What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Zostrix.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet in case you need to read it again.
What Zostrix is used for
This medicine may be useful as an additional aid in the temporary relief of the pain associated with arthritis (inflammation of joints). It may be useful for the treatment of the pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia (the pain that comes after shingles).
This medicine contains purified capsaicin, a natural extract from chilli peppers.
This medicine is believed to act on a substance in your body which is involved in the transmission of pain impulses from nerve endings near the skin and joints to the brain.
It is believed that regular application of Zostrix to the affected site will, in time, reduce the amount of this substance in nearby nerve endings.
With less of this substance present, Zostrix may help the pain to be less intense and in some cases block the pain completely.
There is not enough information to recommend the use of this medicine for children under the age of 2 years.
Before you use Zostrix
When you must not use it
Do not use Zostrix if you have an allergy to:
- any medicine containing capsaicin
- any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Do not use this medicine on active shingles.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
If you are not sure whether you should start using this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Before you start to use it
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods or preservatives.
If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell them before you start using Zostrix.
How to use Zostrix
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions in this leaflet, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
How to use it
Zostrix is for external use only.
Adults and children 2 years of age and older:
Apply Zostrix to affected area 3 to 4 times daily.
- Apply just enough to cover the affected area (a small fingertip is usually enough).
- Massage Zostrix cream into the skin on the front, back and sides of the affected area until no residue remains.
- Unless treating hands, always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after the application and avoid contact with sensitive areas, such as eyes, mouth and genitalia.
If Zostrix is found to irritate fingers, a disposable glove or finger cot may be used for Zostrix application.
After rubbing in Zostrix as completely as possible, any excess cream may be gently removed with a disposable tissue.
Zostrix is not a heat rub and as such it works differently, it is vitally important to follow the above steps to be able to achieve the full effect.
How long to use it
Zostrix should be used continuously 3 to 4 times a day for 6 weeks to achieve the full benefit.
Because of the way Zostrix works, relief may not occur immediately and improvement may be gradual.
The time required varies from person to person, although most have noticeable relief after 2 weeks of treatment.
In some cases it is necessary to use Zostrix for 4 to 6 weeks before pain is relieved.
Once pain relief occurs, you should continue to use this medicine as long as needed.
When it is discontinued, pain may recur in a few days or weeks. If pain recurs, treatment should be restarted.
Zostrix can be used for as long as it is needed.
While you are using Zostrix
Things you must do
- Apply small amounts frequently and regularly (3 to 4 times a day).
- Apply everyday (it may take 4 to 6 weeks before pain is relieved).
- Wash hands after application (unless treating hands).
Things you must not do
- Do not apply Zostrix when shingles are active. This product should only be used for the relief of the pain that can follow shingles.
- Do not apply a large amount of Zostrix in the affected area, little and often is the rule to follow.
- Do not apply Zostrix on broken, cracked or irritated skin. Do not apply it inside mouth, ear, nose or genitals.
- Avoid contact with eyes and other sensitive areas.
- If possible, avoid washing treated area for at least 30 minutes after application
Things to be careful of
Zostrix is for external use only. Use strictly as directed.
If condition worsens, or if symptoms persist for more than 28 days in the case of arthritis (14 days with post-herpetic neuralgia) or clear up and occur again within few days, discontinue use of this product and consult your doctor.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Zostrix. This medicine may help most people with the pain associated with arthritis (inflammation of joints) or post-herpetic neuralgia (the pain that comes after shingles) but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have. Zostrix may cause temporary burning when applied. This sensation is usually temporary and it should diminish after 2 weeks of use. This burning is observed more frequently if Zostrix is used less than 3 times a day.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if this occurs and it worries you.
After using Zostrix
Storage
Keep your tube of cream in the box until it is time to use it.
Keep your cream in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store Zostrix or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop using this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Zostrix is a white cream in an aluminium tube enclosed in a cardboard carton
It is available in a 45g tube.
Ingredients
Zostrix contains 0.025% w/w of capsaicin as the active ingredient. It also contains:
- Arlacel 165
- Benzyl alcohol
- Cetyl alcohol
- Isopropyl myristate
- Soft white paraffin
- Sorbitol solution
- Purified water
This medicine does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any azo dyes.
Sponsor
Zostrix is distributed in Australia by:
Link Medical Products Pty Ltd
5 Apollo Street
Warriewood NSW 2102
“Zostrix” is a registered trademark.
This leaflet was prepared in May 2009.
AUST R 19658
Published by MIMS July 2013