Papers of the Week

Treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) is challenging and often limited by drug tolerability and adverse effects. This review article focuses on the high-dose (8%) capsaicin patch that allows for improved efficacy and reduced application frequency in comparison to low-dose capsaicin formulations. Systemic absorption is minimal resulting in fewer systemic side effects than first-line oral medications. There is evidence that capsaicin patch treatment is well-tolerated, safe and provides effective pain relief maintained for several weeks; well-powered studies are needed to confirm these findings. The capsaicin 8% patch may benefit patients at high risk for adverse effects from oral medication, polypharmacy or inadequate pain relief from first-line therapies.