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Qutenza (capsaicin.) 8% patch contains capsaicin in a localized dermal delivery system. The capsaicin in Qutenza is a synthetic equivalent of the naturally occurring compound found in chili peppers. Capsaicin is soluble in alcohol, acetone, and ethyl acetate and very slightly soluble in water.
Qutenza is a single-use patch stored in a foil pouch. Each Qutenza patch is 14 cm x 20 cm (280 cm²) and consists of a polyester backing film coated with a drug-containing silicone adhesive mixture, and covered with a removable polyester release liner.
The backing film is imprinted with “capsaicin 8%”. Each Qutenza patch contains a total of 179 mg of capsaicin (8% in adhesive, 80 mg per gram of adhesive) or 640 micrograms (mcg) of capsaicin per square cm of patch.
The empirical formula is C18H27NO3, with a molecular weight of 305.42. The chemical compound capsaicin [(E)-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide] is an activating ligand for transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1) and it has the following structure:
FIGURE 1: Structural Formula of Capsaicin
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The patch contains the following inactive ingredients: diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, dimethicone, ethyl cellulose, polyester film, silicone adhesive and white ink.
Qutenza is supplied with a Cleansing Gel which is used to remove residual capsaicin from the skin after treatment. Cleansing Gel consists of the following ingredients: butylated hydroxyanisole, carbomer copolymer, edetate disodium, polyethylene glycol, purified water, and sodium hydroxide.
QUTENZA is indicated in adults for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and for neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet.
Treatment with QUTENZA may be repeated every three months or as warranted by the return of pain (not more  frequently than every three months).
USE IN NEUROPATHIC PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH POSTHERPETIC NEURALGIA (60-MINUTE APPLICATION TIME)
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USE IN NEUROPATHIC PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY (30-MINUTE APPLICATION TIME ON THE FEET)
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QUTENZA topical system contains 8% capsaicin (640 mcg per cm²). Each topical system contains a total of 179 mg of capsaicin. Each topical system is 14 cm x 20 cm (280 cm²) and consists of an adhesive side containing the active substance and an outer surface backing layer. The adhesive side is covered with a removable, clear, unprinted, diagonally cut, release liner. The outer surface of the backing layer is imprinted with “capsaicin 8%”.
QUTENZA (capsaicin) 8% topical system is a single-use topical system stored in a sealed pouch (NDC 72512Â-920-00).
QUTENZA is 14 cm x 20 cm (280 cm²) and consists of an adhesive side containing the active substance and an outer surface backing layer. The adhesive side is covered with a removable, clear, unprinted, diagonally cut, release liner. The outer surface of the backing layer is imprinted with “capsaicin 8%”.
Cleansing Gel is provided in a 50 g tube.
QUTENZA is available in the following presentations:
Carton of one topical system and one 50 g tube of Cleansing Gel (NDC 72512-928-01).
Carton of two topical systems and one 50 g tube of Cleansing Gel (NDC 72512-929-01).
Carton of four topical systems and three 50 g tubes of Cleansing Gel (NDC 72512-930-01).
Store carton between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Excursions between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) are allowed.
Keep QUTENZA in the sealed pouch until immediately before use.
Unintended exposure to capsaicin can cause severe irritation of eyes, skin, respiratory tract, and mucous membranes. Wear nitrile (not latex) gloves while administering QUTENZA. Use of a face mask and protective glasses is advisable. Immediately after use, dispose of used and unused QUTENZA, QUTENZA clippings, associated packaging, Cleansing Gel, and all other potentially contaminated treatment supplies in accordance with local biomedical waste procedures [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Manufactured for Averitas Pharma, Inc., Morristown, NJ 07960, USA. by Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG (LTS), Andernach, Germany. Revised: Jul 2024
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of other drugs and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
Across all controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials, 2848 patients have received QUTENZA. A total of 924 patients received more than one treatment application and 732 patients were followed for 48 weeks or longer. A total of 590 DPN patients and 1112 PHN patients have received QUTENZA across all controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials.
Among patients treated with QUTENZA, 1% discontinued prematurely due to an adverse event.
In all controlled clinical trials, adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of patients in the QUTENZA group and at an incidence at least 1% greater than in the control group were application site erythema, application site pain, and application site pruritus.
The majority of application site reactions were transient and self-limited. Transient increases in pain were commonly observed on the day of treatment in patients treated with QUTENZA. Pain increases occurring during QUTENZA application usually began to resolve after QUTENZA removal. On average, pain scores returned to baseline by the end of the treatment day and then remained at or below baseline levels. A majority of QUTENZA-treated patients in clinical trials had adverse reactions with a maximum intensity of “mild” or “moderate”.
Table 1 summarizes all adverse reactions, regardless of causality, occurring in >1% of patients with PHN in the QUTENZA group for which the incidence was at least 1% greater than in the control group.
TABLE 1: Adverse Reaction Incidence (%) in Controlled Double-blind Trials in Postherpetic Neuralgia (Events in >1% of QUTENZA-treated Patients and at Least 1% Greater in the QUTENZA Group than in the Control Group)
| Body System Preferred Term |
QUTENZA 60 minutes (N=622) % |
Control 60 minutes (N=495) % |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | ||
| Application site erythema | 63 | 54 |
| Application site pain | 42 | 21 |
| Application site pruritus | 6 | 4 |
| Application site papules | 6 | 3 |
| Application site edema | 4 | 1 |
| Application site swelling | 2 | 1 |
| Application site dryness | 2 | 1 |
| Infections and Infestations | ||
| Nasopharyngitis | 4 | 2 |
| Bronchitis | 2 | 1 |
| Sinusitis | 3 | 1 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||
| Nausea | 5 | 2 |
| Vomiting | 3 | 1 |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorder | ||
| Pruritus | 2 | < 1 |
| Vascular Disorders | ||
| Hypertension | 2 | 1 |
Less common adverse reactions (<1%) with QUTENZA observed during PHN clinical trials included: palpitations, tachycardia, eye pruritus, application site reactions (such as urticaria, paresthesia, dermatitis, hyperesthesia).
Table 2 summarizes all adverse reactions, regardless of causality, occurring in >1% of patients with DPN in the QUTENZA group for which the incidence was at least 1% greater than in the control group.
TABLE 2: Adverse Reaction Incidence (%) in Double-blind Controlled Trials in Neuropathic Pain Associated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (Events in >1% of QUTENZA-treated Patients and at Least 1% Greater in the QUTENZA Group than in the Control Group)
| Body System Preferred Term |
QUTENZA 30 minutes (N=186) % |
Control 30 minutes (N=183) % |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | ||
| Application site reactions | ||
| Burning sensation | 14 | 3 |
| Application site pain | 10 | 2 |
| Erythema | 2 | 0 |
| Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications | ||
| Excoriation | 2 | 0 |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders | ||
| Pain in extremity | 11 | 6 |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Headache | 3 | 2 |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders | ||
| Upper respiratory symptoms | ||
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 4 | < 1 |
| Cough | 2 | < 1 |
| Vascular Disorders | ||
| Hypertension | 2 | < 1 |
Less common adverse reactions (<1%) with QUTENZA observed during DPN clinical trials included: dizziness, dysesthesia, blister.
Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of QUTENZA: second-degree burn and scarring; accidental exposure (including eye pain, cough, eye and throat irritation).
No clinical drug interaction studies have been performed.
Data from in vitro cytochrome P450 inhibition and induction studies show that capsaicin does not inhibit or induce liver cytochrome P450 enzymes at concentrations which far exceed those measured in blood samples. Therefore, interactions with systemic medicinal products are unlikely.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Unintended exposure to capsaicin can cause severe irritation of eyes, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and skin in healthcare professionals, patients, and others. Ensure that the recommended procedures and protective measures are used when administering QUTENZA [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Even following use of a local anesthetic prior to administration of QUTENZA, patients may experience substantial procedural pain and burning upon application of QUTENZA and following removal of QUTENZA. Prepare to treat acute pain during and following the application procedure with local cooling and/or appropriate analgesic medication.
In clinical trials, transient increases in blood pressure occurred during or shortly after exposure to QUTENZA. The changes averaged less than 10 mm Hg, although some patients had greater increases and these changes lasted for approximately two hours after QUTENZA removal. Increases in blood pressure were unrelated to the pretreatment blood pressure but were related to treatment-related increases in pain. Monitor blood pressure periodically during and following the treatment procedure and provide adequate support for treatment-related pain.
Patients with unstable or poorly controlled hypertension, or a recent history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, may be at an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular effects. Consider these factors prior to initiating QUTENZA treatment.
Reductions in sensory function have been reported following administration of QUTENZA. Decreases in sensory functions are generally minor and temporary (including to thermal and other harmful stimuli). All patients with pre-existing sensory deficits should be clinically assessed for signs of sensory deterioration or loss prior to each application of QUTENZA. If sensory deterioration or loss is detected or pre-existing sensory deficit worsens, continued use of QUTENZA treatment should be reconsidered.
Cases of full-thickness (third-degree) and deep partial-thickness (second-degree) burns have been reported following administration of QUTENZA. Cases of full-thickness (third-degree) burns, requiring hospitalization and skin grafting have been reported in patients who received QUTENZA for an unapproved indication and/or frequency of dosing at an application site where there had been prior skin trauma [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Ensure that dosage and administration recommendations are followed [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Adequate carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with QUTENZA or capsaicin.
Capsaicin was not mutagenic in the Ames, mouse micronucleus, and chromosomal aberration in human peripheral blood lymphocytes assays. As with other catechol-containing compounds (e.g., dopamine), capsaicin showed a weak mutagenic response in the mouse lymphoma assay.
A fertility and reproductive toxicology study was conducted in rats with exposure to QUTENZA daily for 3 hours/day beginning 28 days before cohabitation, through cohabitation, and continuing through the day before sacrifice (approximately 49 days of treatment). The results revealed a statistically significant reduction in the number and percent of motile sperm. Sperm motility obtained from the vas deferens was reduced in all capsaicin treatment groups (16, 24 and 32 mg QUTENZA/rat/day). Though a “no effect” level was not determined, dose levels used in the study correspond to a 13- to 28-fold exposure margin over the mean Cmax associated with the MRHD. Sperm counts were reduced in the vas deferens or cauda epididymis in the 24 and 32 mg QUTENZA/rat/day dose groups (79% and 69%, respectively) compared to the placebo topical system-treated control group; however, these reductions did not adversely affect fertility. As this animal model has a large excess of sperm-generating capacity relative to the threshold necessary for fertilization, the lack of an effect on fertility in this species is of unknown significance for human risk assessment.
Capsaicin is negligibly absorbed systemically following topical administration of QUTENZA, and maternal use is not expected to result in the fetal exposure to QUTENZA. In animal reproductive studies, no evidence of malformations were observed when capsaicin was administered daily by the topical route to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses of up to 11- and 37-times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of QUTENZA at 716 mg capsaicin per day (4 topical systems containing 179 mg/topical system). In a peri-and postnatal development study, no adverse effects were observed when capsaicin was administered daily by the topical route to rats during implantation to weaning at doses of up to 11-times the MRHD (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Animal Data
There was no evidence of fetal malformations in embryofetal developmental toxicological studies conducted in pregnant rats and rabbits in which QUTENZA (rats) or capsaicin liquid (rabbits) were applied once daily for a 3-hour duration during the period of fetal organogenesis at doses up to 11-times (rat, 32 mg QUTENZA /day) and 37-times (rabbit, 260 mg capsaicin/day) the MRHD based on a Cmax exposure comparison.
In a peri-and postnatal reproduction toxicology study, pregnant female rats were treated with QUTENZA at doses up to 32 mg QUTENZA/rat/day applied once daily for a 3-hour duration during gestation and lactation (from Gestation Day 7 through Lactation Day 20). Analyses of milk samples on Day 14 of the lactation period demonstrated measurable levels of capsaicin in the dam's milk at all dose levels. There were no effects on survival, growth, learning and memory tests (passive avoidance and water maze), sexual maturation, mating, pregnancy, and fetal development in the offspring of mothers treated with capsaicin up to 32 mg QUTENZA /rat/day (11-times the MRHD based on Cmax exposure).
Capsaicin is negligibly absorbed systemically by the mother following topical administration of QUTENZA, and breastfeeding is not expected to result in exposure of the infant to QUTENZA [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. There are no data on the effects of capsaicin on milk production. To minimize potential direct exposure of QUTENZA to the breastfed infant, avoid applying QUTENZA directly to the nipple and areola.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for QUTENZA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from QUTENZA or from the underlying maternal condition.
In a fertility and reproductive toxicology study, administration of QUTENZA at 13-times the MRHD to male rats for 3 hours/day for 49 days resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the number and percent of motile sperm; however, these reductions did not adversely affect fertility [see Nonclinical Toxicology]. As this animal model has a large excess of sperm-generating capacity relative to the threshold necessary for fertilization, the lack of an effect on fertility in this species is of unknown clinical significance for males of reproductive potential treated with the MRHD.
The safety and effectiveness of QUTENZA in patients younger than 18 years of age have not been studied.
In controlled clinical trials of QUTENZA in neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia, 75% of patients were 65 years and older and 43% of patients were 75 years and older. The safety and effectiveness were similar in geriatric patients and younger patients. No dose adjustments are required in geriatric patients.
There is no clinical experience with QUTENZA overdose in humans.
There is no specific antidote for overdose with capsaicin. In case of suspected overdose, remove QUTENZA gently, apply Cleansing Gel for one minute, wipe off with dry gauze, and gently wash the area with soap and water. Use supportive measures and treat symptoms as clinically warranted.
None.
Capsaicin is an agonist for the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1), which is an ion channel-receptor complex expressed on nociceptive nerve fibers in the skin. Topical administration of capsaicin causes an initial enhanced stimulation of the TRPV1-expressing cutaneous nociceptors that may be associated with painful sensations. This is followed by pain relief thought to be mediated by a reduction in TRPV1Âexpressing nociceptive nerve endings [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Over the course of several months, there may be a gradual re-emergence of painful neuropathy thought to be due to TRPV1 nerve fiber reinnervation of the treated area.
Two studies evaluated the pharmacodynamic effects of QUTENZA on sensory function and epidermal nerve fiber (ENF) density in healthy volunteers. Consistent with the known pharmacodynamic effects of capsaicin on TRPV1-expressing nociceptive nerve endings, reduced ENF density and minor changes in cutaneous nociceptive function (heat detection and sharp sensation) were noted one week after exposure to QUTENZA. ENF density reduction and sensory changes were fully reversible.
Pharmacokinetic data in humans showed transient, low (<5 ng/mL) systemic exposure to capsaicin in about one-third of PHN patients following 60-minute applications of QUTENZA. The highest plasma concentration of capsaicin detected was 4.6 ng/mL and occurred immediately after QUTENZA removal. Most quantifiable levels were observed at the time of QUTENZA removal and were below the limit of quantitation 3 to 6 hours after QUTENZA removal. No detectable levels of metabolites were observed in any subject.
The efficacy of QUTENZA was established in two 12-week, double-blind, randomized, dose-controlled, multicenter clinical trials. These studies enrolled patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) persisting for at least 6 months following healing of herpes zoster rash and a baseline score of 3-9 on an 11-point Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). QUTENZA and a control topical system were each applied as a single, 60-minute application. The control used in these studies looked similar to QUTENZA but contained a low concentration of the active ingredient, capsaicin (3.2 mcg/cm², 0.04% w/w), to retain blinding regarding the known application site reactions of capsaicin (such as burning and erythema). The baseline mean pain score across the 2 studies was approximately 6.0. Patients who entered the study on stable doses of pain-control medications were required to keep dosing stable throughout the duration of the study. Approximately half of the patients were taking concomitant medications, including anticonvulsants, non-SSRI antidepressants, or opioids for their PHN at study entry. Prior to application, a topical anesthetic was applied to the treatment area for 60 minutes. Patients were permitted to use local cooling and additional analgesic medications for treatment-related discomfort as needed through Day 5. Patients recorded their pain daily in a diary.
PHN Study 1: In this 12-week study, the QUTENZA group demonstrated a greater reduction in pain compared to the control group during the primary assessment at Week 8. The percent change in average pain from baseline to Week 8 was -18% (±2%) for the low-dose control and -29% (±2%) for QUTENZA.
For various degrees of improvement in pain from baseline to study endpoint, Figure 2 shows the fraction of patients achieving that degree of improvement. The figure is cumulative, so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study through Week 12 or who showed no improvement at Week 12 were assigned 0% improvement. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as Week 1, which persisted throughout the study. The proportion of patients experiencing ≥30% reduction in pain intensity from baseline for each week through Week 12 is shown in Figure 3.
FIGURE 2: Patients Achieving Various Percentages of Reduction in Pain Intensity at Week 12 – Study 1
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FIGURE 3: Weekly Proportion of Patients Achieving ≥30% Pain Intensity Reduction – Study 1*
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*The same patients may not have responded at each timepoint.
PHN Study 2: In this 12-week study, the QUTENZA group demonstrated a greater reduction in pain compared to the control group during the primary assessment at Week 8. The percent change in average pain from baseline to Week 8 was -26% (±2%) for the low-dose control and -33% (±2%) for QUTENZA.
For various degrees of improvement in pain from baseline to study endpoint, Figure 4 shows the fraction of patients achieving that degree of improvement. The figure is cumulative, so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study through Week 12 or who showed no improvement at Week 12 were assigned 0% improvement. Some patients experienced a decrease in pain as early as Week 1, which persisted throughout the study. The proportion of patients achieving ≥30% reduction in pain intensity from baseline for each week through Week 12 is shown in Figure 5.
FIGURE 4: Patients Achieving Various Percentages of Reduction in Pain Intensity at Week 12 – Study 2
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FIGURE 5: Weekly Proportion of Patients Achieving ≥30% Pain Intensity Reduction – Study 2*
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*The same patients may not have responded at each timepoint.
The efficacy of QUTENZA was established in one 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. This study enrolled patients with neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) diagnosed at least 1 year prior to screening and an average pain score of ≥ 4 over the baseline period on an 11-point Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). QUTENZA and placebo were each applied as a single, 30-minute application. The placebo used in this study was similar to QUTENZA but did not contain an active ingredient. The baseline mean pain score in this study was 6.51 (SD 1.45) and was similar in both groups. Patients who entered the study on stable doses of pain-control medications were required to keep dosing stable throughout the duration of the study. Use of opioid medication other than short-acting rescue medication was not allowed during the study. Concomitant medications for neuropathic pain associated with DPN were taken during the study by 47.2% of the patients and included anticonvulsants and non-SSRI antidepressants. Prior to application, a topical anesthetic was applied to the treatment area for 60 minutes. Patients were permitted to use local cooling and additional analgesic medications for treatment-related discomfort as needed through Day 5. Patients recorded their pain daily.
In this 12-week study, the percent change in average pain from baseline to Week 12 was higher in the QUTENZA group compared to the placebo group. The percent change in average pain from baseline to Week 12 was -22% (±3%) for placebo and -30% (±3%) for QUTENZA. The least-squares mean change was -1.92 on the 11-point NPRS scale for QUTENZA, vs -1.37 for placebo, a least-squares mean difference of -0.56 (95% CI -0.98, -0.14).
For various degrees of improvement in pain from baseline to study endpoint, Figure 6 shows the fraction of patients achieving that degree of improvement. The figure is cumulative, so that patients whose change from baseline is, for example, 50%, are also included at every level of improvement below 50%. Patients who did not complete the study through Week 12 or who showed no improvement at Week 12 were assigned 0% improvement. The proportion of patients experiencing ≥30% reduction in pain intensity from baseline for each week through Week 12 is shown in Figure 7.
FIGURE 6: Patients Achieving Various Percentages of Reduction in Pain Intensity at Week 12
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FIGURE 7: Weekly Proportion of Patients Achieving ≥30% Pain Intensity Reduction*
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*The same patients may not have responded at each timepoint.
