What to Know About Aspercreme

However, you may not know that the various products with this label contain different active ingredients.

You may find certain forms more effective or pleasant to use than others.

However, some people also find it helpful for more chronic problems, likeosteoarthritispain.

Closeup of Adult Woman Rubbing Hand Cream Into Her Hands Outdoors

CasarsaGuru / Getty Images

Different active ingredients work in distinct ways to reduce your pain.

Aspercreme containing this active ingredient comes in a cream version only.

Aspercreme With Lidocaine

Most Aspercreme products fall into this category.

Aspercreme products containing lidocaine numb the area where you apply it, at least until the drug wears off.

Aspercreme products contain the maximum percentage of lidocaine currently approved for over-the-counter use.

Within these categories are some specific choices.

For example, there are versions of lidocaine cream advertised for foot care.

These contain the same amount of active ingredient (lidocaine), but also include moisturizing inactive ingredients.

The liquid roll-on category also offers a variety of choices.

Aspercreme With Capsaicin

Aspercreme also comes in versions which contain capsaicin as the active ingredient instead.

Capsaicin has slightly different pain-relieving properties.

Many people are familiar with the slight warming sensation that you feel when you use it.

This version of Aspercreme is available as a gel and as a patch.

By using the product as intended, youll reduce your chance of potential side effects.

The active ingredient in original aspercreme is closely related to aspirin.

Theres a small chance that using original Aspercreme might affect this as well.

If you know that you are allergic to lidocaine, do not use Aspercreme products containing lidocaine.

Talk with your healthcare provider first if you’d like to use these for a younger person.

People who are nursing or pregnant should also talk with their healthcare provider before using these products.

How to Use Aspercreme

Using Aspercreme is pretty intuitive.

Youll apply the product to the affected area.

For all Aspercreme products, dont apply more frequently than is directed on your packaging insert.

Dont use it more than three times within a 24-hour period.

Dont use more than three times within a 24-hour period.

Aspercreme Patches

confirm the area is clean and dry.

Then attach the patch per the package instructions.

Do not reuse patches.

It will dry quickly, so you dont need to rub it in.

Wash your hands thoroughly after putting it on.

Reapply if needed, but no more than three to four times a day.

Ingestion Warning

No version of Aspercreme is meant to be taken internally.

Keep these products out of the reach of young children.

Dispose carefully of any used patches so that children or pets do not chew them.

If any product is chewed or swallowed, call a Poison Control Center right away.

In extremely rare cases, people using products with capsaicin have experienced serious burns.

But stop using the product immediately if severe burning sensations occur or if you feel otherwise unwell after using.

If these side effects persist, you may need to contact your healthcare provider.

If you have symptoms of outright skin injury, such as swelling or blistering, definitely seek medical attention.

For example, many products contain menthol (also called mint camphor).

This is a substance that has been used since ancient times which seems to decrease pain sensations.

It may be worth experimenting until you find a formulation that suits you.

However, remember not to use more than one punch in of product at the same time.

Some examples of other OTC topical pain relievers are:

Sanofi Aspercreme.Aspercreme products.