutenza article.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for Qutenza. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.

Qutenza form

Qutenza is available as a topical system. It contains:

  • a patch that adheres to your skin
  • a tube of cleansing gel

A healthcare professional applies the patch to your skin. Once they remove it, they use the gel to cleanse your skin where the patch was applied.

Qutenza strength

Qutenza comes in one strength of 8%. Each patch contains 179 milligrams (mg) of capsaicin.

Doctors prescribe Qutenza to treat neuropathic pain associated with PHN in adults.

The recommended dosage is up to 4 patches worn for 60 minutes, which may be repeated every 3 months if needed. Your doctor will apply the patches to areas of your body experiencing pain from PHN.

Notify your doctor if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from receiving your medication.

Doctors prescribe Qutenza to treat neuropathic pain associated with DPN of the feet in adults.

The recommended dosage is up to 4 patches worn for 30 minutes, which may be repeated every 3 months if needed. Your doctor will apply the patches to the areas of your feet experiencing pain from DPN.

Let your doctor know if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from receiving your medication.

Qutenza must be applied by a healthcare professional in a clinic or doctor’s office. It is not meant to be used at home.

Your doctor will identify the treatment areas and, if necessary, clip hair on these areas to ensure that the patches stick. They’ll wash the treatment areas, allow them to dry, and then apply the patches. (Before applying the patches, your doctor may apply a topical anesthetic to reduce potential discomfort. This step is optional.)

For pain from shingles, you’ll wear the patches for 60 minutes. For pain from DPH, you’ll wear the patches for 30 minutes.

Once your doctor removes the patches, they’ll use the gel to cleanse your skin where the patches were applied. Then they’ll allow these areas to dry.

Following your treatment with the patches, your skin may be sensitive to heat for a few days. This may include heat from sunlight, vigorous exercise, and hot showers or baths.

How long do you receive Qutenza?

Qutenza is usually a long-term treatment. You and your doctor can discuss whether it’s safe and effective for your condition. If you agree that it is, you’ll likely receive it long term. This may be every 3 months if nerve pain continues.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.