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Capzasin (capsaicin) Topical
Virtual visit

Capzasin (capsaicin) Topical

With our quick and easy online prescription process, you can manage your health effortlessly — whether you need a first-time prescription for Capzasin (capsaicin) Topical or a refill of an existing one.

Licensed providers in all 50 states

Expert-guided, evidence-based treatments

Skip the trip to the doctor's office

Visit options

Costs shown are for the visit only. You'll pay for medication at your preferred pharmacy.

Video Visit

$25

Est. or $100 w/o insurance

Chat Visit

$30

w/o insurance

Most insurance accepted

Board-certified

No hidden fees

Available nationwide

What is Capzasin (capsaicin) Topical?

Capzasin is a topical analgesic containing capsaicin—the active component of chili peppers—used to relieve localized pain from conditions including arthritis, neuropathy, and musculoskeletal pain. It works by depleting substance P, a neurotransmitter in sensory nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals. With repeated use, the nerve endings in the treated area become temporarily desensitized, reducing pain perception over time. It must be applied consistently several times daily for several weeks before the full pain-relieving effect builds—and it typically causes a burning or stinging sensation initially that diminishes with continued use.

Substance P depletion

Capsaicin activates TRPV1 receptors on sensory nerve endings, initially triggering the release of substance P and causing the familiar burning sensation—with repeated use, substance P stores are depleted and the nerve becomes desensitized to pain signals.

Progressive desensitization

The pain-relieving effect builds over 1–2 weeks of consistent use as sensory nerve fibers become temporarily inactivated—patients must persist through the initial burning phase to reach the therapeutic desensitized state.

Non-opioid localized pain relief

Provides meaningful pain reduction for arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, and post-herpetic neuralgia through a non-opioid, non-systemic mechanism—useful for patients who want to minimize systemic pain medication or who need targeted relief for a specific joint or area.

Virtual visit with clinician

Ongoing support, always available.

You’ll be supported by experienced clinicians who care for a wide range of health needs, from everyday concerns to more complex conditions.

Our clinicians track your progress over time and adjust your care as needed. If medication is prescribed, we’ll manage dosing and monitor for side effects. If lab testing is recommended, we review results and refine your plan accordingly. You’re never left to navigate care on your own.

All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.

We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.

Your care plan
Clinician

What our customers have to say

“I feel like I’m finally on the right path to improving my health with the right support now! It’s so refreshing and reassuring.”

Emerald

“My experience with General Medicine was amazing. The understanding and care that was taken to figure out what is exactly going on with me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me.”

Kaylee

“I couldn’t be happier with my experience with General Medicine! They are fast, responsive, kind and knowledgeable. It is much easier, more affordable and faster.”

Nika

Get the care you need, without the wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Capzasin burn when I first apply it?

The burning sensation is caused by capsaicin activating TRPV1 receptors in nerve endings — the same receptors that detect heat. With repeated application, these nerve endings become desensitized and both the burning and the pain decrease over time.

How long before Capzasin reduces my chronic pain?

Consistent application 3–4 times daily for 1–2 weeks is typically needed before meaningful pain relief develops as nerve endings desensitize. Stopping and restarting resets this process and delays benefit.

Can Capzasin be used anywhere on the body?

Apply only to intact skin on the painful area. Avoid eyes, mucous membranes, and broken or irritated skin. Wash hands thoroughly after application — accidental eye contact or touching the face causes significant burning.

What side effects might I experience?

Burning, stinging, redness, and warmth at the application site are expected — particularly in the first 1–2 weeks. These typically diminish with continued use. Application frequency and amount can be reduced if burning is intolerable initially.

Is Capzasin the same as prescription-strength capsaicin patches?

No. OTC and Rx Capzasin cream uses lower concentrations than the high-concentration prescription capsaicin patch (Qutenza 8%), which is applied in a clinical setting for a single 60-minute treatment session.
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