Capsicum medicines can cause reddening and a burning sensation on the areas of the skin where they are applied. In rare cases allergic skin reactions can occur. If so, treatment should be stopped immediately.

Capsicum medicines must not be used in patients allergic to other sources of capsaicin and capsaicin-like compounds (e.g. paprika or chilli) and must not be applied onto broken skin, wounds and eczema.

Further information on the risks associated with capsicum medicines, including the appropriate precautions for their safe use, can be found in the monograph under the tab 'All documents'.