

Zacin 0.025% Cream
- Relieves osteoarthritis pain
- Targets pain where you feel it
- Simple to use
- Fast, discreet delivery
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Zacin 0.025% Cream - Available Online
Zacin 0.025% Cream contains capsaicin and is a prescription-only medicine used to help relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Applied directly to the affected area, it works locally on nerve endings in the skin. Complete our short online consultation and a UK-registered prescriber will review your information to check whether Zacin 0.025% Cream is suitable for you.
Who Is Zacin 0.025% Cream Suitable For?
Zacin 0.025% Cream Information
What Is Zacin 0.025% Cream?
Zacin 0.025% Cream is a topical medicine that contains capsaicin, a substance derived from chilli peppers. It is used to help relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis by acting on nerve endings in the skin.
Can I Use Zacin 0.025% Cream?
You may be able to use Zacin 0.025% Cream if you are an adult with joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
How Does Zacin 0.025% Cream Work?
Zacin contains capsaicin, which works on the nerve endings in the skin where it is applied. Capsaicin reduces the levels of substance P, a chemical that sends pain signals to the brain. Over time, this helps lessen the sensation of joint pain from osteoarthritis.
Alternatives to Zacin 0.025% Cream
If Zacin 0.025% Cream is not suitable for you, other treatments used to manage osteoarthritis pain include:
- Voltarol gel – a topical anti-inflammatory applied to the joint
- Naproxen tablets – an oral anti-inflammatory pain treatment
A prescriber will review your consultation and advise whether an alternative treatment may be suitable.
How To Use Zacin 0.025% Cream
- Apply a small, pea-sized amount to the affected joint.
- Gently rub in until fully absorbed.
- Apply 4 times a day, with at least 4 hours between applications.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying, unless you are treating your hands.
- Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, broken or sensitive skin.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Zacin 0.025% Cream may cause side effects.
The most common side effect is temporary burning, stinging or redness where the cream is applied.
Other side effects may include:
- Coughing caused by vapours
- Sneezing
- Eye irritation if vapours are accidentally inhaled
Ingredients
Active ingredient: 0.025% capsaicin
Other ingredients: purified water, sorbitol solution, isopropyl myristate, cetyl alcohol, white soft paraffin, glycerol stearate, PEG-100 stearate and benzyl alcohol.
For the most up-to-date list of ingredients, please check the Patient Information Leaflet inside the box.
Warnings
Please read the following warnings carefully before use.
- Do not use on broken or irritated skin.
- Do not use if allergic to capsaicin or any ingredient.
- Keep away from eyes, nose and mouth.
- Wash hands after use, unless treating your hands.
- Speak to a healthcare professional if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Avoid hot baths or showers before or after use.
Stop use and seek medical advice if severe irritation or rash occurs.
For all warnings and side effects, please see the Patient Information Leaflet.
Zacin 0.025% Cream FAQs
What is Zacin Cream used for?
Zacin Cream is used to relieve pain from osteoarthritis in joints. It works by acting on the nerve endings in the skin to reduce pain signals.
Is Zacin Cream discontinued?
Zacin Cream has experienced supply interruptions in the past, and availability may vary depending on the manufacturer.
At the time of writing, it is available through The Independent Pharmacy following an online consultation. A UK-registered prescriber will review your information and confirm whether treatment is appropriate.
If Zacin Cream is not available, speak to our expert clinical team who will be able to suggest alternative treatments.
What’s the difference between Zacin and Axsain cream?
Zacin Cream and Axsain Cream both contain capsaicin but at different strengths. Zacin 0.025% Cream is used to treat osteoarthritis pain, while Axsain 0.075% Cream is used to treat nerve pain such as post-shingles pain or diabetic nerve damage.
Who should not use capsaicin cream?
You should not use Zacin 0.025% Cream if:
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients
- You have broken or irritated skin
What is the best brand of capsaicin cream?
The most suitable capsaicin cream depends on your symptoms and diagnosis. Different strengths are used for different types of pain, so a prescriber will review your consultation to decide which treatment may be appropriate.
What are the negative effects of capsaicin?
Like all medicines, Zacin 0.025% Cream may cause side effects.
The most common side effect is a brief burning feeling when applied. This should reduce with continued use.
How often should I apply capsaicin cream?
Capsaicin cream should be applied 4 times a day, with a gap of at least 4 hours between each application.
Is capsaicin bad for your skin?
Capsaicin cream is not usually harmful to your skin when used as directed.
However, many people notice a warm or burning sensation when they first apply it. This reaction is common and usually improves as your skin adjusts to the treatment.
The cream should only be applied to healthy, unbroken skin. If you develop severe irritation or a rash, stop using it and speak to a healthcare professional.
How long does it take for capsaicin to stop burning skin?
A warm or burning feeling is common when you first start using capsaicin cream. This usually improves after a few weeks as your skin gets used to the treatment. Most people find the sensation fades over time, and many no longer notice it after several weeks of regular use.
How long does capsaicin take to work?
You may feel some benefit a few days after you start applying capsaicin cream, but it may take 6–8 weeks before you get the full effect.
How effective is capsaicin cream?
In a clinical trial, capsaicin cream was significantly better than placebo for treating both neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain with 57–60% of users experiencing at least 50% pain reduction within 4–8 weeks.
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