We use cookies to improve your experience and to help us understand how our site is used. You can find out more about your options on our
Cookies page.
About Cookies
Most websites these days use cookies to store and retrieve information. Some of this information might be about you,
your preferences or your device and is mostly used to help the website work in the way you expect.
This information doesn’t usually directly identify you but can give you a more personalized experience.
We will never sell any of your personally identifiable information, whether gathered using a cookie or otherwise.
We respect your right to privacy, so you can choose whether or not some cookies are enabled on our website.
However, disabling some cookies can impact your experience and the services we are able to offer. For more information see our Cookie settings and Privacy Policy.
Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are essential for the website to work properly and can’t be turned off.
They don’t collect personal information.
We also use them to understand how the site is used.
You can choose to block these cookies in your browser, but parts of the site might not work as expected.
Analytics Cookies (Optional)
These cookies help us improve our website and keep content relevant.
We use third-party tools to analyse information gathered by cookies and understand how visitors use our website.
We only use information gathered by cookies internally. See our Privacy Policy.
You can turn these cookies off by clicking "Reject optional cookies", but parts of the site might not work as expected.
Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet (ePIL).
The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD.
For further information call emc accessibility on
0800 198 5000.
The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 00189/5002R.
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription. Nevertheless you still need to use it carefully to get the best results from it.
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
You must see a doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
If any of the side effects become serious or if you notice any side effect not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
1. What Boots Heat Rub is and what it is used for 2. Before you use Boots Heat Rub 3. How to use Boots Heat Rub 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Boots Heat Rub 6. Further information
1. What Boots Heat Rub is and what it is used for
Boots Heat Rub is a non-greasy, pain relieving cream to be applied to the skin. It is used for the relief of muscular pains and stiffness including:
Backache and lumbago
Sciatica (pain in the lower back and thigh)
Fibrositis (muscle tenderness or stiffness)
Rheumatic pain (in muscles, tendons, joints or bones)
Chilblains
Bruises
Sprains
Minor sports injuries
2. Before you use Boots Heat Rub
Do not use Boots Heat Rub if you have an allergy:
to any of the ingredients (see end of Section 2 and Section 6)
to painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Do not use Boots Heat Rub on:
children under 5 years of age
your eyes or other sensitive areas. If this occurs accidentally wash away with plenty of clean water
broken or inflamed skin.
Boots Heat Rub is only for use on the skin. Do not take by mouth.
Take special care with Boots Heat Rub
See your doctor before using Boots Heat Rub if you:
are pregnant or breastfeeding
have asthma.
Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes any medicines you have bought without a prescription.
See your doctor before using Boots Heat Rub if you are taking:
medicines that thin the blood or prevent clots (including aspirin).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
See your doctor before using Boots Heat Rub if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Boots Heat Rub
Boots Heat Rub contains:
propylene glycol which may cause skin irritation
wool fat (lanolin) and cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions (eg. contact dermatitis).
If irritation occurs, stop using the cream and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
3. How to use Boots Heat Rub
Boots Heat Rub is for adults and children over 5 years old. It can be used before or after exercise.
always try on a small area first
gently massage a thin layer of Boots Heat Rub into the affected area until the cream is rubbed in
apply Boots Heat Rub 2-3 times daily
always wash your hands immediately after use so that you do not transfer it to sensitive areas such as your lips or eyes. If this occurs, wash away with plenty of clean water.
if your symptoms do not improve see your doctor
stop using Boots Heat Rub if you get excessive skin irritation or other unwanted effects.
Do not cover the skin with bandages, plasters or any other dressing. However, it is safe to cover the skin with your clothes.
If you use more Boots Heat Rub than you should
If you accidentally squeeze out too much cream use a tissue to wipe off any excess.
If you or a child accidentally swallow the cream contact your doctor or hospital immediately.
If you forget to use Boots Heat Rub
If you forget to use the cream apply Boots Heat Rub again when you remember. Do not use the cream more than 3 times in one day.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines Boots Heat Rub can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The following effects may occur, particularly if you have sensitive skin or if you use Boots Heat Rub in hot weather or after a hot bath:
temporary skin redness
burning sensation
rashes
skin burns or blisters
Stop using Boots Heat Rub and tell your doctor if you experience excessive skin irritation or other unwanted effects.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of medicines.
5. How to store Boots Heat Rub
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Store below 25°C.
Do not use after the expiry date which is printed on the tube and carton. The ‘expiry’ date refers to the last day of that month.
Take any Boots Heat Rub that is out of date to a pharmacist for disposal.
6. Further information
What Boots Heat Rub contains
The active substances are:
Methyl Salicylate 12.80% w/w
Menthol 5.91% w/w
Eucalyptus Oil 1.97% w/w
Turpentine Oil 1.47% w/w
The other ingredients are sodium cetostearyl sulfate, cetostearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, wool fat (lanolin), liquid paraffin and water (see the end of Section 2).
What Boots Heat Rub looks like and contents of the pack
Boots Heat Rub is a white cream. Each tube contains 35g.
Marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer:
The Mentholatum Company Limited East Kilbride Scotland G74 5PE UK
Distributed by
The Boots Company PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA
If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact