What it is and what it is used for

for Boots Heat Rub is a non-greasy, pain relieving cream to be applied to the skin. It is used for the relief of muscular pains and stiffness including:

• Backache and lumbago
• Sciatica (pain in the lower back and thigh)
• Fibrositis (muscle tenderness or stiffness)
• Rheumatic pain (in muscles, tendons, joints or bones)
• Chilblains
• Bruises
• Sprains
• Minor sports injuries

2. Before you use Boots Heat Rub Do not use Boots Heat Rub if you have an allergy:

• to any of the ingredients (see end of Section 2 and Section 6)
• to painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Do not use Boots Heat Rub on:
• children under 5 years of age

• •

your eyes or other sensitive areas. If this occurs accidentally wash away with plenty of clean water broken or inflamed skin.

Boots Heat Rub is only for use on the skin. Do not take by mouth. Take special care with Boots Heat Rub See your doctor before using Boots Heat Rub if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have asthma. Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. Taking other medicines Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes any medicines you have bought without a prescription. See your doctor before using Boots Heat Rub if you are taking:
• medicines that thin the blood or prevent clots (including aspirin). Pregnancy and breastfeeding See your doctor before using Boots Heat Rub if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Important information about some of the ingredients of Boots Heat Rub Boots Heat Rub contains:
• propylene glycol which may cause skin irritation
• wool fat (lanolin) and cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions (eg. contact dermatitis). If irritation occurs, stop using the cream and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to take it

Boots Heat Rub Boots Heat Rub is for adults and children over 5 years old. It can be used before or after exercise. • • • • •

always try on a small area first gently massage a thin layer of Boots Heat Rub into the affected area until the cream is rubbed in apply Boots Heat Rub 2-3 times daily always wash your hands immediately after use so that you do not transfer it to sensitive areas such as your lips or eyes. If this occurs, wash away with plenty of clean water. if your symptoms do not improve see your doctor

•

stop using Boots Heat Rub if you get excessive skin irritation or other unwanted effects.

Do not cover the skin with bandages, plasters or any other dressing. However, it is safe to cover the skin with your clothes. If you use more Boots Heat Rub than you should If you accidentally squeeze out too much cream use a tissue to wipe off any excess. If you or a child accidentally swallow the cream contact your doctor or hospital immediately. If you forget to use Boots Heat Rub If you forget to use the cream apply Boots Heat Rub again when you remember. Do not use the cream more than 3 times in one day.

4. Possible side effects Like all medicines Boots Heat Rub can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following effects may occur, particularly if you have sensitive skin or if you use Boots Heat Rub in hot weather or after a hot bath:

• temporary skin redness
• burning sensation
• rashes
• skin burns or blisters Stop using Boots Heat Rub and tell your doctor if you experience excessive skin irritation or other unwanted effects. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any

Possible side effects

not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of medicines.

How to store it

Boots Heat Rub Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Store below 25°C. Do not use after the expiry date which is printed on the tube and carton. The 'expiry' date refers to the last day of that month. Take any Boots Heat Rub that is out of date to a pharmacist for disposal.

6. Further information What Boots Heat Rub contains The active substances are:

• Methyl Salicylate 12.80% w/w
• Menthol 5.91% w/w
• Eucalyptus Oil 1.97% w/w
• Turpentine Oil 1.47% w/w The other ingredients are sodium cetostearyl sulfate, cetostearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, wool fat (lanolin), liquid paraffin and water (see the end of Section 2). What Boots Heat Rub looks like and contents of the pack Boots Heat Rub is a white cream. Each tube contains 35g. Marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer: The Mentholatum Company Limited, East Kilbride, G74 5PE, Scotland, UK Distributed by The Boots Company PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact The Boots Company PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA PL00189/5002R This leaflet was last revised in August 2022.

Artwork reference: D4233-3