A new treatment for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a pain which tends to linger after a shingles attack, called the Qutenza has been awarded approval by the US Food and Drug Administration. Offering treatment via placement of a patch, the new drug is being marketed by San Mateo, California based NeurogesX.

Described as an excruciating and piercing pain, PHN tends to linger on even after successful healing of the shingles scars. It reportedly affects 10% to 15% of former shingles victims and may or may not go away on its own. Until now, painkillers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants have been top PHN treatment methods.

Amidst these methods, Qutenza has come as a breakthrough product, and the treatment patch works by releasing high amount of concentrated synthetic capsaicin, the chemical that makes chili peppers burn, onto the affected area. Although there are other over-the-counter capsaicin based medications available, the FDA has been quick to assert - "Qutenza is the first pure, concentrated, synthetic capsaicin-containing prescription drug to undergo FDA review".

The Qutenza patch, which promises to take care of PHN for up-to 12 months after a single 1 hour treatment on the affected area and can be repeated every 3 months or so, can be combined with other treatment methods for post-shingles pain as well.