As their names suggest, over-the-counter (OTC) topical muscle and joint pain relievers are indicated to assist in the temporary reduction of minor aches and pains. Unfortunately, however, recent reports have established a casual relationship between the use of these topical muscle and joint pain relievers and the occurrence of severe side effects. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has alerted the public that certain OTC products have been reported to cause rare cases of serious skin injuries, ranging from first- to third-degree chemical burns, where the products were applied.
If you or a loved one has been injured by an OTC topical muscle and joint pain reliever, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
OTC Topical Muscle and Joint Pain Reliever Lawsuit Overview
OTC topical muscle and joint pain relievers are applied to the skin, in the location of a soft tissue injury, to temporarily relieve minor aches and pain. They often contain menthol, methyl salicylate, or capsaicin. Furthermore, they come in various applications including creams, lotions, ointments, and patches. Popular OTC topical muscle and joint pain relievers include:
- Capzasin
- Flexall
- Icy Hot
- Mentholatum
OTC topical muscle and joint pain relievers initiate a heat sensation in the area that they are applied to. While there is no actual heat involved, this sensation is the result of nerve stimulation. In response to the warm sensation, blood vessels dilate, causing more blood to flow through the muscle. The increased blood flow carries nutrients that are vital to the muscles recovery and help to repair the damage. Though this process is not permanent, it may provide temporary relief from joint and muscle pain.
Unfortunately, many patients may be unaware of the dangers that can coincide with the use of OTC topical muscle and joint pain relievers. Subsequently, the use of these topical pain relievers may result in serious side effects. According to an FDA Safety Announcement, these products may cause rare cases of serious skin injuries, ranging from first- to third-degree chemical burns, where the products were applied. Some of the burns had serious complications requiring hospitalization. Due to the rate and severity in which burns may occur, the makers of these products have become the target of a potential OTC topical muscle and joint pain reliever lawsuit.
FDA Warning
According to a recent FDA Drug Safety Communication, medical literature has identified at least 43 incidents in which patients were burned by topical muscle and joint pain relievers containing the active ingredients menthol, methyl salicylate, or capsaicin. The products associated with these cases include patches, balms, and creams. A search of the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) database and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System – Cooperative Adverse Drug Event Surveillance (NEISS-CADES) database acknowledge that the burns suffered by consumers ranged from first-degree to third-degree chemical burns. Furthermore, the majority of the cases saw severe burning or blistering after just one application.
A majority of the second- and third-degree burns were reported with the use of products containing menthol as the single active ingredient or products containing both menthol and methyl salicylate, where the concentration of the ingredients was greater than 3% menthol and 10% methyl salicylate. Few cases reported using a capsaicin-containing product.
Do I Have an OTC Topical Muscle and Joint Pain Reliever Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in OTC topical muscle and joint pain reliever lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by an OTC topical muscle and joint pain reliever, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.