UPFRONT | Roundup NEWS Health Canada warns some topical analgesics may cause burns A safety review has found a risk of serious burns with the use of some over-the-counter topical pain re-lievers that contain menthol, ac-cording to Health Canada. These pain relievers are applied to the skin and are intended to help relieve muscle and joint pain. They come in a variety of formula-tions, including creams, gels, liq-uids and patches. Health Canada has received 21 reports of serious side-effects in-volving topical pain relievers con-taining menthol in various concen-trations, either as a single ingredient or in combination with other compounds. In many cases, the products were used as directed, with burns, severe swelling and blistering ap-pearing within 24 to 48 hours af-ter the first application. Health Canada says available data did not allow it to determine whether the risk of serious burns is linked to any specific brand, formulation or menthol concen-tration, or to any ingredient other than menthol. Consumers who experience serious skin reactions such as pain, swelling or blistering are advised to stop using the product and seek immediate medical at-tention. The safety review also looked at the ingredients methyl salicylate All topical pain relievers con-taining menthol, methyl salicylate or capsaicin produce a warming or cooling sensation where they are applied, but they should not cause severe pain or skin damage, Health Canada said in an advisory released in February Even so, some menthol-con-taining topical pain relievers warn about the risk of serious skin burns on their labels or packaging. Health Canada said it will pub-lish an updated labelling standard for all menthol-containing topical pain relievers in the coming weeks to better inform consumers about the risk. – The Canadian Press and capsaicin. While serious skin burns have been reported with the use of topical pain relievers con-taining these compounds, the re-view did not find sufficient evi-dence to confirm they carry the same risk as menthol. HOMECOMING 17 20 A special CE event Early bird pricing by May 1! June 2 – 3 at CMCC Connecting Friends & Memories Two outstanding presentations not to be missed! • Dr. Mark Charrette – Extremity Adjusting Workshop • Dr. James Cox – The Cox ® Technic System for Spine Pain Management: Research Leads the Way Weekend also includes: President’s Welcome Home BBQ; Anniversary Class Luncheon; Governors’ Club and CCHA Lunch; Grand Reception and Dinner Silver sponsor Media sponsor Celebrating anniversaries in 2017: Classes of ‘52, ‘57, ‘62, ‘67, ‘72, ‘77, ‘82, ‘87, ‘92, ‘97, ‘02, ‘07, ‘12 and ‘16 Event and hotel registration at cmcc.ca/homecoming Find out how you can win a free night’s accommodation! Further information: 416 482 2340 ext. 200 or [email protected] www.canadianchiropractor.ca CC_CMCChomecominghalf_April17_CSA.indd 1 April 2017 Canadian Chiropractor 13 2017-03-15 8:05 AM
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