High-Concentration Capsaicin Patch Can Cut Neuropathic Pain Intensity

According to a study published online in Pain Practice, a high-concentration capsaicin patch (HCCP) has been found to be effective in reducing pain intensity for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.

The study, conducted by Dr. Kai-Uwe Kern and colleagues from the Institute of Pain Medicine/Pain Practice in Wiesbaden, Germany, involved collecting data from electronic medical records of 97 patients who received at least two HCCP treatments between January 2011 and July 2022. The patients were mainly diagnosed with neuropathic back pain, postoperative or posttraumatic neuropathic pain, and postherpetic neuralgia. The research aimed to analyze patient characteristics, concomitant analgesic medication, and pain intensity.

The findings revealed that most patients received concomitant medications, predominantly opioids, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. However, during HCCP treatment, a significant decrease in the average daily morphine equivalent dose was observed. Moreover, patients who received at least three HCCP applications experienced substantial improvements in pain intensity, despite presenting with high pain intensity at baseline.

The authors of the study highlighted the potential benefits of repeated HCCP applications for patients with various pain etiologies, such as neuropathic back pain, postoperative, or post-traumatic neuropathic pain.

The study also disclosed ties to biopharmaceutical companies, including Grünenthal GmbH, which funded the research.

These findings present promising implications for the management of neuropathic pain and offer potential avenues for further research and development in this field.