Capsaicin is used to relieve certain types of pain. This may be pain caused by osteoarthritis, nerve pain caused by shingles or diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy). It works by decreasing a natural substance in your body called substance P, that helps pass pain signals to the brain. In New Zealand, capsaicin is available as a cream that is applied to the painful area. There are 2 strengths of capsaicin cream, which have different uses.
- 0.025% (called Zostrix) is used to relieve pain in osteoarthritis.
- 0.075% (called Zostrix HP) is used to relieve nerve pain caused by shingles or diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy).