Originally Posted by mrsD

Capsaicin is not a new product. It has been available for about a decade. It never caught on in a major way for shingles pain.

Zostrix was the first product aside from herbal suppliers. It was detailed to doctors, who prescribed it. But I can tell you personally that the product, even when on the shelf where customers can buy it easily is not really popular.

The reason is that it takes 2 or more weeks to start working, if it works at all. Most people cannot stand the severe burning it causes for those 2 weeks.

I am not surprised that Qutenza is highly restricted. Misuse of this ultra strong version could do substantial damage to tissue.
It is 100 times stronger than any topical product available today. Also one patch= $675 !! Better make sure it goes on the correct spot!

You know many products have pepper extract in them. And the makers know that people will not buy it if it is listed clearly in the ingredients! They use the Latin name for it to conceal its real identity, hoping people will buy it out of desperation as another potential useful remedy!
It can appear in ingredient lists as C. chinense, or C. annuum for example. Capsicum is a nightshade vegetable, and many people are intolerant of nightshades. They may create a serious allergic reaction.

http://www.helium.com/items/303428-a...u-need-to-know

I hope you can derive some benefit from capsicum products, but be very vigilant for adverse effects over time. There are many more people who cannot stand this treatment, than like it.