IcyHot Products for Joint and Muscle Pain

What do IcyHot products treat?

IcyHot products are used to treat joint and muscle pain. This can include sore muscles and joints, back pain, arthritis, strains, sprains, and bruises. The main active ingredient in most IcyHot products is a topical analgesic called menthol. When menthol is applied, it stimulates the pain receptors in your body and then causes them to feel less pain by producing a cooling effect. 

IcyHot products may also or alternatively contain the following to treat other symptoms as listed below.

• Topical anesthetic (lidocaine), which numbs the area 
• Topical analgesic (camphor), which provides pain relief
• Topical salicylate (methyl salicylate), which produces a warming effect

There are IcyHot products for adults and children as young as 2 years old.

What are the most common side effects of IcyHot products?

Any medicine may cause an allergic reaction, which can be serious or life-threatening. Stop using the medicine and get medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching, skin rash, or hives
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

If you are allergic to salicylates, such as aspirin, do not use IcyHot products that contain methyl salicylate unless directed by a health care provider.

In rare cases, serious burns have occurred from using IcyHot products.

Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Some possible side effects include stinging, burning, or tingling sensation of the skin.

Since IcyHot products contain different active ingredients (listed below), review the ingredients in your specific product to understand which side effects you might experience.

• Lidocaine
• Camphor
• Methyl salicylate

What should I know before using IcyHot products?

Do not use IcyHot products on wounds, damaged skin, or irritated skin. Do not get IcyHot products in your eyes, mouth, vagina, or nose, and do not swallow the medicine. When using IcyHot products, do not bandage the area tightly (where you apply the product), use a heating pad or ice pack on top of where you applied the product, or expose the area to direct sunlight. Do not use IcyHot products on the folds of your skin, and do not use IcyHot products with other pain medicines that you apply to your skin. After using IcyHot products, wash your hands with soap and water. You may feel a burning sensation while using an IcyHot product. This should go away in a few days. Call your health care provider if this does not go away.