Europe OKs Qutenza for Neuropathic Pain
May 23, 2009 by Marijke Durning, RN
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Qutenza, a capsaicin skin (cutaneous) patch, has been granted authorization for market in Europe. Qutenza is approved for use for treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain (nerve pain) but not for people who have this pain but also have diabetes.
Capsaicin is a component fount in certain plants, such as cayenne and red pepper. It works by stimulating the release of too much of substance P, which triggers the burning sensation you usually feel if you taste very hot peppers. However, once this is released, there is no more for a while, numbing the area. A second action involved releasing a chemical substance called endorphins. These help you feel pleasurable sensations.
The patch is applied to the area where the pain is and stays in place for an hour, except on the feet where it can only remain for half an hour.
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Image: MorgueFile.com
