June 2007

Topical ointments sold by DCs
free from methyl salicylate

Topical pain-relieving ointments prescribed by chiropractors are safe when used as directed and are free from the ingredients allegedly contributing to the death of a teenage athlete, according to manufacturers.

In April, 17-year-old girl died of an apparent overdose of methyl salicylate, according to news reports. The girl had rubbed an over-the-counter sports cream on her legs, used an adhesive patch that delivered anti-inflammatory medication, and also used a third unspecified medication. In June, the New York City medical examiner ruled that, over time, the girls’ body had absorbed high doses of methyl salicylate, which contributed to cardiac arrhythmia and led to her death.

Methyl salicylate is a compound related to aspirin.

Manufacturers of several sports creams sold by chiropractors — including Biofreeze and Prossage Heat, Cryoderm, Kool ‘N Fit, MyoMed, and most Tiger Balm products — indicated their products do not contain methyl salicylate.

“While we are only aware of what has been publicly reported, we would like to assure our clinical customers and their patients that Biofreeze and Prossage Heat do not contain methyl salicylate,” says Hal Baker of The Hygenic Corporation. “[These products] are safe and effective when used as directed.”

Lloyd List of Cryoderm said, “The Cryoderm line of topical analgesics sold to the professional market does not contain methyl salicylate … Cryoderm contains no ingredients that could be potentially toxic or cause death.”

A spokesperson from Kool ‘N Fit said, “Kool ‘N Fit has never included any type of salicylates in any of our products. From the inception, we have been very careful to only include holistic and natural ingredients in our formulations.”

“The toxic affects of methyl salicylate are well-documented on medical Web sites and publications,” said Bob Shawgo of BioForce, Inc., makers of MyoMed. “MyoMed is made up of cetylated fatty acids (CFAs), along with several homeopathic ingredients that have a long history of safe use. CFAs, the main work horse ingredients in MyoMed, are naturally occurring compounds that don’t interact with the human body the way a toxin would. … With regard to use, BioForce recommends on our product label that any chronic pain or ailment extending beyond seven days should be handled under the supervision of a health professional.”

Wellington Quan of Prince of Peace Enterprises, Inc., makers of Tiger Balm products, said, “Tiger Balm has never experienced any case like this in its nearly 100-year history. The Tiger Balm brand has a variety of external pain-relieving products. Most Tiger Balm products do not contain methyl salicylate. Tiger Balm’s popular ointments do not contain this ingredient; instead, pain relief comes from a combination of natural herbal ingredients. Although not widely sold, Tiger Balm Muscle Rub and Tiger Balm Liniment do contain methyl salicylate. As for these two, we will be reviewing additional labeling options for increased consumer safety.”

Sources: The Hygenic Corporation, www.hygenic.com; Cryoderm, www.cryoderm.com; Kool ‘N Fit, www.koolfitamerica.com; BioForce, Inc, www.myo-med.com; Prince of Peace Enterprises, Inc., www.popus.com; MSNBC, “Sports cream warnings urged after teen’s death,” www.msnbc.com; L.A. Times, “In the rubs lies the rub,” www.latimes.com

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