Alivio

(Alivio) This medication is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (such as arthritis, backache, sprains). Capsaicin works by decreasing a certain natural substance in your body (substance P) that helps pass pain signals to the brain. Menthol works by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm. These feelings on the skin distract you from feeling the aches/pains deeper in your muscles and joints.

Use this medication on the skin only. Clean and dry the affected area. Remove the backing from the patch and apply the patch to the affected area. Do not apply this medication to skin that is injured or irritated (such as skin that is cut, scraped, sunburned, infected, or has a rash). Leave the patch on the affected area for up to 8 hours. Use this medication as directed by your doctor or follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Take the patch off at least 1 hour before bathing and do not apply the patch right away after bathing. Do not bandage or wrap the area where the patch is applied unless directed to do so by the doctor. Do not use a heating pad on the patch. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects. Wash your hands well after handling the patch. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, nostrils, or genitals. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water. After removing each patch, fold the used patch with the sticky sides together, and throw away in the trash away from children and pets. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts for more than 7 days, if it gets worse, or if it keeps returning. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to capsaicin or menthol; or to zucapsaicin; or to hot peppers (from the Capsicum family); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel if you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Capsaicin is very similar to zucapsaicin. Do not use medications containing zucapsaicin while using capsaicin.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Redness, mild itching, or flaking skin on the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: blistering/swelling at the application site, increased/unusual pain at the application site. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Refer to storage information printed on the package. Protect from light and moisture. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. (See also How to Use section.) Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.