Note: This document contains side effect information about capsaicin topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Capzasin Back and Body.

Applies to capsaicin topical: topical cream, topical lotion, topical patch extended release, topical solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, capsaicin topical (the active ingredient contained in Capzasin Back and Body) 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 while taking capsaicin topical:

More common - all forms

• Burning, itching, dryness, pain, redness, swelling, or soreness at the application site

Less common - all forms

• Body aches or pain
• chest tightness
• chills
• cough
• difficulty with breathing
• dry or productive cough
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common - patch only

• Blurred vision
• breakdown of the skin
• dizziness
• nervousness
• pain in the arms or legs
• 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
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• eye irritation or pain
• increased sensitivity to pain or touch
• scarring of the skin
• stabbing pain
• throat irritation
• unusual weight gain or loss

Other side effects

Some side effects of capsaicin topical 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

• Muscle aches
• nausea
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• vomiting

Incidence not known - patch only

• Abnormal skin odor
• change in or loss of taste

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to capsaicin topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical film, topical gel, topical kit, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical stick.

General

The most commonly reported side effects were application site erythema and application site pain.^[Ref]

Local

Very common (10% or more): Application site erythema (63%), application site pain (42%)

Common (1% to 10%): Application site pruritus, application site papules, application site edema, application site swelling, application site dryness

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Application site urticaria, application site paresthesia, application site dermatitis, application site hyperesthesia, application site excoriation, application site warmth, application site anesthesia, application site bruising, application site inflammation, application site exfoliation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): First degree atrio-ventricular (AV) block, tachycardia, palpitations, increased blood pressure^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Herpes zoster, pruritus

Frequency not reported: Abnormal skin odor, second degree burns^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cough, throat irritation

Frequency not reported: Sneezing, dyspnea, wheezing, exacerbation of asthma, irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (such as nasal and throat irritation)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pain in extremity, muscle spasms^[Ref]

Nervous system

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia, hypoesthesia, burning sensation

Frequency not reported: Headache, peripheral sensory neuropathy, dizziness, dysgeusia, hyperesthesia^[Ref]

Ocular

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eye irritation

Frequency not reported: Irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, runny eyes^[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema^[Ref]