DiabetAid

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Capsaicin is used in creams and lotions to relieve muscle or joint pain.

When capsaicin is applied to the body, it creates a heating sensation that activates certain nerve cells. With regular use, this heating effect decreases the amount of substance P, a chemical that sends pain signals in the body.

DiabetAid is used for temporary relief of muscle or joint pain caused by strains, sprains, arthritis, bruising, or backaches. This medicine is also used to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) in people who have had herpes zoster, or "shingles."

Qutenza is a prescription-strength form of capsaicin topical that is applied by a healthcare professional. Qutenza is used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes, and also to treat nerve pain in the feet (peripheral neuropathy) in people with diabetes.

DiabetAid may also be used for purposes not listed in the DiabetAid guide.

Do not use DiabetAid if you are allergic to chili peppers, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to DiabetAid.

Capsaicin can cause a burning feeling in the area where it is applied. If you experience severe discomfort or redness on your skin, wash the treated area with soap and cool water.

Get medical help immediately if you have severe burning, pain, swelling, or blisters on your skin where you applied this medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to chili peppers, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to DiabetAid.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any allergies (especially to plants); or
• a serious medical condition.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not apply DiabetAid to your breast area if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Do not use this medicine on anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Wash the skin and seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering of the skin where you applied this medicine.

DiabetAid can cause serious side effects. Stop using DiabetAid and contact your doctor right away if you have:

• severe pain or skin redness where the medicine was applied;
• loss of feeling;
• trouble breathing or swallowing (after accidentally inhaling capsaicin odor or dried residue).

Common side effects may include pain or a burning sensation that can last for several hours or days (especially after your first use of capsaicin topical).

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. The Qutenza brand of capsaicin is applied only by a healthcare professional and is not available over the counter.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Capsaicin is available in different forms, such as a cream, lotion, liquid, and skin patch. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not use DiabetAid on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.

Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you apply DiabetAid.

Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after applying DiabetAid or handling a topical skin patch. If you have applied the medicine to your hands or fingers to treat pain in those areas, wait at least 30 minutes before washing your hands.

To prevent getting this medicine on your fingers, use a rubber glove, finger cot, cotton ball, or clean tissue to apply the medicine.

Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation wherever it is applied. Even if the medicine gets on a surface other than your skin, you may feel burning when you later touch that surface. This sensation is usually mild and should gradually lessen over time with continued regular use of the medicine.

If the burning sensation is painful or causes severe discomfort, wash the treated skin area with soap and cool water. Get medical attention right away if you have severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or heating pad, which can increase the burning sensation. You may cover the skin with clothing.

Avoid taking a bath or shower within 1 hour before or after you apply capsaicin to your skin. Also avoid swimming or vigorous exercise. Warm water or perspiration can increase the burning sensation caused by capsaicin.

Avoid getting DiabetAid in your eyes or near your nose where you might inhale it. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse thoroughly with water.

Also avoid getting this medicine on contact lenses, dentures, and other items that come into contact with sensitive areas of your body.

It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine regularly before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medicine as directed. Pain relief should occur gradually as the substance P in your body is decreased in the nerve cells.

Call your doctor if your pain does not improve after using this medicine for 7 days, or if your symptoms get worse or get better and then come back in a few days.

Store DiabetAid at room temperature away from moisture and heat, in a place where children and pets cannot get to it.

DiabetAid liquid is flammable. Do not use or store near fire or open flame.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not apply capsaicin more than 4 times in one day, or use extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

A missed dose of DiabetAid will not cause harm but may make the medicine less effective in reducing substance P and relieving your pain.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, especially if anyone has accidentally swallowed it.

Accidental swallowing of capsaicin can cause severe burning in or around the mouth, watery eyes, runny nose, and trouble swallowing or breathing.

Applying too much DiabetAid to the skin can cause severe burning or redness.

Avoid inhaling the odor or dried residue of capsaicin topical. Inhaling capsaicin can cause coughing, sneezing, or watery eyes, and can irritate your throat or lungs.

Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, or rectum until the medicine has been washed off your hands. Also avoid handling food while the medicine is still on your hands.

Avoid exposing treated skin to sunlight, sunlamps, tanning beds, or a hot tub. Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation that may be made worse by heat.

Do not use other medicated skin products, including muscle pain creams or lotions, on areas where you have applied capsaicin, unless your doctor has told you to.

It is not likely that other drugs you take by mouth or inject will affect topically applied capsaicin. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform each of your health care providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.