What has SMC said?
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted capsaicin patches for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, used either alone or together with other medicines used to treat pain. Peripheral neuropathic pain is pain that is caused by damage to nerves.
SMC has accepted capsaicin patches for restricted use. The restriction means that they can be used for the treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients who have not been able to properly control their pain with two lines of treatment that are usually used.
This document summarises the SMC decision and what it means for patients.
You can find more detailed information about the SMC assessment of capsaicin by looking at the SMC detailed advice document (SMC2861).
What does SMC’s decision mean for patients?
Capsaicin patches for use as described above are available for prescribing on the NHS in Scotland. Your healthcare professional can discuss with you if it is the right treatment for you.
You can find more information about making decisions about your treatment here: Medicines in Scotland: What’s the right treatment for me?
How does SMC make its decision?
SMC carefully considers every new medicine to make sure it benefits patients and is likely to be a good use of NHS resources.
To do this SMC studies the following:
- Evidence from the company about how well the medicine works compared with current treatments available in Scotland, in relation to how much they will cost to buy and use to treat patients.
- Information from patient groups about the potential impact of the medicine on patients and carers.
- Advice from healthcare professionals about any benefits of the new medicine compared to current treatment, along with how the new medicine is likely to be used.
When SMC assesses a medicine it takes account of the needs of all patients in NHSScotland, not only those who may be treated with the medicine.
You can find out more about how SMC decides here: https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/how-we-decide/
More information and support
Further information, advice and support for patients suffering from chronic pain and their families can be through the NHS Inform website:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/chronic-pain/living-with-chronic-pain/
You can find out more about capsaicin patches (brand name: Qutenza®) in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) by searching for the medicine name on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) website.
https://products.mhra.gov.uk/