menthol FDA Alerts

The FDA Alert(s) below may be specifically about menthol or relate to a group or class of drugs which include menthol.

MedWatch Safety Alerts are distributed by the FDA and published by Drugs.com. Following is a list of possible medication recalls, market withdrawals, alerts and warnings. For the latest FDA MedWatch alerts, go here.

Recent FDA Alert(s) for menthol

Over-The-Counter Topical Muscle and Joint Pain Relievers: Drug Safety Communication - Rare Cases of Serious Burns

Sep 13, 2012

Audience: Consumer, Health Professional

ISSUE:  FDA is alerting the public that certain over-the-counter (OTC) products that are applied to the skin for the relief of mild muscle and joint pain have been reported to cause rare cases of serious skin injuries, ranging from first- to third-degree chemical burns, where the products were applied. When applied to the skin, the products produce a local sensation of warmth or coolness.These products should not cause pain or skin damage, however, there have been rare cases of serious burns following their use. Some of the burns had serious complications requiring hospitalization

BACKGROUND: OTC topical muscle and joint pain relievers are used to temporarily relieve minor muscle and joint aches and pain. These OTC topical muscle and joint pain relievers are available as single- or combination-ingredient products that contain menthol, methyl salicylate, or capsaicin, and are marketed under various brand-names, such as, Bengay, Capzasin, Flexall, Icy Hot, and Mentholatum. The various formulations include creams, lotions, ointments, and patches.

RECOMMENDATION: Consumers using an OTC topical muscle and joint pain reliever who experience signs of skin injury where the product was applied, such as pain, swelling, or blistering of the skin, should stop using the product and seek medical attention immediately. When recommending OTC topical muscle and joint pain relievers to patients, healthcare professionals should counsel patients about how to use the products appropriately and inform them about the risk of serious burns.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
• Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

[09/13/2012 - Drug Safety Communication - FDA]

[09/13/2012 - Consumer Update - FDA]

More menthol Resources

• VapoDrops Menthol oral mucous membrane Consumer Information
• Menthol topical oral mucous membrane Consumer Information
• Cepacol Regular Strength Consumer Information
• Cold Therapy Pain Relief Consumer Information
• Dads Menthol Throat Drop Consumer Information
• Eucerin Skin Calming Lotion Consumer Information
• Gold Bond Pain Relieving Foot Consumer Information
• Gold Bond Pain Relieving Foot Cream Consumer Information
• Halls Cough Drops Consumer Information
• Ice Blue Consumer Information
• Icy Hot Consumer Information
• Icy Hot Naturals Consumer Information
• Icy Hot PM (Menthol Cream, Lotion, and Ointment) Consumer Information
• Icy Hot Power Consumer Information
• JointFlex No Mess Roll-On Consumer Information
• Ludens Throat Drops Consumer Information
• Menthol Aerosol Consumer Information
• Menthol Aerosol Powder Consumer Information
• Menthol Cream, Lotion, and Ointment Consumer Information
• Menthol Gel, Liquid, and Solution Consumer Information
• Menthol Lozenges Consumer Information
• Menthol Patch Consumer Information
• Menthol Powder Consumer Information
• Pain Relief Maximum Strength Consumer Information
• Pain Relieving Gel Consumer Information
• PolarFrost Consumer Information
• Ricola Cherry Honey Herb Consumer Information
• Ricola Herb Consumer Information
• Ricola Honey Herb Consumer Information
• Ricola Lemon Mint Consumer Information
• Ricola Mountain Herb Consumer Information
• Ricola Natural Herb Consumer Information
• Ricola with Echinacea Consumer Information
• Zims Max-Freeze Consumer Information
• Mentholatum Natural Chest Rub Prescribing Information