Compare Post-Shingles Pain Treatments
There are several treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pain after shingles. There are pills, which need to be taken daily and work by traveling through the body, acting on the nervous system. There is also a topical patch product that is applied to the site of pain every day and left on for up to 12 hours.
Another option is Qutenza®, a unique, FDA-approved patch that can provide 3 months of pain relief from a single, 1-hour application. Unlike other patches, Qutenza® is removed after the single, 1-hour application. Qutenza® is applied by your doctor or by a healthcare professional under the close supervision of your doctor.
Targeted relief
Qutenza® targets the nerves in the skin. Qutenza® is a non-narcotic, unlikely to cause drowsiness or have drug-drug interactions. Qutenza® has no contraindications and it can be used alone or with other pain medications.1
Compare treatment options for post-shingles pain
| Qutenza® | Lidocaine Patch2 | Oral Pain Medications3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dosing interval | Once every 3 or more months | Once a day | 1 to 4 times a day |
| Delivery/application | Patch: Single, 1-hour application | Patch: Up to 12 hours a day of wear | Taken by mouth |
Ask your doctor about Qutenza®.
Click the link below to access tools and resources for post-shingles pain:
References:
- Qutenza® Prescribing Information.
- Lidoderm® Prescribing Information.
- OxyContin® Prescribing Information.
Learn how Qutenza® may help you
Hear about treatment with Qutenza®
Learn about Qutenza® treatment coverage
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.
©NeurogesX, Inc. 2010. All Rights Reserved. Qutenza® is a registered trademark of NeurogesX, Inc. Lidoderm is a registered trademark of Hind Health Care, Inc. OxyContin is a registered trademark of Purdue Pharma L.P. This Web site is intended for US residents. Q2010032-14 110453
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