What is DiabetAid?
Capsaicin, the ingredient that gives chili peppers their heat, is found in them. In medicated lotions and creams, capsaicin can be used to treat muscle pain or joints. When applied to the skin, capsaicin causes an intense sensation of warmth that stimulates nerve cells. This heating effect of capsaicin reduces substance P in the body, which is a chemical messenger of pain. DiabetAid can be used to temporarily relieve muscle and joint pain due to strains, sprains, arthritis, or backaches. The medicine can also be used for pain or neuropathy in patients who have suffered from herpes zoster. Qutenza is a prescription-strength form of capsaicin topical that should only be administered by healthcare professionals. Qutenza can be used to relieve nerve pain from herpes and to reduce nerve pain on the feet in patients with diabetic neuropathy. DiabetAid can be used in other ways than those listed in the DiabetAid Guide.
Side effects of DiabetAid
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
If you experience severe blistering, burning, pain, or swelling of your skin after applying this medication, wash the area and seek medical help immediately.
Diabetes can cause severe side effects. DiabetAid should be stopped immediately, and you need to consult your doctor if:
- Pain or redness of the skin where medicine has been applied
- Loss of feeling
- Trouble breathing or swallowing after accidental inhalation (of dried capsaicin residue or odor)
Some of the most common side effects include pain or burning that may last several hours or days (especially if you are using capsaicin for the first time). There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects; report side effects directly by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
gabapentin, aspirin, acetaminophen, tramadol, duloxetine, naproxen, and oxycodone
Warnings
DiabetAid should not be used if the user is allergic to peppers or has had an adverse reaction before. The burning sensation can occur wherever capsaicin is used. Wash the affected area of skin with cool, soapy water if you experience severe pain or redness. Seek medical help immediately if there is severe pain, blistering, or swelling in your skin after applying this medication.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if the patient is allergic to peppers or has ever experienced an allergic reaction with DiabetAid.
If you've ever:
- Allergies (especially plants)
- A serious medical condition.
Before taking this medication while pregnant or nursing, consult with your healthcare provider first. Avoid applying DiabetAid to your breasts if you're breastfeeding. This medicine should not be used on children under 18 without consulting a physician.
How to take DiabetAid?
Follow the instructions on the package or those prescribed by your physician. Qutenza is only available from healthcare professionals and not over-the-counter. Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin. There are many different types of capsaicin, including creams, lotions, liquids, and patches. Please read and follow the instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your pharmacist or doctor. DiabetAid should not be used on wounds that are open or sunburned. It is also inappropriate to use on chapped or dry skin. Rinse with water if this medication gets into your eyes, nostrils, mouth, vagina, or rectum. Before applying DiabetAid, make sure that your skin is dry and clean. After applying DiabetAid, or after handling the topical patch on your skin, wash your hands immediately with soap and warm water. Wait at least 30 minutes before you wash your hands if the medication was applied to your fingers or hands to relieve pain.Use a cotton ball or a clean, dry tissue instead of putting the medicine directly on your finger. The burning sensation can occur wherever the capsaicin is applied. You may experience burning if you touch a surface that has been touched by the medication. The sensation should be mild and gradually diminish over time as you continue to use the medication. Wash the affected area of skin with cool soapy water if the sensation is severe or painful. Seek medical help immediately if there is severe pain, blistering, burning, or swelling. Covering the treated area with bandages or heating pads can increase the burning. Cover the treated skin with clothes. You should avoid taking a shower or bath within an hour of applying capsaicin. Avoid swimming and vigorous exercise. Capsaicin can be aggravated by warm water and perspiration. DiabetAid should not be placed in the eyes, nose, or any other area where it could inhale. Rinse the area thoroughly with water if it gets into these areas.
Avoid getting the medicine on your contact lenses, dentures, or any other item that comes into contact with your sensitive body parts. You may need to use this medication regularly for up to 2 weeks before you notice any improvement in your symptoms. To get the best result, use your medicine according to the instructions. As the amount of substance P decreases in nerve cells, pain relief will occur. If your pain persists after 7 days of using the medicine or your symptoms worsen or improve and return in a couple days, call your doctor. DiabetAid should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. It must also not be in an area where pets or children can reach it. DiabetAid liquid is flammable. Use or store away from open flames or fire.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the dose you missed.If it is almost time for your next dose, skip any missed ones and take only what is necessary at that moment.Capsaicin should not be applied more than four times a day. Do not use extra medication to cover a missed dosage. DiabetAid missed dosages will not harm you, but they may reduce the effectiveness of substance P in reducing your pain.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care, particularly if someone has swallowed this substance.Capsaicin ingestion can result in severe burns around the mouth and eyes, a runny or watery nose, or difficulty swallowing. If you apply too much DiabetAid, it can lead to severe redness or burning.
What should be avoided?
Inhaling dried capsaicin residue or the smell is not recommended. Capsaicin inhalation can lead to watery or itchy eyes or noses, as well as coughing and sneezing.These chemicals may aggravate respiratory conditions by irritating throat or lung tissue. Do not touch your mouth, eyes, nose, genitals, or rectum before washing your hands. Avoid handling food with the medicine still in your hand. Avoid exposure to sunlamps or tanning beds.Heat can exacerbate the burning sensation caused by capsaicin. You should not apply other skin care products, such as pain relief lotions and creams, to areas where you've applied capsaicin unless you are told to by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Capsaicin applied topically is unlikely to be affected by other drugs taken orally or injected. Many drugs interact. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you take, including prescription medicines and over-the-counter medications.
