Frequently Asked Questions About QUTENZA

No, QUTENZA is only available through a Specialty Distributor or a Specialty Pharmacy. For a full list of our Specialty Distributors and Specialty Pharmacies, click here. Please call QUTENZA Customer Support at 877-900-6479 for more information.

QUTENZA is a prescription product that is prescribed and administered by a healthcare professional.

QUTENZA is sold by Averitas Pharma as a prescription drug in the United States. As such, we are unable to address your inquiry.

Patients can call QUTENZA Customer Support at 877-900-6479 for more information.

Requirements vary for different payers and plans. CoPilot provides dedicated resources to complete a full benefits investigation to evaluate all financial support options and gain approval for the procedure. QUTENZA Reimbursement Support Services can be reached at 855-802-8746, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM ET, or visit MyQutenzaConnect.com.

Yes. Eligible patients may pay as little as $25 for QUTENZA if they are commercially insured and 18 years of age or older. Click here for details.

QUTENZA is manufactured for Averitas Pharma, Inc., by Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG (LTS), Andernach, Germany.

QUTENZA is distributed through our Specialty Distributors. For a full list of these Specialty Distributors, click here.

At this time, we do not offer samples.

There are no other active ingredients in QUTENZA. The inactive ingredients in QUTENZA are diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DGME, also called Transcutol), dimethicone, ethyl cellulose, polyester film, silicone adhesive, and white ink. The Cleansing Gel, which is supplied with QUTENZA, has the following ingredients: butylated hydroxyanisole, carbomer copolymer, edetate disodium, polyethylene glycol, purified water, and sodium hydroxide.¹

QUTENZA can be used alone or in combination with other oral medications for pain.¹

There are no specific contraindications associated with the use of QUTENZA in people with a history of the conditions stated above. However, a patient’s history of past and current skin conditions should be evaluated and considered before treating with QUTENZA.¹

QUTENZA should be used only on dry, intact (unbroken) skin. In patients treated for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a careful examination of the feet should be undertaken prior to each application of QUTENZA to detect skin lesions related to underlying neuropathy or vascular insufficiency.¹

The most common adverse reactions (≥5% and > control group) in all controlled clinical trials are application site erythema, application site pain, and application site pruritus.¹

Warnings and Precautions¹

• Severe Irritation: Whether applied directly or transferred accidentally from other surfaces, capsaicin can cause severe irritation of eyes, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and skin to the healthcare professional, patients, and others. Do not use near eyes or mucous membranes, including face and scalp. Take protective measures, including wearing nitrile gloves and not touching items or surfaces that the patient may also touch. Flush irritated mucous membranes or eyes with water and provide supportive medical care for shortness of breath. Remove affected individuals from the vicinity of QUTENZA. Do not re-expose affected individuals to QUTENZA if respiratory irritation worsens or does not resolve. If skin not intended to be treated comes into contact with QUTENZA, apply Cleansing Gel and then wipe off with dry gauze. Thoroughly clean all areas and items exposed to QUTENZA and dispose of properly. Because aerosolization of capsaicin can occur with rapid removal, administer QUTENZA in a well-ventilated area, and remove gently and slowly, rolling the adhesive side inward.
• Application-Associated Pain: Patients may experience substantial procedural pain and burning upon application and following removal of QUTENZA. Prepare to treat acute pain during and following application with local cooling (e.g., ice pack) and/or appropriate analgesic medication.
• Increase in Blood Pressure: Transient increases in blood pressure may occur with QUTENZA treatment. Monitor blood pressure during and following treatment procedure and provide support for treatment-related pain. Patients with unstable or poorly controlled hypertension, or a recent history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, may be at an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular effects. Consider these factors prior to initiating QUTENZA treatment.
• Sensory Function: Reductions in sensory function (generally minor and temporary) have been reported following administration of QUTENZA. All patients with sensory deficits should be assessed for signs of sensory deterioration or loss prior to each application of QUTENZA. If sensory loss occurs, treatment should be reconsidered.

From the STEP Study: The median time to treatment response with capsaicin 8% in this study was 19 days, compared with 72 days with placebo. With regard to pain response throughout the study, a greater numerical percentage reduction from baseline in average daily pain score each week became apparent from Week 2 in the capsaicin 8% group compared with the placebo group.²

Following the application of QUTENZA, the patient may experience some discomfort (potentially on the bottom of the feet). It is advised to discuss the possibility of arranging a ride home following the procedure. This decision should be made prior to the application appointment. Patients are considered safe to drive following the application of QUTENZA.

The treated area may be sensitive for a few days to heat (eg, hot showers/baths, direct sunlight, vigorous exercise). Transient increases in blood pressure may occur in patients during and shortly after QUTENZA treatment. Monitor blood pressure during and following the treatment procedure. All patients with sensory deficits should be assessed for signs of sensory deterioration or loss prior to each application of QUTENZA. If sensory loss is due to QUTENZA, treatment should be discontinued.¹

QUTENZA should not be applied to the face, eyes, mouth, nose, or scalp so that risk of exposure to the eyes or mucous membranes is avoided.¹

The recommended dose of QUTENZA is a single, 30-minute procedure of up to four topical systems. Treatment with QUTENZA may be repeated every three months or as warranted by the return of pain (not more frequently than every three months).¹

Use of pre-treatment topical anesthetic is optional at the discretion of the healthcare provider who is administering treatment.

Even following use of a local anesthetic prior to administration of QUTENZA, patients may experience substantial procedural pain. Prepare to treat acute pain during and following the application procedure with local cooling (such as an ice pack) and/or appropriate analgesic medication. Based upon experience and feedback from users, local cooling packs may be sufficient; however, each patient is different.

• Before QUTENZA application, a physician or healthcare professional must identify and mark the painful area, including areas of hypersensitivity and allodynia.
• Pre-treat the identified area and surrounding 1 to 2 cm with a topical anesthetic to potentially reduce discomfort. Remove anesthetic with a dry wipe; wash area with soap and water, drying skin thoroughly before applying QUTENZA.
• Apply QUTENZA to the previously identified areas by placing QUTENZA on skin, while slowly removing release liner from underneath.
• Remove QUTENZA by gently and slowly rolling the adhesive side inward.
• After removal of QUTENZA, apply the supplied Cleansing Gel for one minute, and then remove it with a dry wipe; wash area with soap and water.