camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate (topical)

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Pronunciation: KAM for, LYE doe kane, METH il sa LIS i late TOP ik al

Brand: Viva

What is the most important information I should know about camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate?

Camphor is a mild pain reliever.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Methyl salicylate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in a group of drugs called salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates). This medicine works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

Camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to provide temporary relief of mild to moderate aches and pains of the muscles and joints. This medicine may be used for pain caused by muscle stiffness or bruising, arthritis, sprains or strains, backaches, and sore or bruised muscles.

Camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate?

This medicine contains methyl salicylate, which is an NSAID. An NSAID can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while using an NSAID.

Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

An NSAID may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using and NSAID, especially in older adults.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to camphor, lidocaine, or methyl salicylate.

To make sure camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate is safe for you, tell your doctor if:

  • you have high blood pressure or heart disease;
  • you have ever had a stomach ulcer or bleeding problems;
  • you drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day;
  • you have kidney disease;
  • you are allergic to any skin products; or
  • you are allergic to any NSAID (aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, naproxen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and others).

Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant. Using methyl salicylate during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby, or cause bleeding in the mother or the baby during delivery.

It is not known whether camphor, lidocaine, or methyl salicylate could pass into breast milk or harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I use camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

This medicine comes in a patch that you apply to your skin.

Keep the patch away from your mouth, nose, and eyes.

Wash your hands before applying a skin patch, and after removing it.

Open the foil pouch and remove one skin patch. Reseal the pouch to protect the remaining patches.

Remove the protective film from the sticky side of the patch. Apply the patch to clean and dry skin.

Do not apply the patch over open wounds or sunburned, windburned, damaged, or irritated skin. Do not apply the skin patch to your face or your genitals.

Do not wear more than one skin patch at a time. Using extra skin patches will not make the medicine more effective, and could increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

It may take up to several hours before you notice pain relief while wearing the skin patch.

Remove the skin patch after 8 to 12 hours and replace it with a new one if needed. Do not use more than 2 skin patches in a 24-hour period.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using this medicine.

After removing a skin patch: fold it in half firmly with the sticky side in, and throw it away in a place where children and pets cannot get to it.

Store unused skin patches at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep each patch in the foil pouch until ready to use. After opening a pouch, you must use the skin patches within 7 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if a child has placed a skin patch into his or her mouth.

What should I avoid while using camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate?

Do not expose treated skin to heat from a hot tub, heating pad, or sauna. Heat can increase the amount of drug absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Rinse with water if the medicine gets in your eyes.

What are the possible side effects of camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Remove the skin patch and get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when medicine is applied to your skin, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • worsening of your muscle pain;
  • skin rash, itching, or irritation;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • new or worsening stomach pain; or
  • signs of stomach bleeding --bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

  • a diuretic or "water pill";
  • a blood thinner --warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
  • an NSAID --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about camphor, lidocaine, and methyl salicylate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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