Capsaicin is derived from peppers and has been used in various forms for pain for a long time (as well as a form being used in pepper spray). A patch is a great idea...
http://goo.gl/xadSMo
http://goo.gl/xadSMo
The authors conclude that the capsaicin 8% patch provided non-inferior pain relief compared with pregabalin, in addition to a shorter median time to pain relief, fewer systemic side effects and greater treatment satisfaction.2
"This is an important and well-conducted study that was designed to mimic everyday practice, allowing those patients randomised to the pregabalin arm to be individually titrated to the optimal tolerated dose. We found that topical treatment with the capsaicin 8% patch was non-inferior to the current standard of care. This means that there is now another treatment option for people with peripheral neuropathic pain, especially those patients who are very sensitive to the side effects of systemic medication or for those who do not wish to take tablets every day."
Secondary endpoints included optimal therapeutic effect (assessed using a composite endpoint including pain relief, adverse events and treatment discontinuation), median time to pain relief (defined as when 50% of patients had a 30% reduction in NPRS score) and treatment satisfaction.2 Results showed a difference in patient perception of treatment effectiveness, side effects and treatment satisfaction that were in favour of the capsaicin 8% patch.2