Chilli Patches: Do They Help Or Not?

Today's short post from neuropathydoctor.com (see link below) is written by Dr. Brandt R.Gibson, whose work has been featured on this blog before. Although it's from february 2012 and the story is not new, I'm publishing it in response to recent questions about both capsaicin cream and the capsaicin patches from NeurogesX. Do they work? Well, the American FDA says that the evidence is not sound enough to rate their approval, especially for people with HIV-related neuropathy but looking around the forums, it's clear that some people's (but by no means all) symptoms have been helped by using capsaicin (chilli pepper) derivatives, so as the doctor says; why deny yourself some relief if something genuinely helps! Watch out though; the cream must never get in your eyes or mouth, it can be very painful. Using thin, disposable, rubber gloves is advised. Similarly, the patches need to be administered by someone who knows what they're doing (a nurse or doctor) and although they can provide relief for some period of time, initially they will be painful. You should discuss this with your doctor before going ahead, in the knowledge that capsaicin will not 'cure' your neuropathy but may help to relieve the symptoms.

Chilli Pepper Patch May Not Work For HIV Neuropathy

by Brandt R. Gibson, DPM on 9 February 2012


A pain patch from NeurogesX Inc., made from chilli pepper has been questioned on efficacy by the FDA. This drug was designed for HIV patients with associated peripheral neuropathy. There is approximately 1.1 million people in the United States infected with HIV. Of these, approximately 1/3rd present with peripheral neuropathy either from the virus itself of the drugs utilized to treat it. According to the FDA, however, the efficacy was not shown yet in any of the studies, so it may not get approved until additional studies are done.

This is a big blow to the company, but a positive for HIV sufferers if the medication really has no efficacy. The problem I have with limiting access to drugs that may help is that peripheral neuropathy in other forms may benefit from this medication even when HIV associated neuropathy is not helped. Neuropathy varies with the causes and therefore varies with the treatment options. All neuropathy patients deserve a medication that can decrease or resolve the associated pain that can be very debilitating.

One small side note, Zostrix or Capsaicin creams are similarly made from red peppers and have been shown to be effective in peripheral neuropathy by overstimulating the nerves and creating a resolution of pain for a period of time. Although these treatments have not been shown to resolve neuropathy, they are valuable in the treatment of the pain in many individuals. If the drug made by NeurogesX Inc. were effective even in some respects it may be worth putting it on the market as an option.

Just my personal opinion…..

http://neuropathydoctor.com/http:/neuropathydoctor.com/chill-pepper-patch-may-not-work-for-hiv-neuropathy