Salonpas-Hot

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot. Capsaicin is used in medicated 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 of capsaicin, this heating effect reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that sends pain signals in the body.

Salonpas-Hot 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.

Salonpas-Hot may also be used for purposes not listed in the Salonpas-Hot guide.

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

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

Get medical help immediately if you have severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering of the 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 Salonpas-Hot.

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 Salonpas-Hot 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 any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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

Salonpas-Hot can cause serious side effects. Stop using Salonpas-Hot and call 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 if you have questions 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 Salonpas-Hot 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 Salonpas-Hot.

Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after applying Salonpas-Hot 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 Salonpas-Hot 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 Salonpas-Hot at room temperature away from moisture and heat, in a place where children and pets cannot get to it.

Salonpas-Hot 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 Salonpas-Hot will not cause harm but may make the medicine less effective in reducing substance P and relieving your pain.

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

Accidentally swallowing capsaicin can lead to severe burning in or around the mouth, watery eyes, a runny nose, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Putting too much Salonpas-Hot on the skin can cause severe burning or redness.

Do not inhale the smell or dried residue of capsaicin topical. Inhaling capsaicin can lead to coughing, sneezing, or watery eyes, and can irritate your throat or lungs.

Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, or rectum until you have washed the medicine off your hands. Also, do not handle food while the medicine is still on your hands.

Do not expose treated skin to sunlight, sunlamps, tanning beds, or a hot tub. Capsaicin can create a burning feeling that may be worse with 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 instructed you to.

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