Nerve pain sufferers left in agony without vital treatment after manufacturer went bust
Patients are being left in agony as a vital pain-relief cream is no longer available in the UK, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Capsaicin cream’s only manufacturer has gone bust – leaving sufferers unable to access the medicine, which is used to treat nerve damage.
The cream, made from chilli peppers, relieves arthritis pain and diabetic neuropathy, a nerve problem triggered by the blood sugar condition.
Experts say there is no effective alternative to capsaicin cream for many.
‘I have had patients who rely on capsaicin cream, so this shortage is a real worry,’ says Hertfordshire-based GP Mike Smith.
‘Finding a suitable replacement will be challenging for patients.’
Capsaicin cream (pictured) is no longer available in the UK after its manufacturer went bust
The cream relieves arthritis pain and diabetic neuropathy by reducing substance P, a chemical that helps the brain transmit pain through the nerves (file photo)
The drug works by reducing what is known as substance P, a chemical that helps the brain transmit pain via the nerves.
Two such creams are licensed on the NHS. These are Zacin, which is given to those with the joint disorder osteoarthritis, and Axsain, used to combat the rash condition shingles. The creams can also be given to anyone with nerve pain.
The NHS spending watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, claims the drug will return by 2026.
But there is currently no producer of capsaicin cream licensed to supply the UK.
Teva, the Israeli firm that supplies the cream, said it was no longer able to handle orders as the third-party manufacturer has gone into administration.
It added: ‘We are exploring the possibility of bringing manufacture in-house with the intention of re-launching these medicines.
‘However, the earliest anticipated date would be mid to late 2025.’
