Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the Feet: Integrating Prescription-Strength Capsaicin into Office Procedures

Abstract

Prescription-strength (8%) capsaicin topical system is a US FDA-approved treatment for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet. A 30 min application of the capsaicin 8% topical system can provide sustained (up to 3 months) local pain relief by desensitizing and reducing TRPV1-expressing cutaneous fibers. Capsaicin is not absorbed systemically; despite associated application-site discomfort, capsaicin 8% topical system is well tolerated, with no known drug interactions or contraindications, and could offer clinical advantages over oral options. Capsaicin 8% topical system are not for patient self-administration and require incorporation into office procedures, with the added benefit of treatment compliance. This article reviews existing literature and provides comprehensive, practical information regarding the integration of capsaicin 8% topical systems into office procedures.

Plain language summary

Capsaicin 8% topical system is used to treat diabetic nerve pain of the feet. This in-office 30 min application can provide lasting relief of pain (for up to 3 months) by targeting the nerves damaged by diabetes. Since capsaicin acts at the site of diabetic nerve pain without being absorbed into the bloodstream, it is unlikely to interfere with other treatments and has few undesirable effects. Discomfort at the application site is the most commonly reported adverse event. Capsaicin 8% topical system must be applied by a healthcare professional and up to four topical systems can be used per treatment. Incorporating the use of capsaicin 8% topical systems into office procedures can help provide relief for patients living with diabetic nerve pain of the feet and may improve treatment compliance.

Infographic

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Tweetable abstract

This article reviews existing literature and provides comprehensive, practical information regarding the integration of capsaicin 8% topical systems into office procedures.

Keywords::

• capsaicin 8%
• feet
• neuropathic
• pain
• painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• sensory function
• topical
• treatment

Supplementary data

To view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.tandfonline.com/doi/suppl/10.2217/pmt-2023-0028

Author contributions

All authors contributed substantially to the conception of the work, reviewed the article for accuracy, and provided constructive feedback. All authors approved the final version of the article and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Financial disclosure

The creation of the work was funded by Averitas Pharma, Inc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Competing interests disclosure

O Landrum is a consultant/independent contractor for Averitas Pharma, Inc.; L Marcondes and T Egharevba are full-time employees of Averitas Pharma, Inc.; K Gritsenko is a consultant for Averitas Pharma, Inc. The authors have no other competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Writing disclosure

Writing assistance was provided by KA Lyseng-Williamson and DP Figgitt, Content Ed Net, and was funded by Averitas Pharma, Inc.

Ethical conduct of research

Verbal and written informed consent has been obtained from the case-study patient for the inclusion of their medical and treatment history within this work.

Additional information

Funding

The creation of the work was funded by Averitas Pharma, Inc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.