Super Blue Stuff Safer Than Some Other Topical Pain Relievers
Super Blue Stuff Does Not Present Risk of Burns, Unlike Some Competitor Products
Emu Therapy Products Not Included in FDA Warning on Topical Pain Relief Creams
Did you know that even legally sold products can have serious side effects and risks? The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) occasionally issues warnings about products that meet all legal requirements for sale in the U.S. but have been found to pose significant dangers. These warnings serve as important reminders that potential risks are still present, even in products that follow the law. It's important to stay informed and mindful of these hazards.
In 2012, the FDA issued such a warning about certain pain relief creams containing high levels of menthol (over 3%) and menthol in combination with certain other active ingredients, citing potential side effects for consumers. The Emu Therapy products Super Blue Stuff OTC, Super White Stuff OTC, Foot & Leg Comfort, and even our high-menthol product Cool Menthol Therapy all contain less than 3% menthol. In fact, no product ever sold under the Blue Stuff, BLUESPRING, or Emu Therapy brands has ever contained more than 3% menthol. Our formulas have been carefully crafted to ensure both effectiveness and safety, and we have never required any additional warnings.
Understanding the FDA Warning
The FDA's advisory focuses on products that contain high concentrations of menthol and other active ingredients, which in some cases, have been linked to adverse reactions like skin irritation, burns, or allergic responses. The warning was issued after reports emerged of consumers experiencing these side effects from certain over-the-counter creams and ointments that contained menthol above 3% based on volume, and some that contained 3% menthol in addition to 10% or higher of methyl salicylate.
It’s important to note that the products under scrutiny by the FDA contain menthol concentrations that are within the legal guidelines and have been generally considered safe for decades, but over time have been reported as causes of chemical burns to the area where they were applied. The burns reported have included:
- 1st degree burns – redness of the area, with possible swelling
- 2nd degree burns – blisters of the top layer of skin along with swelling
- 3rd degree burns – destroyed surface layers and damage to lower layers of the skin
Some instances required hospitalization. The FDA’s goal in issuing this warning is to protect consumers by making them aware of the risks associated with ultra-high-menthol content in certain topical treatments.
Why Emu Therapy’s Products Are Different
At Emu Therapy, safety is a top priority. Our pain relief products including Super Blue Stuff OTC, Super White Stuff OTC, Foot & Leg Comfort and Cool Menthol Therapy have been formulated with the perfect balance of active ingredients to provide effective pain relief without compromising your safety. We use menthol in a concentration that is both effective and well within the safety guidelines set by regulatory authorities, even lower than this warning addresses. And it is important to note that these products had safe, effective, low levels of menthol decades before the warning was issued. In working out the formulations, even with adjustments made over the years, we knew that high levels of menthol can cause discomfort beyond the pain our creams are designed to combat, so what would be the sense in that?
Our commitment to quality means that we meticulously test our products to ensure they meet all safety standards, both those set forth by the FDA and our own. The FDA’s warning does not apply to Emu Therapy products because we’ve taken every step to ensure our formulations are safe for our customers even beyond what is allowed under the law. We have always held ourselves to a higher standard, and our customers have reaped the benefits.
What You Can Expect from Emu Therapy
We know that when you choose Emu Therapy, you’re looking for products you can trust to relieve pain without the risk of harmful side effects. Here’s why our products continue to be a trusted choice:
- Safe Concentrations: We use a balanced amount of menthol, designed to provide cooling relief without the risk of skin irritation or burns.
- High-Quality Ingredients: In addition to menthol, our products include pure emu oil, arnica montana flower, and the top tier methylsulfonylmethane (OptiMSM®), all chosen for their effectiveness and safety.
- Rigorous Testing: Each batch of our products undergoes thorough testing to ensure it meets our high standards for quality and safety.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
While it’s always important to stay informed about product safety, we want to reassure you that Emu Therapy products are designed with your well-being in mind. We’re committed to providing effective pain relief solutions that you can rely on without worrying about unexpected side effects.
As always, we encourage you to read labels and follow usage instructions carefully to ensure the best results. If you ever have questions or concerns about our products, our live, friendly Customer Care Team, based in Oklahoma, is here to help by phone, email, and chat.
Thank you for choosing Emu Therapy. We’re here to help you feel better without adding complications or other risks.
Resources
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-rare-cases-serious-burns-use-over-counter-topical-muscle-and-joint