Capsaicin is a potential alternative for osteoarthritis (OA) pain not relieved with acetaminophen or for people who cannot tolerate or are reluctant to use oral medications.
Capsaicin is a potential alternative for osteoarthritis (OA) pain not relieved with acetaminophen or for people who cannot tolerate or are reluctant to use oral medications. Capsaicin may be effective in those who have OA in only one or two joints, such as the knee or hand. Capsaicin may also be tried in combination with oral medications when OA pain relief is not adequate.
Capsaicin may be used in addition to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics to treat the pain of inflammatory arthritis; however, capsaicin is not routinely used in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis.
Capsaicin is found naturally in hot peppers and is available in topical creams that may be applied directly to the skin over a joint to help lessen the pain of osteoarthritis (OA). Capsaicin is a potential alternative for OA pain not relieved with acetaminophen or for people who cannot tolerate or are reluctant to use oral medications. Capsaicin may be effective in those who have OA in only one or two joints, such as the knee or hand. Capsaicin may also be tried in combination with oral medications when OA pain relief is not adequate.
Capsaicin may be used in addition to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics to treat the pain of inflammatory arthritis; however, capsaicin is not routinely used in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis.
Do not use capsaicin topical preparations if you have had a previous allergic reaction to the medication. Capsaicin should not be used on raw, broken or irritated skin.
Capsaicin products are for external use only. If rash occurs, discontinue use. If condition worsens or symptoms persist, discontinue use and contact your healthcare provider.
Avoid contact with eyes. After application, wash hands thoroughly to prevent spreading the product to eyes and mouth. Flush with water if contact does occur.
The application of external heat, such as an electric heating pad, a hot water bottle or sweating through exercise, may result in excessive skin irritation or burn.
Apply topical capsaicin products as recommended and contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns while using the medication.
Skin irritation diminishes or disappears with continued use at the recommended dose. If capsaicin is applied less frequently than recommended or used intermittently, the burning effect may persist.
Contributors
This information was last updated in June 2024 with expert review and advice by:
Alan Low, BSc(Pharm), PharmD, ACPR, FCSHP, CCD, RPh
Clinical Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia
Pharmacy Lead and Primary Care Pharmacist, BioPro Biologics Pharmacy
Care Director, MedInfuse Health
Garrett Tang, PharmD, RPh
Pharmacist Services Coordinator, MedInfuse Health
We also thank previous expert contributor:
Jason Kielly, BSc(Pharm), PharmD
Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Clinical Pharmacist, Rheumatic Health Program, Eastern Health
