Drug maker Neuralgia (PHN) said in a news release that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Qutenza (capsaicin) skin patch to treat pain due to posthepetic neuralgia, which is the pain in the nerve after shingles.
 
A substance present in chili peppers, Capsaicin, provides the sensation of heat. The Qutenza 8 percent patch delivers a synthetic form of substance to the part of the skin which feels pain, as per the company.
 
Clinical studies showed that the PHN pain was lessened for up to 12 weeks with the one-hour application  of four Qutenza patches which can be slit open to conform to the areas experiencing pain.
 
NeurogesX said that the non-narcotic medication has a rare chance of causing drowsiness or interacting with other drugs.
 
The side effects most commonly reported were redness at the application site, an increase in blood pressure and itching.
 
The first quarter of the next year is most likely to see the release of Qutenza in the United States, said the company. NeurogesX is based in San Francisco.