Arthritis & Muscle Pain Relieving Cream

For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with

• arthritis
• simple backache
• strains
• sprains
• bruises

Adults and children 18 years of age and older:

• apply a thin film of cream to affected area and gently rub in until fully absorbed
• unless treating hands, wash hand thoroughly with soap and water immediately after application
• for best results, apply 3 to 4 times daily

Children under 18 years of age: ask a doctor

For external use only. Read all warnings and directions before use. Test first on a small area of skin

Do not use

• on wounds or damaged skin
• if you are allergic to capsicum or chili peppers
• immediately before or after activities such as bathing, swimming or sunbathing
• with a heating pad or on wounds, damaged, broken (open) or irritated skin

When using this product

• you may experience a burning sensation. The intensity of this reaction varies among individuals and may be severe. With regular use, this sensation generally disappears after several days
• avoid contact with the eyes or mucous membranes
• do not bandage tightly
• do not expose the area treated with product to heat or direct sunlight

Stop use and ask a doctor if

• condition worsens, or symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days
• severe burning persists, swelling or blistering occurs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing occurs

If pregnant or breast feeding, ask a health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Active ingredients

Inactive ingredients

Anhydrous citric acid, benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate/PEG-100 stearate, isopropyl myristate, petrolatum, purified water, sorbitol

Other information

• Store between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F)
• Lot No. & Exp Date: See box or crimp of tube.

Questions or comments? Call 1-800-634-7680

• For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.
• Store at 59–86°F (15–30°C); keep container tightly closed when not in use.
• If in eyes: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. If irritation persists, get medical advice.
• Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, contact a Poison Center.

Not classified as hazardous under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. Full details in the Safety Data Sheet below.

Capsaicin is the compound that makes chili peppers hot. At 0.025%, it is an OTC topical analgesic labeled for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains, and bruises.

It works differently from every other pain cream: repeated application depletes substance P, the chemical skin nerves use to send pain signals, so the local pain signal quiets over days of consistent use. It does not numb or cool, and the benefit builds over 1 to 2 weeks rather than in minutes.

This Medi-First formula is unscented and odorless, which makes it practical at work, in bed, or anywhere a menthol smell would be unwelcome.

Using it well

• Apply 3 to 4 times daily as the label directs, and keep it up; a warming or tingling sensation in the first days is expected and usually fades.
• Wash hands thoroughly after applying. Keep away from eyes, mucous membranes, broken skin, and fresh sunburn.
• Do not bandage tightly or use a heating pad over the treated area, and avoid hot showers right after applying.

See a doctor for

Joint pain with significant swelling, redness, or warmth; pain after a fall where a fracture is possible; back pain with numbness, weakness, or bladder/bowel changes; or no improvement after 7 days.

General information about the ingredient category, not medical advice. The Drug Facts label on the package controls.

Does capsaicin burn?

You may experience a burning sensation where it is applied. The label notes that the intensity varies among individuals and may be severe, and that with regular use the sensation generally disappears after several days. Test first on a small area of skin, do not use with a heating pad or on wounds or damaged skin, and unless you are treating your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water immediately after applying. It is labeled for adults and children 18 years of age and older; for children under 18, ask a doctor.