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news.The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers about serious skin reactions that occurred by using certain over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers including Sanofi's Icy Hot, J&J's Bengay, Capzasin, Flexall, and Mentholatum.
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The FDA said it has received more than 40 reports of burns to the skin in the years since the products have been marketed.
OTC topical pain relievers for muscles and joints include creams, lotions, ointments and patches which contain menthol, methyl salicylate and capsaicin creating sensations of local warmth or coolness.
Instead of warmth or coolness, if consumers experience burning pain, swelling or blistering, they must seek medical attention immediately, according to the FDA.
The FDA also recommends physicians to instruct patients on the appropriate use of the cream, ointment, patch or gel pain relievers.
FDA nonprescription regulation development division medical officer Jane Filie said, "There’s no way to predict who will have this kind of reaction to a topical pain reliever for muscles and joints."