FDA Warning: Consumers Advised Not to Use Arrow Brand Medicated Oil & - Embrocation or Aceite Medicinal La Flecha

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May 27, 2010, 05:12 ET

'Medicated' oil claiming to treat multitude of ailments is potentially toxic

SILVER SPRING, Md., May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers not to purchase or use a product called "Arrow Brand Medicated Oil & Embrocation," also labeled as "Aceite Medicinal La Flecha" (Spanish) or Mandarin. The product is potentially toxic and contains two substances, methyl salicylate and camphor, which are poisonous when ingested.

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Methyl salicylate and camphor also may be poisonous when applied to a large area of the skin, or when combined with heat to increase absorption of the active ingredients. Children are particularly susceptible to poisoning from these ingredients.

Symptoms of poisoning from these ingredients could include: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, visual changes, dizziness and mental confusion. Some cases of accidental overdose of methyl salicylate and camphor have been fatal.

FDA preliminary testing on product samples also revealed a compound that appears to be diethylene glycol (DEG), an ingredient used in antifreeze, which may be toxic if ingested. Further testing is needed to confirm the presence of DEG.

The product is sold primarily on the Internet and in specialty stores that serve Asian and Latino communities. The FDA is asking retailers to remove the product from store shelves.

For more information

FDA Questions and Answers for the Public in English

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/QuestionsAnswers/ucm213484.htm

Questions and Answers in Spanish

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/QuestionsAnswers/ucm213661.htm

Questions and Answers in Mandarin

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/QuestionsAnswers/ucm213662.htm

Media Inquiries: Elaine Gansz Bobo, 301-796-7567, [email protected]

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration