Ingredients Active Ingredient: Capsaicin 0.1% Other ingredients: beeswax, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, cetearyl glucoside, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, heptyl undecylenate, hydrogenated castor oil, Oryza sativa (rice) bran extract, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, purified water, sodium stearoyl glutamate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, stearic acid, xanthan gum Product Info. Origins: Capsaicin is derived from hot peppers of the Capsicum genus and was first isolated as an active ingredient in the late 1800’s. Used topically, it is a potent natural analgesic with deep penetrating characteristics. Almond Oil (Prunusamygdalus dulcis) has been a valued emollient for centuries and is known for its nourishing and soothing properties. Natural Rice Bran Extract is sourced from the husk and inner germ of rice and contains phytosterols, Vitamin E and other anti-oxidants. Indications: Earth’s Care Arthritis Cream with Capsaicin is a powerful treatment for minor aches and pains of the joints and muscles due to arthritis, backaches, strains, sprains and bruises. It works by penetrating deeply and reducing the sensation of pain in the affected area. This proprietary formula features moisturizers like Rice Bran Extract, Almond Oil and Shea Butter and is suitable for everyday use. It is odorless and contains no parabens, phthalates or artificial colors. Drug Facts Active ingredient Purpose Capsaicin 0.1% Topical analgesic Uses Temporarily relieves the minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with: • arthritis • simple backache • strains • sprains • bruises Warnings For external use only. When using this product • read leaflet inside carton before use • use only as directed • do not bandage tightly or cover treated area • do not use with a heating pad or other heat sources • avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes • do not apply to wounds, damaged, broken or irritated skin • a temporary burning sensation may occur upon application but normally disappears within several days • if a severe burning sensation occurs, stop use immediately and read important information on leaflet inside carton • do not expose the area treated with product to heat or direct sunlight • do not apply immediately before or after activities such as bathing, swimming, sunbathing or strenuous exercise Stop use and ask a doctor if • condition worsens • symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days • redness is present • irritation develops If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Directions • adults and children over 18 years: apply to affected area • massage into painful area until thoroughly absorbed • repeat as necessary, but no more than 3 or 4 times daily • WASH HANDS WITH SOAP AND COLD WATER AFTER APPLYING • children 18 years or younger: ask a doctor FAQs How does Capsaicin work? Capsaicin works by depleting a neurotransmitter, Substance P, which is present in nerve cells and which transmits pain signals to the brain. This serves to relieve the minor pain of arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains and bruises. Relief can be obtained in some cases during the first week of use, but in other cases relief may take two or more weeks. Best results typically occur after 2 to 4 weeks of daily use as the drug slowly depletes the neurotransmitter, Substance P. Regular use of this drug will serve to keep the nerve cells depleted of Substance P and provide relief which becomes more and more effective. Irregular use may cause relief to take longer. A temporary burning sensation may occur upon application, but generally disappears in a few days. What should you remember when using this product? a) Some individuals have reported severe burning and/or itching. If you are using capsaicin for the first time and think that your skin may be overly sensitive to this drug, test it by applying a thin layer with a cotton ball/swab to a small area on the inside of your elbow. b) Use this medication on the skin only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, nostrils, genitals or contact lenses. Do not apply to wounds or to skin that is injured or irritated. If contact with a sensitive area does occur, thoroughly rinse with cold water. If the cream or residue is not completely removed by soap and cold water, use room-temperature cooking oil. If significant improvement does not occur, contact your doctor. c) Do not apply immediately before or after activities such as bathing, swimming, sunbathing or strenuous exercise. d) Do not expose the treated area to heat or direct sunlight or bandage tightly. e) After applying the medication, wash your hands with cold water unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. If severe burning and/or itching occurs, discontinue use right away and wash thoroughly with soap and cold water. You may want to use a cotton ball/swab or disposable nitrile examination gloves to apply the medication in order to avoid touching with your hands. f) If treating the hands, wait at least 30 minutes after applying the medication to wash your hands with cold water. Avoid touching mucous membranes or face before you have washed your hands. g) Apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently until completely absorbed and no residue is visible. Application of a thick layer can cause residue to form. Avoid inhaling dried residue as this can cause eye and respiratory irritation and discomfort. h) Stop use and ask a doctor if condition worsens or symptoms persist for more than 7 days or clear up and occur again within a few days. i) Keep out of reach of children. This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowed, contact your local Poison Control Center immediately. US residents can also call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. What kind of glycerin does this product contain? This product contains vegetable glycerin.