Is Salonpas and methyl salicylate patches safe during pregnancy?
Salonpas labels say not to use methyl salicylate at 20 weeks or later unless a doctor directs; ask before earlier use or while nursing.
What the sources say
Salonpas Arthritis Pain and Pain Relief patches contain menthol 3% and methyl salicylate 10%, which the label identifies as an NSAID. The label says: if pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use; it is especially important not to use methyl salicylate at 20 weeks or later unless definitely directed by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery. Another methyl salicylate patch label says don't use in the last 3 months. Lidocaine-only patches are a separate entry.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
methyl salicylate patch, salonpas, salonpas arthritis pain, salonpas pain relief patch, salonpas patch
Sources
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.