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ZOSTRIX Cream
Capsaicin USP 0.025% w/w
What is in this Please read this carefully before you start to use your
medicine. It contains a summary of the information available on your
medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
What Zostrix cream is used for and how it works Zostrix cream is used
to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis.
Zostrix cream contains capsaicin (0.025%), a naturally occurring substance
found in plants of the Solanaceae family. Research has shown that Zostrix
cream works by reducing levels of a chemical (substance P), which is
involved in transmitting pain impulses to the brain. Substance P is
released into joints and activates other compounds involved in osteoarthritis.
As Zostrix cream reduces the amount of substance P, it has a pain relieving
effect when applied to the surface of the skin.
Advice before using Zostrix cream? Do not use Zostrix cream on broken
or irritated skin, Keep away from the eyes.
How to use Zostrix cream properly It is important to use medicines as
directed.
Lightly massage a small quantity into the skin around the affected joint
four times a day. These applications should be evenly spaced throughout
the waking hours and not more often than every 4 hours. A blob just
about big enough to cover your little fingernail is about right for
a knee joint; less for smaller joints like fingers or a wrist.
The cream should be gently rubbed in, there should be no residue left
on the surface. You may notice a tingling or burning sensation after
the cream has been applied, which is quite normal particularly in the
early stages of treatment This is a sign that the cream is working and
over the first few days or weeks this effect will gradually reduce.
This burning can be worse if the medicine is applied less than the recommended
four times daily.
After applying Zostrix cream wash the residue off your fingers, unless
you are actually treating arthritic hand joints.
ZOSTRIX CREAM IS FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT CONE INTO CONTACT
WITH THE EYES OR BROKEN OR DAMAGED SKIN. If it does, wash it out with
plenty of soap and water.
Do not take a hot bath or shower just before or after applying the cream,
as it can make the burning effect worse. You should begin to get pain
relief within the first two weeks of treatment, but the maximum effect
may take a month to build up as Zostrix cream works gradually.
If your condition worsens, seek medical advice. If your condition clears
up and then recurs within a few days, stop using Zostrix cream and consult
your doctor. Not suitable for use in children. If you are pregnant,
or think you may be pregnant, make sure you have told your doctor before
you use this cream. Do not put tight bandages over Zostrix cream.
It may help you to keep a record of each time you apply Zostrix cream;
you could use a diary
Date treatment started Tick box or note time for each application. Do
not apply the cream more often than every 4 hours.
What side effects can be caused by Zostrix cream? Zostrix cream may
cause a brief burning feeling when applied, This burning is more common
when:
the cream is used less than 3 4 times a day, or too much cream is used,
or if the cream is applied just before or after a bath or shower.
Storage Conditions Keep out of the reach of children Store below 25'C.
Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack. Return any unused
cream to your doctor or pharmacist.
List of other ingredients
Zostrix also contains purified water, sorbitol solution, isopropyl myristate,
cetyl alcohol, white soft paraffiin, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate
and benzyl alcohol.
If you want to know more If you are concerned about any aspect of your
treatment with Zostrix cream, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
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