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Boots Muscle Pain Relief Cream

Active Ingredient:
methyl salicylate , eucalyptus oil , turpentine oil , levomenthol
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Patient Leaflet (PIL)
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The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine.
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Last updated on emc: 28 Mar 2023
{pdf} View or print the patient leaflet as PDF

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 {phone} 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 00189/5002R.

{printer} Print patient leaflet as text only

Boots Heat Rub

Patient Information Leaflet

Boots Heat Rub

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

The Boots Company PLC
Nottingham
NG2 3AA

PL00189/5002R

This leaflet was last revised in August 2022.

Artwork reference: D4233-3

THE BOOTS COMPANY PLC
Company image
Address
1 Thane Road West, Beeston, Nottingham, NG2 3AA
Telephone
+44 (0)1159 595 165
Fax
+44 (0)1159 592 565