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Frequently Asked Questions

When should Salonpas® 12 Hour NOT be used?

This product is not recommended for individuals under 12 years of age. Do not apply to wounds or damaged skin. Do not use if you are allergic to salicylates or if you are taking anticoagulant medication (eg. Warfarin). Do not use any patch from a pouch that has been open for 14 or more days.

Is Salonpas® 12 Hour Safe?

The Salonpas® 12 Hour patch had a proven clinical effectiveness and safety profile. The patch had been tested in clinical trials involving over 800 patients.

What is an NSAID?

An NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) is indicated for symptomatic relief of conditions where pain is present.

What are the active ingredients in Salonpas® 12 Hour?

The active ingredients in this patch are Menthol and Methyl Salicylate.

Methyl salicylate is hydrolyzed to salicylic acid in the skin. Its pharmacological actions are considered to be those of salicylic acid, and its mechanism of action is reported to be due to an inhibitory effect on prostaglandin biosynthesis. Methyl salicylate is also considered to have a counterirritant effect (Futami et al., 1984).

Menthol acts as a counterirritant, and has been reported to have analgesic effects, including local anesthetic actions, secondary to the activation of endogenous opioid receptors (Taniguchi et al., 1994). It has also been reported that l-menthol significantly suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators (LTB4, PGE2, and IL-1 beta) by monocytes in vitro (Juergens et al., 1998).

Can Salonpas® 12 Hour be taken along with other oral pain relief products?

Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. The chance of a stomach bleed is small but higher if you take other drugs containing an NSAID (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others). Consult a doctor is you are taking a diuretic. Only one patch may be used at a time.

Can children use Salonpas® products?

All Salonpas® products can be used on adults and children 12 years of age and older. Salonpas® JET SPRAY can be used on children 2 years and older, but application should be supervised by an adult.

What is the shelf-life/expiration date of Salonpas®?

The shelf-life of Salonpas® products are 3 years from the production date; expiration date is on package.

Is there an odorless or odor-free Salonpas®?

The Salonpas® HOT patch is an unscented patch. The other Salonpas® products contain Menthol, which has a minty scent.

What will happen if I use Salonpas® products with other external analgesic patch, gel, and/or cream at the same time?

If you use multiple medicines for external use, they may tend to cause skin irritation or rashes. Therefore, please do not use other external medicines when using Salonpas®.

How soon should I expect relief?

Pain relief generally occurs within one hour of application, but in some individuals, pain relief may take shorter and some longer. Some individuals may not experience pain relief until several hours after applying.

Is it harmful to use an expired Salonpas®?

Active ingredients in expired products may have lost effectiveness due to evaporation. Expired patches may not have adequate adhesiveness. Salonpas® does not recommend using expired products.

What will happen if I use Salonpas® which is open for more than 14 days?

14 days after a package of Salonpas® patches is opened, the active ingredients of Salonpas® may have evaporated and lost effectiveness. Salonpas® does not recommend using patches that have been opened for more than 14 days.

How often can I use Salonpas® per day?

Please refer to the individual Drug Facts contained in the Products section for specific directions.

Why can’t I use Salonpas® for more than 7 days?

Salonpas® temporarily relieves minor pains and aches. If your symptom persists beyond 7 days, a physician should be consulted as stated on the label. Salonpas® and other OTC external analgesics should not be used on a continuous basis without consulting a physician.

Why remove patches after 8/12 hours? Is it harmful to apply more than 8/12 hours?

Please follow the directions on the drug label for each Salonpas® product. All products except the Salonpas® 12 Hour patch are labeled to be applied for up to 8 hours. The Salonpas® 12 Hour patch is labeled to be applied for up to 12 hours.

Can I engage in physical activity while wearing Salonpas® 12 Hour?

Yes. The patch conforms to the unique contours of each individual’s body and will accommodate strenuous and high-impact activities. Salonpas® provides effective pain relief while allowing you to maintain your active lifestyle.

Is SALONPAS® resuable?

No, Salonpas® patches are designed for one-time use. They cannot be used more than once.

How many patches can I apply at a time?

Please use only one Salonpas® 12 Hour, Salonpas® Original LARGE or Salonpas® Hot at a time.

You can wear up to 4 Salonpas® Original patches at a time.

Can I cut Salonpas® patches?

Salonpas® patches can be cut, but the effectiveness could change.

Is there an easy way to remove the patch?

If you have a hard time removing a Salonpas® patch, soak the area in warm water while taking a bath for shower until the patch becomes easier to peel off.

What’s the reason I have to wash hands after applying or removing a patch?

If you touch a mucous membrane such as eyes or the inside of your mouth with the residue of these ingredients on your hands, it is possible that you may experience a stinging sensation or irritation. Please wash your hands thoroughly.

I have a latex allergy. Does Salonpas® contain rubber?

Salonpas® Original and Salonpas® Hot patches contain natural rubber as an inactive ingredient. Therefore, they are not latex free. However, Salonpas® 12 Hour patch is not made with natural rubber.

I have an aspirin allergy. Can I use Salonpas®?

If you are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs, please do not use Salonpas®.

Can I keep wearing a Salonpas® patch during an MRI scan?

In some circumstances, a medicated patch can overheat during an MRI scan and could cause skin burns in the immediate area of the patch. It is recommended that the patch be removed and disposed before having an MRI scan and replaced with a fresh patch after the procedure.

Does Salonpas® make your blood pressure higher?

There is no evidence to suggest that Salonpas® may cause high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease, please ask a doctor before using this product.

Can I take Salonpas® if I have diabetes?

Please consult your doctor before using Salonpas® if you have diabetes.

Does Salonpas® work for cramp?

Salonpas® temporarily relieves aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains, bruises and sprains.

Can I use Salonpas® patches if pregnant?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a health care practitioner prior to use.

Can I use Salonpas® while breast feeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a health care practitioner prior to use.

How many days should I be concerned before or after heart surgery? And if there is any specific type of heart surgery or disease make a difference?

The description follows the NSAID warning for a systemic dose: At least during hospitalization prior to, and following surgery, please do not use the Salonpas® 12 Hour. As for the periods before and after hospitalization, please consult your doctor. The risk regarding heart surgery, heart disease, age difference, etc. is not clear.