Investigators assessed the efficacy and tolerability of a high-concentration capsaicin 8% patch to treat diabetic peripheral nerve pain, either alone or in combination with standard oral therapies.
The FDA has approved Qutenza® (capsaicin 8% patch; Averitas Pharma) for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the feet.
Various electronic databases were accessed to obtain randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating nonopioid agents in chronic pain patients. The review focused on 7 chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, low back pain, chronic headache, and sickle cell disease.
Higher number of nerve lesions, declining nerve conduction velocities and amplitudes seen
Preliminary findings showed the decrease in botulinum toxin type A therapeutic effect over time warrants further study.
The primary outcome measure was pain rated in a diary completed by telephone each evening; secondary outcomes included measures of overall status, pain-related activity limitation, and sleep.
The study included 110,184 adults (mean age: 76 years) newly started on gabapentin therapy in Ontario, Canada.
A total of 3,685 trigeminal neuralgia patients were included for analysis.
The efficacy of Lyrica CR has not been established for the management of fibromyalgia or as adjunctive therapy for adult patients with partial onset seizures.
Chart with medications used to treat neuropathic pain, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and postherpetic neuralgia.
