Will Biofreeze Work for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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Biofreeze is usually applied topically on the affected area to help treat minor joint and muscle pain. During flare-up, the affected joint by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be painful, too. To cope with this symptom, there are some treatment options to choose from. How about with biofreeze? Does it work for RA?

Understanding the use of biofreeze in general

It is usually 100 percent free of paraben. It doesn’t contain petroleum or waxes. It will not cause ‘greasy feel’, and doesn’t stain the clothing, too. It could be one of alternative choices if you are looking for long-lasting and fast-acting pain relief.

The common uses of this medicine

image_illustration295It is a topical analgesic and available in 3 major forms; gel, roll on, and spray. It contains a main component called camphor for pain reliever.

Many times, the use of camphor is used together with menthol (for cooling sensation). Both camphor and menthol can be a combination of medicines to help ease minor muscle and joint pain.

In general, some people turn to this medicine to help cope with everyday minor aches, soreness, and pains.

Side effects

There is no common side effect that has been reported with the use of this medicine. However, it might pose the risk of allergic reactions, swelling in certain parts of the body (such as in the tongue, lips, and mouth), irritation, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing.

If you experience any side effect and lasts longer than you think, seek medical attention right away for coping!

Things you need to ‘do’ and ‘avoid’ when taking this medicine

Don’t take it in larger /smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. And use it exactly as prescribed by your physician or as directed on the label! Always wash both of your hands before and after applying the medicine.

To keep safe, apply a small skin area in the first use to see whether there is an allergic reaction. Typically, camphor and menthol only cause mild burning /cold sensation – and with continued use, this should lessen overtime. But if the medicine causes a significant discomfort, you can immediately wash with soap and water!

Other things you need to know:

  1. If necessary and to keep safe, ask your doctor whether you can take this medicine safely – especially if you have sensitive skin or taking other medicines!
  2. Store the medicine only as directed. It should be stored at room temperature. And when not in use, keep the tube of the medicine tightly capped!
  3. If it accidentally gets contact with your mouth, nose, or eyes – immediately rinse with water!

Things you need to avoid:

  1. In general, the medicine is applied topically. So, don’t take it by mouth!
  2. Avoid applying the medicine within one hour before or a half hour after taking a shower /bath!
  3. Avoid applying it on too dry, sunburned, irritated, broken, or wind-burned skin!
  4. Avoid covering treated area with a bandage!
  5. Avoid exposing treated skin to heat from sauna, hot tube, or heating pad!
  6. Avoid taking it if you are being pregnant or breastfeeding!
  7. It is not recommended for young children (younger than 12 years old), unless if you have prescription!

Biofreeze for rheumatoid arthritis: Does it really work?

As mentioned before, this medicine can be used to help relieve minor joint and muscle pain. And as well we know, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain or even muscle pain, too.

Does it mean that you can safely use this medicine for your RA?

The answer may vary. Some sufferers with RA may find taking biofreeze is ‘fair to middling’ helpful to improve and ease the pain. But there is also possible risk of medical interaction.

Some RA treatments that you are taking may interact with the use of biofreeze. That’s why to keep safe, it’s much better to consult first with your doctor!

Biofreeze doesn’t target the overactive immune system, the core problem in RA. In other words, other treatments for RA (particularly such as biologic agents or/and DMARDs) are still required to control the widespread inflammation and reduce the risk of the complications from the disease.

Additionally, both DMARDs and biologic agents are intended to slow and control the progression of the disease. They can help make RA go into remission for several months or even years – talk to your healthcare provider for more advice!

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