Capsaicin (Topical Route)

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Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common - all forms
  • Burning, itching, dryness, pain, redness, swelling, or soreness at the application site
Less common - all forms
  • Cough
  • Cough-producing mucus
  • Difficulty with breathing
  • Shortness of breath or troubled breathing
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Tightness in the chest or wheezing
Less common - patch only
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nervousness
  • Pounding in the ears
  • Slow or fast heartbeat
Incidence not known - patch only
  • Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • Increased sensitivity to pain
  • Increased sensitivity to touch
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Tingling in the hands and feet
  • Unsteadiness or awkwardness
  • Unusual weight gain or loss
  • Weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common - patch only
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea
  • Pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Vomiting
Incidence not known - patch only
  • Abnormal skin color
  • Change in taste
  • Loss of taste

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Precautions
DR600303 Portions of this document last updated: Nov. 1, 2011

Source: Drug Information provided by: Micromedex

Copyright © 2013 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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