Qutenza (capsaicin) can cause mild to serious side effects. More common side effects include skin reactions where the patch is applied. If Qutenza side effects become difficult to tolerate, ask your doctor about coping tips or other treatment options.

Qutenza is a prescription drug (a patch) used to treat certain nerve pain. Specifically, Qutenza is used in adults to treat:

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects Qutenza can cause. To learn more about this medication, including its uses, dosage, and cost, read this Qutenza overview.

Qutenza can cause certain side effects, some more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. Talk with your doctor if side effects do not go away, get worse, or become too difficult to tolerate.

Qutenza’s commonly reported side effects include:

  • skin discoloration where the patch is applied
  • pain where the patch is applied
  • itchiness where the patch is applied

For more information about some of these side effects, see “Tips for managing side effects.”

Mild side effects have been reported with Qutenza. These include:

  • reaction where the patch is applied, such as:
    • skin discoloration
    • pain
    • itchiness
    • dry skin
    • numbness or tingling
    • swelling
    • blisters or papules
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • nausea and vomiting
  • increase in blood pressure for a short while after the patch is applied
  • skin picking

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary, and some may be easily manageable. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop Qutenza treatment unless your doctor recommends it.

Qutenza may cause mild side effects other than those listed here. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

For more information about some of these side effects, see “Tips for managing side effects.”

Qutenza may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Qutenza’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects that have been reported include:

  • serious reaction where the patch is applied, including:
    • hypoesthesia, which is numbness or reduced sensation
    • severe pain
    • second-degree or third-degree burns
  • severe irritation, such as to the throat, eyes, or skin, due to accidental exposure to the drug

If you develop serious side effects while taking Qutenza, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911. Or call your local emergency number.

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Tips for managing side effects” section.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medication safer for everyone. It gives doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect during treatment with Qutenza and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Qutenza can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. They also can advise whether you should continue Qutenza treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911. Or call your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

Your doctor can confirm whether you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Qutenza. If you have, they may switch you to a different treatment.

You may be able to do some things to help make certain Qutenza side effects more manageable. If you have ongoing, worsening, or bothersome side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest tips for managing them or recommend other treatment options for your condition.

Itchiness where the patch is applied

Itchiness of the skin where the patch is applied was a common side effect reported in studies of Qutenza. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:

  • applying a topical itch-relieving medication available over the counter (OTC), like hydrocortisone cream
  • applying moisturizing cream or lotion to the affected area (If also applying an OTC topical medication, apply the moisturizer after the OTC medication.)
  • taking an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to help relieve itchiness
  • applying petroleum jelly to the affected area
  • applying a wet washcloth or cold compress to the affected area
  • bathing in cool or warm water, but not hot water

Before using any of the OTC medications in this list, be sure to check with your doctor first. They can let you know whether they’re safe to use during Qutenza treatment. If needed, they may prescribe medication to relieve the itchiness.

Pain where the patch is applied

Pain where the patch is applied was a common side effect reported in studies of Qutenza. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:

  • applying cooling or pain-relieving medication to the affected area, like lidocaine cream or gel
  • taking OTC pain-relieving medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen sodium (Aleve)
  • applying cooling packs from the refrigerator (not from the freezer) to the affected area (Be sure they’re wrapped in a washcloth or hand towel rather than applied directly onto the affected area.)

Before using any of the OTC medications in this list, check with your doctor first. They can tell you whether they’re safe to use during Qutenza treatment. If needed, they may prescribe medication to relieve the pain.

If your pain persists or becomes severe, talk with your doctor.

Before taking Qutenza, discuss your health history with your doctor. Qutenza may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

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.