Biofreeze Products for Joint and Muscle Pain

What do Biofreeze products treat?

Biofreeze 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 almost all biofreeze products is menthol. Pain happens when your body sends pain signals to the spine and brain. Menthol is a counter-irritant. When it is applied to your body, it stimulates the pain receptors in your body and then causes them to feel less pain by producing a cooling effect. There is currently one Biofreeze product that is available as a patch called Biofreeze Ultraflex that contains the medicine lidocaine. Lidocaine creates a numbing effect and works to block nerve signals to your brain that cause you to feel pain. 

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

What are the most common side effects of Biofreeze 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

Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Some possible side effects include skin reactions at the application site, such as redness, irritation, stinging, burning, or tingling. 

Biofreeze products contain either menthol or lidocaine. Review the ingredients in your specific product to understand which side effects you might experience.

What should I know before using Biofreeze products?

Do not get Biofreeze products in your eyes, mouth, vagina, or nose, and do not swallow the medicine. Do not apply these products onto wounds, damaged skin, or irritated skin. When using Biofreeze products, do not bandage the area where you apply the product tightly or use a heating pad on top of where you applied it. This can cause too much medicine to be absorbed into your skin. After using Biofreeze, wash your hands with cool water.