What do Aspercreme products treat?
Aspercreme products are over-the-counter medicines used to help treat pain in areas like your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, or feet. These products come in creams, gels, roll-ons, sprays, and patches.
Aspercreme products use three main types of ingredients to help stop pain:
- Lidocaine: This is the most common ingredient in Aspercreme products. It works by making the area feel numb. Numbing the spot blocks the nerve signals that cause you to feel pain. Most Aspercreme products can be used by people 12 years and older.
- Diclofenac: This ingredient is found only in the product for arthritis pain. Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This means it helps with both pain and swelling (inflammation). This specific product is only for adults age 18 and older.
- Trolamine: This ingredient is a different kind of pain reliever (analgesic) found in the basic Aspercreme Pain Relief Cream.
What are the possible side effects of Aspercreme products?
Allergic Reactions. Stop using the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Most people do not have serious side effects. However, some people may experience issues where the product was applied.
- Itching or redness of the skin
- Dryness or peeling
- A mild rash or burning feeling
If you experience these mild side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
What should I know before using Aspercreme products?
Do not use Aspercreme products on cuts, wounds, or irritated, swollen, damaged, or infected skin. Do not bandage the area tightly (where you apply the product), use an ice pack or heating pad on top of where you applied the product, or expose the area to direct sunlight. Do not get Aspercreme products in your eyes, mouth, vagina, or nose and do not swallow the medicine. After using Aspercreme products, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Some Aspercreme products may have a warning to not use other pain medicines that you apply to your skin while using Aspercreme. Always follow the label of the Aspercreme product you are using.
Stop using Aspercreme products if you have any of the following.
- Condition worsens or your symptoms last for seven days or more
- Symptoms clear up and come back again after a few days
- Redness or excessive skin irritation
- Pain, swelling, blistering, or severe burning of the skin
Ask your health care provider before using an Aspercreme product if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
There is an Aspercreme product called Aspercreme Arthritis Pain that contains an NSAID called diclofenac. Topical NSAIDs like diclofenac carry additional risks such as stomach bleeding, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. The risk of these serious side effects can increase if you take certain medicines such as other NSAIDs or blood thinners, drink alcohol, have liver problems, high blood pressure, heart problems, or asthma. If you are using Aspercreme Arthritis Pain, read the label before using the medicine, and talk to your health care provider if any medical conditions or warnings on the label apply to you or if you experience any of the side effects written on the label.
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Aspercreme product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Which Aspercreme product is right for my symptoms?
The right product for you depends on what kind of pain you have and what ingredient you need.
For General Pain (Products with lidocaine)
Use these products for fast numbing relief from everyday aches and pain. They are typically for use every 6 to 8 hours, no more than 3 to 4 times a day.
- Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream
- Comes with or without a eucalyptus scent
- Includes a special cream for foot pain, including one made for diabetic skin
- Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Roll-On
- Available in a fragrance-free version
- Available with essential oils like lavender, bergamot orange, or rosemary
- Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Dry Spray
- A spray that does not need to be rubbed in
- Aspercreme Lidocaine Pain Relief Patch
- A patch you can put directly on the painful area
For Arthritis Pain (Product with diclofenac)
This product is specifically for pain caused by arthritis.
- Aspercreme Arthritis Pain Relief Gel
- Contains diclofenac (an NSAID)
- Must be used 4 times a day
- Only for people aged 18 and older
For General Aches and Strains (Product with trolamine)
This cream is for pain associated with simple backache, muscle strains, sprains, and bruises.
- Aspercreme Pain Relief Cream
- Contains trolamine
- Can be used no more than 3 to 4 times a day