FDA Warns of Burns From OTC Pain and Muscle Relievers Including Johnson & Johnson's Bengay and Sanofi (France)'s Icy Hot

Over-the-counter muscle and joint pain relievers may cause chemical burns in rare cases, U.S. health regulators warned on Thursday. Products that contain menthol, methyl salicylate, or capsaicin — including major brands such as Johnson & Johnson's Bengay, Sanofi's Icy Hot, Capzasin and Flexall, and Rohto Pharmaceutical Co's Mentholatum — were found to cause first- to third-degree burns. "These products should not cause pain or skin damage. However, there have been rare cases of serious burns following their use," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a statement, adding that some burns had led to hospitalization.

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