title: Capsaicin patch (Qutenza) for postherpetic neuralgia.
abstract: The FDA has approved a topical 8% patch formulation of capsaicin (Qutenza-NeurogesX), available only by prescription, for local treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. Postherpetic neuralgia occurs after herpes zoster in about one third of patients ≥60 years old and can persist for months or even years.