Health Advisory: Risk of skin burns with over the counter pain relievers with menthol

Health Canada is advising Canadians that a safety review has found a risk of serious skin burns with the use of certain over-the-counter (OTC) topical pain relievers containing menthol. These pain relievers are applied to the skin to produce mild irritation or inflammation intended to help relieve muscle and joint pain. They contain one or more active ingredients and come in various formulations, including creams, gels, liquids and patches.

While a minor rash or a burning sensation are a known side effect, more serious effects like skin burns, pain, blistering or other severe skin damage are not generally expected from the use of these products. Health Canada has received 21 reports of serious side effects involving OTC topical pain relievers containing menthol in various concentrations (containing 0.75% to 11% menthol), as a single ingredient or in combination with other ingredients (most commonly methyl salicylate). In many cases, the products were used as directed, with burns, severe swelling and blistering appearing within 24-48 hours of the first application.