Causes and Symptoms of Post-Shingles Pain
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV)—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After recovery from chickenpox, the virus becomes dormant in some nerve cells. If the virus reactivates and becomes active again in adults, it is called shingles. When VZV surfaces again, it travels along the nerves in the skin, causing a rash, blisters, and pain. In some people, the pain continues after the shingles rash has healed. This is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN pain results from nerve damage caused by the virus.
Symptoms of PHN
Symptoms of PHN are experienced in the areas of the body that previously were affected by shingles and are generally described as:
- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain
- Tingling or itching
- Numbness
- Severe skin sensitivity (called allodynia)
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Indication
Qutenza® is indicated for the management of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Treatment with Qutenza® must be performed only by a healthcare provider. You should never apply or remove Qutenza® yourself.
Warnings and Precautions:
- Qutenza® is not for use near eyes or mucous membranes. Do not sniff or inhale near the Qutenza® patch as this may cause you to cough or sneeze.
- Do not touch the Qutenza® patch with your hands. If you touch the patch, it may cause burning and stinging; if this occurs, tell your healthcare provider.
- Even though a numbing medicine is used on the skin before applying Qutenza®, some patients may still experience substantial pain during the treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you are experiencing pain; a cool compress or medicine for the pain can be provided to help lessen your discomfort.
- Qutenza® can cause serious side effects including pain and increases in blood pressure during or right after treatment.
- Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure during treatment with Qutenza®.
- Patients who have high blood pressure that is not well controlled by medicine, or who have had recent heart problems, stroke, or other vascular problems, may be at increased risk and should discuss with their doctor whether Qutenza® is right for them.
Side Effects:
- In clinical studies, the most common drug-related side effects of Qutenza®, which occurred in 5% or more of patients, included redness, pain, small bumps, and itching. These side effects occurred at the patch application site.
- You should tell your doctor if any side effects bother you or do not go away.
These are not all the side effects of Qutenza®. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information.
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