From the Guidelines
The Signal Relief Patch does not contain any medication or active pharmaceutical ingredients, specifically capsaicin, as it is marketed as a non-drug, non-transdermal patch that uses nanotechnology to allegedly capture and redirect electromagnetic signals from pain receptors in the body. The patch consists of a polymer substrate embedded with microscopic antennas that supposedly interact with the body's electrical signals. However, there is no substantial scientific evidence supporting these claims or the effectiveness of the technology, as seen in studies such as 1, which focuses on pharmacologic therapies for treatment of pain in diabetes, including capsaicin, but does not mention the Signal Relief Patch. Some key points to consider include:
- The patch works through a self-adhesive backing that allows it to be placed directly on the skin near the area of pain.
- Users should be aware that despite marketing claims, the Signal Relief Patch has not been FDA-approved for pain treatment, and its mechanism of action remains scientifically unproven, unlike capsaicin, which has received FDA approval for treatment of pain in DPN using an 8% patch, as mentioned in 1.
- If experiencing pain, it would be more advisable to consult with a healthcare provider about evidence-based pain management strategies rather than relying solely on products with unsubstantiated claims, such as the Signal Relief Patch. The provided evidence, including studies 1, 1, and 1, discusses the use of capsaicin for pain management, but does not support the use of the Signal Relief Patch. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize evidence-based treatments, such as capsaicin, which has been shown to be effective in reducing pain, as seen in studies such as 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Capsaicin 0.25% as Capsaicin palmitate Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, ceteareth-20, cetyl alcohol, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, ethylhexylglycerin, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, myristyl myristate, phenoxyethanol, polysorbate 20, stearic acid, water. The ingredients in the Signal Relief (capsaicin) patch are:
- Capsaicin (0.25% as Capsaicin palmitate)
- Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter
- Ceteareth-20
- Cetyl alcohol
- Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Glycerin
- Glyceryl stearate
- Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil
- Myristyl myristate
- Phenoxyethanol
- Polysorbate 20
- Stearic acid
- Water 2 2
From the Research
Ingredients in Signal Relief (Capsaicin) Patch
The ingredients in the Signal Relief (capsaicin) patch are not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the studies mention the following:
- The capsaicin 8% patch is used for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain 3, 4, 5.
- A new generation capsaicin-diclofenac containing, silicon-based transdermal patch has been developed, which combines the advantages of low-concentration capsaicin and diclofenac 6.
- The capsaicin 8% patch contains 8% capsaicin, but the other ingredients are not specified 3, 4, 5.
Key Points
- The capsaicin 8% patch is used for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain.
- The patch contains 8% capsaicin, but the other ingredients are not specified.
- A new generation capsaicin-diclofenac containing, silicon-based transdermal patch has been developed.
- The studies do not provide a complete list of ingredients in the Signal Relief (capsaicin) patch.
Relevant Studies
- 3: Capsaicin 8% patch for peripheral neuropathic pain: review of treatment best practice from 'real-world' clinical experience.
- 6: New generation capsaicin-diclofenac containing, silicon-based transdermal patch provides prolonged analgesic effect in acute and chronic pain models.
- 4: Capsaicin 8% Dermal Patch for Neuropathic Pain in a Pain Unit.
- 5: Reversing painful and non-painful diabetic neuropathy with the capsaicin 8% patch: Clinical evidence for pain relief and restoration of function via nerve fiber regeneration.
- 7: Peppers and pain. The promise of capsaicin.