Patients are being left in agony as a vital pain-relief cream is no longer available in the UK, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Capsaicin cream's only manufacturer has gone bust – leaving sufferers unable to access the medicine, which is used to treat nerve damage.

The cream, made from chilli peppers, relieves arthritis pain and diabetic neuropathy, a nerve problem triggered by the blood sugar condition.

Experts say there is no effective alternative to capsaicin cream for many.

'I have had patients who rely on capsaicin cream, so this shortage is a real worry,' says Hertfordshire-based GP Mike Smith.

'Finding a suitable replacement will be challenging for patients.'

The drug works by reducing what is known as substance P, a chemical that helps the brain transmit pain via the nerves.

Two such creams are licensed on the NHS. These are Zacin, which is given to those with the joint disorder osteoarthritis, and Axsain, used to combat the rash condition shingles. The creams can also be given to anyone with nerve pain.

The NHS spending watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, claims the drug will return by 2026.

But there is currently no producer of capsaicin cream licensed to supply the UK.

Teva, the Israeli firm that supplies the cream, said it was no longer able to handle orders as the third-party manufacturer has gone into administration. 

It added: 'We are exploring the possibility of bringing manufacture in-house with the intention of re-launching these medicines.

'However, the earliest anticipated date would be mid to late 2025.'

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We understand how difficult the shortage of capsaicin will be for those who rely on it, which is why we are working urgently with the supplier to bring forward its return.

'In the meantime, we urge patients to speak to their GP or pharmacists about effective alternatives.

'This government inherited ongoing global supply problems, but we are working to strengthen our resilience, investing up to £520 million to manufacture more medicines, diagnostics, and medical technologies in the UK and we are working with international partners to bolster supply chains.'