GABAPENTIN, LIDOCAINE, KETOPROFEN, CYCLOBENZAPRINE, CAPSAICIN TOPICAL CREAM

The combination of  Gabapentin, Lidocaine, Ketpprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Capsaicin into a compounded cream provides pain sufferers strong relief, particularly for targeted areas of chronic pain, without the typical side effects one might expect from taking these medications in another form.

Originally used for seizures, Gabapentin is used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pain or aches that may last for months or years after an attack of shingles), restless legs syndrome, anxiety and other forms of nerve pain. Lidocaine is a numbing agent used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia along with other forms of pain.  Ketoprofen is used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness, frequently by patients suffering from osteoarthritis and joint pain, along with rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints). Cyclobenzaprine is used with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to relax muscles and relieve pain and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, and other muscle injuries. And capsaicin creams deplete your nerve cells of a chemical that’s important for sending pain messages, and typically is known to cause the burning sensation you associate with chili peppers.

Gabapentin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants, and relieves pain by changing the way the body senses pain. Lidocaine is in a class of medications called local anesthetics. It works by stopping nerves from sending pain signals. Ketoprofen is in a class of medications called NSAIDs and works by stopping the body’s production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.  Cyclobenzaprine is in a class of medications called skeletal muscle relaxants. It works by acting in the brain and nervous system to allow the muscles to relax. And capsaicin is a neuropeptide releasing agent selective for primary sensory peripheral neurons. Used topically, capsaicin aids in controlling peripheral nerve pain.

Gabapentin is also sometimes used to relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy (numbness or tingling due to nerve damage in people who have diabetes), and to treat and prevent hot flashes (sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who are being treated for breast cancer or who have experienced menopause.

This compound is also sometimes used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (a type of arthritis that affects children), ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that mainly affects the spine), Reiter’s syndrome (condition in which many parts of the body including the joints, eyes, genitals, bladder, and digestive system become swollen), shoulder pain caused by bursitis (inflammation of a fluid-filled sac in the shoulder joint) and tendinitis (inflammation of the tissue that connects muscle to bone), and gouty arthritis (attacks of joint pain caused by a build-up of certain substances in the joints).

Compounding Gabapentin, Lidocaine, Keotprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Capsaicin into a pain cream is, for many patients, a relatively safe and effective alternative to opioid and other medications. Pain cremes like Gabapentin, Lidocaine, Keotprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Capsaicin compound are absorbed through the skin and enter the blood stream in a similar manner to other routes of administration, but have the added benefit of fewer side effects including drowsiness.

DIRECTIONS FOR USING GABAPENTIN, LIDOCAINE, KEOTPROFEN, CYCLOBENZAPRINE, AND CAPSAICIN PAIN CREAM

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your physician. Clean and dry the skin above the trigger point or area in pain. Pump the instructed amount of the topical cream into your hand or directly to the site of pain. Rub the cream in until it is no longer visible, ensuring the needed medication penetrates the dermatome and reaches the target area.

SIDE EFFECTS OF GABAPENTIN, LIDOCAINE, KEOTPROFEN, CYCLOBENZAPRINE, AND CAPSAICIN

Be sure to discuss any side effects with your physician immediately. Side effects are rare but sometimes burning or discomfort in the place you applied the cream, redness or swelling of the skin, skin rash, itching, headache, constipation, drowsiness, nausea, numbness of the application site, change in mood, anxiety, among other side effects.

Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. Gabapentin, Lidocaine, Keotprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Capsaicin Compounded Topical Cream is a prescription drug and should be used according to your physicians directions. It should only be given to the individual for which it was prescribed. Do not give this medication to another person.

MISSING A DOSE

Gabapentin, Lidocaine, Keotprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Capsaicin Cream is usually used as needed. If your doctor has told you to use Gabapentin, Lidocaine, Keotprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Capsaicin cream regularly, apply the medication as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed application and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

INTERACTIONS

Be sure to review with your physician any medications or supplements you may be receiving. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ketoprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), any other medications, or any of the inactive ingredients in the Ketoprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, Lidocaine and Capsaicin compound. If you have any confusion, don’t hesitate to ask us for a list of the inactive ingredients, or to consult about the suitability of this medication is best for you. If you are taking antacids such as Maalox or Mylanta, take them at least 2 hours before you take gabapentin.

You should avoid applying sunscreens, cosmetics, lotions, moisturizers, insect repellents, or other topical medications to areas treated with Gabapentin, Lidocaine, Keotprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Capsaicin compound. If you have been prescribed Gabapentin, Lidocaine, Keotprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Capsaicin transdermal cream, wait until the area of application is completely dry before applying any of these products or other substances.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or asthma, especially if you also have frequent stuffed or runny nose or nasal polyps (swelling of the lining of the nose); heart failure; swelling of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or liver or kidney disease. Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy, you plan to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.

If you will be undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG; a type of heart surgery), you should not use topical Gabapentin, Lidocaine, Keotprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Capsaicin right before or after the surgery.

STORAGE

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and keep it from freezing or excess heat.

OVERDOSE & PRECAUTIONS

If someone swallows Gabapentin, Lidocaine, Keotprofen, Cyclobenzaprine, and Capsaicin compound, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

People who use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (other than aspirin) may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or a stroke than people who do not use these medications.