Zostrix cream

Active Ingredients

Each tube of Zostrix contains:

Capsaicin 0.025% w/w

Indications

Therapeutic group: Topical analgesic.

Therapeutic activity: Reduces the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

Zostrix is indicated for the local relief of pain associated with arthritis.

Instructions

Do not swallow! This medicine is intended for external use only.

Recommended dosage unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor: 3-4 times a day.

Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Relief of pain is not immediate, but occurs after a few days of treatment.

This medicine is usually not intended for children and infants.

If your condition worsens or does not improve within 28 days, stop the treatment and refer to your doctor.

This medicine should be administered at set intervals according to the directions for use. If you forgot to apply the cream at the proper time, do so as soon as you remember however there is no need to apply a larger amount of the cream.

Apply a small amount of cream onto the skin at the affected area 3-4 times a day. The amount needed is approximately that which would cover the nail of your little finger. The cream should be rubbed into the skin well, until it is completely absorbed, and no remaining cream is left on the surface of the skin. After applying the cream, a warm or burning sensation may appear for a short time at the site of application. This is a sign that the cream is working, and this sensation should gradually disappear during the first days or weeks (up to 4 weeks) of the treatment. Please note that this sensation might intensify if you apply the cream less often than 3-4 times a day. Heat, humidity, tight-fitting clothing, or bathing in hot water may intensify this sensation. It is possible to minimize this uncomfortable sensation by rubbing lidocaine before applying this medication.

After applying the cream, wash your hands well with soap and water to prevent contact of the medicine with the eyes or other sensitive body areas. Special care is required in patients using contact lenses. In the event that the cream does come in contact with the eye, rinse the eye with plenty of water, in the event that other sensitive areas of your body come in contact with the cream wash them with soap and lukewarm (not hot) water.

It is important to note that patients using the cream to treat pain in the hands (such as in arthritis) should avoid washing the area for at least 30 minutes after applying the cream.

If you use a bandage around the treated area, make sure to apply it loosely.

Patients suffering from herpes zoster should not apply this medication until after the herpes blisters have healed.

Warnings

Do not use this medicine you are hypersensitive to any of its ingredients.

Do not use this medicine on broken or irritated skin. When used on sensitive skin, do not cover the area immediately after applying the cream.

This medication should not come in contact with the eyes. In case of contact with the eyes, rinse immediately with water.

Avoid contact with the eyes or other mucous tissues (such as the mouth and nose).

Inhalation of the residue of the cream may induce coughing.

Please do not consider this information as an alternative to consulting your physician or pharmacist.

For further information on instructions for use, risks and side effects, please read the patient package insert and consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Read the patient package insert carefully before starting to take any medication.