This product is used to treat minor aches and pains of
the muscles/joints (such as arthritis, backache, sprains). Menthol and
methyl salicylate are known as counterirritants. They work by causing the
skin to feel cool and then warm. These feelings on the skin distract you
from feeling the aches/pains deeper in your muscles, joints, and
tendons.
Some products should not be used on children younger
than 12 years without a doctor's advice. Check the label carefully before
using on children between 2 and 12 years old. Do not use on children
younger than 2 years.
Follow all directions on the product package. If you
have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not
apply near the eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals, and be careful not to touch
those areas while the medication is on your hands. If you do get the
medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water. Wash your hands well
before inserting contact lenses.
If you are using the lotion, spray, or foam, shake the
bottle well before using.
Apply a thin layer of medication to the affected area no
more than 3 to 4 times a day. Rub in gently and thoroughly. After applying
the medication, wash your hands unless you are using this medication to
treat the hands. If treating the hands, wait at least 30 minutes after
applying the medication to wash your hands.
Do not apply this medication to skin that is injured or
irritated (such as cut, scraped, sunburned). Do not bandage or tightly wrap
the affected area. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects. You may
cover the area loosely to protect clothing. Ask your pharmacist for more
details.
Heat can increase the risk of side effects. Do not apply
this medication immediately before, during, or after activities that
increase skin temperature (such as bathing in hot water, swimming, sun
bathing, heavy exercise) or in hot/humid weather. Wait until your skin has
cooled before applying the medication. Do not use a sunlamp/tanning bed,
hot water bottle, or heating pad on the treated area.
This product is available in different strengths and
with different ingredients but with product names that sound similar. Read
the label carefully to make sure you have the right product for you. Ask
your pharmacist if you have any questions.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts for more than 7
days, if it gets worse, or if it keeps returning. If you think you may have
a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Redness, warmth, stinging, or burning on the application
site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor
or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right
away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- blistering/swelling/severe redness at the application
site
- increased/unusual pain at the application site
- nausea/vomiting
- ringing in the ears
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to menthol or methyl salicylate; or to
aspirin or other salicylates (such as salsalate); or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
product:
- asthma
- growths in the nose (nasal polyps)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This drug contains an aspirin-like product (salicylate).
Children and teenagers younger than 18 years should not use this product if
they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness or if they have
recently received a vaccine. In these cases, using aspirin or aspirin-like
products increases the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious
illness.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to
become pregnant. This medication may harm an unborn baby and cause problems
with normal labor/delivery. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy from
20 weeks until delivery. If your doctor decides that you need to use this
medication between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, you should use the lowest
effective dose for the shortest possible time. You should not use this
medication after 30 weeks of pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor.
It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.