methyl salicylate 10 %-menthol 3 % topical patch

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Medication name

Generic name:
Methyl salicylate/menthol patch - topical

Pronunciation
(METH-il sa-LIS-i-late/MEN-thol)

Brand name(s)
Salonpas

Uses

This product is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (such as arthritis, backache, sprains). Menthol and methyl salicylate 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 and joints.

This product should not be used by children younger than 18 years without a doctor's advice.

Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Using the wrong product could harm you.

How to use

Use this medication on the skin only. Clean and dry the affected area. Remove the backing from the patch and apply the patch to the affected area. Do not apply the patch to skin that is injured or irritated (such as skin that is cut, scraped, sunburned, infected, or has a rash). Leave the patch on the affected area for up to 12 hours. Use this medication as directed by your doctor or follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Only use 1 patch at time and do not use more than 2 patches in a 24-hour period.

Do not bandage or wrap the area where the patch is applied unless directed to do so by the doctor.

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.

Wash your hands well after handling the patch. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.

After removing each patch, fold the used patch with the sticky sides together, and throw away in the trash away from children and pets.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts for more than 3 days, or if it gets worse, or if it keeps returning. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side effects

Redness, mild itching, or irritation at 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 product and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

  • blistering/swelling 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.

Precautions

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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • 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).

If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel if you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.

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

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.

Overdose

This medication patch may be harmful if chewed or swallowed. If someone has overdosed, remove the patch if possible. For 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.

Notes

Keep all regular medical and lab appointments.

Missed dose

If you are using this product on a regular schedule and 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.

Storage

Store at room temperature. 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.

Important note

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Information last revised May 2024.

Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.