Short answer: In the US, capsaicin cream has not been discontinued. Over-the-counter capsaicin creams, such as Zostrix and store brands at CVS, Walgreens and Walmart, are still sold, and Qutenza, an 8% capsaicin patch, is available by prescription. The "no longer available" story most people read about comes from the UK, where the two licensed creams, Axsain and Zacin, were discontinued after the manufacturer ran into supply problems and went into administration. If your local US store has a gap on the shelf, it is usually a stock or formula issue, not a national shortage.
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If you searched for why capsaicin cream is no longer available, you probably landed on news written for UK readers. That can be confusing when you live in the US and just want to know if you can still buy the tube you used last year. This guide explains what really happened, why US shelves sometimes look empty, how capsaicin works on the skin, and what to look for on the label.
Is capsaicin cream discontinued in the US?
No. Topical capsaicin is sold over the counter in the US as a topical analgesic for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints. You can find it as creams, gels, roll-ons, lotions and patches, usually in strengths from about 0.025% to 0.1%. Big pharmacy chains carry name brands and their own store brands, and online retailers stock many more.
There is also a prescription option. Qutenza is an 8% capsaicin patch that is applied in a doctor's office, not at home, because the strength is much higher than anything sold on the shelf. If you are interested in it, ask your doctor if it fits your situation.
Why do people say capsaicin cream is no longer available?
The headlines are about the UK. For years the UK had two licensed capsaicin creams: Zacin at 0.025% and Axsain at 0.075%. Supply became patchy, and then both were discontinued after the manufacturer went into administration. UK pharmacies were left with no licensed capsaicin cream, and many UK articles were written about it.
Search engines do not always know where you live, so US shoppers often see those UK pages first. The UK situation does not apply to US stores, which sell capsaicin under different rules and from different makers.
Why can capsaicin cream be hard to find in some US stores?
Even without a national shortage, you may still walk into a store and not see what you want. Common reasons include:
- Local stock. Smaller stores carry fewer pain relief products, and popular items can sell out between deliveries.
- Formula changes. Brands sometimes change a strength, a size or the packaging. The product you remember may look different now or sit under a new name on the same shelf.
- Shelf placement. Capsaicin is often mixed in with menthol rubs, arthritis creams and lidocaine products, so it is easy to miss.
- Online only sizes. Some strengths and patches are easier to find online than in the store.
If you cannot find it, ask the pharmacist. They can check stock, point you to a store brand with the same active ingredient, or order it for you.
How does capsaicin work on the skin?
Capsaicin is the compound that makes chili peppers hot. On the skin it acts on a receptor called TRPV1, the same receptor that responds to heat. When capsaicin switches it on, you feel warmth or burning. With regular use over days or weeks, those nerve endings become less reactive, which is why labels usually tell you to apply it several times a day and give it time.
That burning feeling is expected, especially in the first week. For some people it fades as they keep using it. For others it stays uncomfortable, and that is one of the most common reasons people stop.
Tips for using capsaicin cream
- Wash your hands right after. Capsaicin on your fingers can sting your eyes, nose or mouth. Some people wear gloves to apply it.
- Use thin layers. More cream does not mean more comfort. It usually just means more burning.
- Skip heat. Do not use a heating pad, hot shower or tight bandage right after applying.
- Only on intact skin. Never apply to cuts, cracks, rashes or broken skin.
- Be patient and consistent. Follow the label for how often to apply.
- Stop if it is too much. If you get blistering, strong burning or swelling, wash the area with soap and water and talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
What to check on the label
When you compare capsaicin products in the US, look at the Drug Facts panel on the box:
- Active ingredient and strength. Look for capsaicin and the percentage, such as 0.025%, 0.075% or 0.1%. Higher numbers usually feel hotter.
- Other actives. Some products add menthol, camphor or lidocaine. These change the feel and the warnings.
- Directions. How many times a day, and how long you can use it before asking a doctor.
- Warnings. Most labels say to stop and ask a doctor if pain lasts more than 7 days or gets worse.
If you have diabetes, numb feet or fragile skin, ask your doctor or podiatrist before using a heat-producing cream on your feet. Reduced feeling can make it hard to notice irritation.
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A different approach some people prefer: magnesium cream
Not everyone enjoys the capsaicin burn. Some people would rather have a gentle cream they can massage in every evening as part of a routine. That is where magnesium creams come in. They do not create heat, and many people find them soothing on tired, aching feet and legs.
NuraCalm Total Relief is one example. It combines magnesium chloride with MSM as a carrier, plus arnica and vitamin B6, and a light touch of menthol for an immediate cooling feel. It comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee. It is a cosmetic comfort cream, not a medicine, and it is not meant to take the place of anything your doctor has prescribed.
If you are comparing creams for burning or tingling feet, see our guide to the best cream for neuropathy in feet. If you want a numbing option to discuss with your pharmacist, read lidocaine cream for nerve pain and neuropathy.
When to see a doctor
Burning, tingling or numb feet can have many causes, including diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems and some medicines. A cream can help you feel more comfortable, but it does not tell you why the symptoms started. See your doctor if your symptoms are new, spreading, getting worse, or affecting your balance or sleep. Get help right away for a sore or wound on your foot that does not close up.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before changing or stopping any medication.
Frequently asked questions
Why is capsaicin cream no longer available?
That is mainly a UK story. In the UK, the licensed creams Axsain and Zacin were discontinued after the manufacturer went into administration. In the US, over-the-counter capsaicin creams are still sold at pharmacies, big box stores and online.
Can I still buy capsaicin cream in the US?
Yes. Brands such as Zostrix and store brands at CVS, Walgreens and Walmart are sold over the counter. Qutenza, an 8% capsaicin patch, is available by prescription and applied in a doctor's office.
Why can't I find capsaicin cream at my local store?
It is usually local stock, a changed formula or package, or the product sitting in a different spot on the shelf. Ask the pharmacist to check stock or suggest a store brand with the same active ingredient.
Why does capsaicin cream burn?
Capsaicin switches on TRPV1, the heat receptor in your skin, so you feel warmth or burning. Wash your hands after applying and keep it away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
Is there a non-burning cream some people use?
Some people prefer a gentle daily cream, such as a magnesium cream with a light touch of menthol, massaged in each evening. Check with your doctor first if you have diabetes or a medical condition.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Capsaicin topical
- MedlinePlus: Capsaicin topical system
- MedlinePlus: Peripheral neuropathy
- NIDDK: Diabetic neuropathy
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. NuraCalm Total Relief is a cosmetic product. If you have numbness, burning or tingling in your feet, speak to your doctor. Brand names mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners.
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- Magnesium chloride with MSM and arnica, made for daily use
- A light touch of menthol for immediate cooling comfort
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