Did you know that Bengay works by increasing blood flow at the site of application to help ease aches and pains?
Did you also know that Bengay has been scientifically proven to increase one's range of motion and flexibility, while decreasing arthritic and muscular pain?
Did you know an active ingredient found in Bengay has been determined to be the cause of death of a 17-year old track star on April 13th?
A New York medical examiner said methyl salicylate, an anti-inflammatory found in sports creams such as Bengay and Icy Hot causes death. The New York City’s medical examiner blamed high levels of methyl salicylate as the cause of death for Arielle Newman, who was a 17-year old track star and cross-country runner at Notre Dame Academy on Staten Island.
The active ingredients found in Bengay vary by product version. Here are the levels of methyl salicylate found in three of Bengay’s products: Bengay Original contains 15% Methyl Salicylate, Bengay Muscle Pain/Ultra Strength - 50% and Bengay Arthritis Extra Strength – 30%. The medical examiner's spokeswoman, Ellen Borakove, said the teen used "topical medication to excess." She said it was the first time that her office had reported a death from using a sports cream.
The track star had gone to a party and reportedly spent several hours talking with her mother upon returning. Her mother is reported to be unbelieving of the medical examiner’s report. "I am scrupulous about my children's health," she told the Advance. "I did not think an over-the-counter (OTC) product could be unsafe."
Many consumers adopt the same attitude about OTC products. While it is unusual for deaths to occur from methyl salicylate poisoning, it was reported deaths from high levels of the chemical are rare. "Chronic use is more dangerous than one-time use," Edward Arsura, chairman of medicine at Richmond University Medical Center, told the Staten Island Advance on Friday. "Exercise and heat can accentuate absorption."
Dr. Ronald Grelsamer, of Mount Sinai Medical Center, said Newman had a very abnormal amount of methyl salicylate in her body. "She either lathered herself with it, or used way too much, or she used a normal amount and an abnormal percentage was absorbed into her body," he said.
Consumers please beware! Simply because a medication is available without the need for a prescription does not make it without adverse side effects which could lead to death. Drinking too much water can kill you. I remind you of the mother in a contest to win a Wii for her children for Christmas. She participated in a water drinking contest sponsored by a local radio station. She died hours after winning the contest due to hyponatremia, also known as water intoxication or water poisoning.
Avis is founder of El Elyon Outpouring Center, an Empowerment Outreach Ministry emphasizing God’s Unconditional Love and Grace and GeoVi’s Home for New Life, a nonprofit providing faith, hope, and love to teens, pregnant teens and their babies. She's CEO of Providential Coaching, a Christian Life coaching practice teaching young women how-to turn within for divine direction to learn and follow the plan God has for their lives. She's the host and creator of Devoted Housewives in the House of God, an Internet Radio Talk Show. Speaker, Seminar Leader and an Ambassador of Love. Avis respectfully acknowledges her deceased parents as her role models, and the hero and heroine in her life.
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)
» left by contak
4 years 246 days ago.
WoW! Thanks Everyone needs to know
» left by 4 years 246 days ago.
contak, thanks for reading! Yes, I said "WOW" when I read about this, too. People need to know! Have a happy day!
Avis,
I thought about you this morning. Is that ok? LOL Anyway, this doc mentioned that some of the toothpastes from China have a toxic ingredient in them (preservative) that is seriously endangering people's health. Have you heard about this?
» left by 4 years 245 days ago.
James, I'm nodding . . . uh huh, it's okay. And now, I'm thinking about you! LOL Yes, anyway, I was aware of the toothpaste danger. The same ingredients in anti-freeze and brake fluid were found in toothpaste "made in China." It's my understanding the brand sold in bargain stores is where it'll likely be found. Denture wearers need not worry, eh? Another advantage to having them!?
By the way James, thanks for stopping by and taking a read. Have a fantastic week! Funky tie! Another Garcia? LOL
Avis-Thanks so much for the information! that is so scary. I come from a very athletic family so it is really good to know! Great job! Keep the articles coming! You are such a joy to read!
» left by 4 years 244 days ago.
Asher, thank you very much for the compliments and comments. I wish as many people to know about this as possible. It is scary, I agree! From reading your first article, I liked your writing style. It's upbeat, informative, spiced with a bit of humour and holds the attention of the reader. We're not mutual fans for nothing! Take special care! (I love your name.)
Our kids were student atheletes and used Bengay and other such products. Thankfully, they didn't like the smell so didn't use the rub on pain relievers as often as the could have. My heart goes out to the folks who lost their child. Great info, Avis. I will be alerting others of this.
» left by 4 years 244 days ago.
I felt as your kids did about Bengay, couldn't get pass the smell. My sister recommended Aspercreme for this reason. As the comment below yours states, the salicylate is not methyl in it and Biofreeze is herbal. It contains only 3 ingredients. It costs more but requires less and I feel is safer. (Even before learning of this tragedy.) Thanks Lorrie for reading and commenting. I appreciate it very much. And like you, my heart goes out to that family. Please, let others know.
» left by Anonymous
4 years 244 days ago.
I have cerebral palsy and use a lot of aspercreme-like(but generic...it is cheaper) products that use trolomine salicylate to reduce inflammation and pain. It is different presumably than methyl salicilate. I could not live without it and other meds to reduce inflammation and muscle tightness. Aleve and diazepam are among my other meds.
Bob in AZ
» left by 4 years 244 days ago.
Bob, thank you for your comments and input! I'm happy you found another option. I've used aspercreme before and got results. I did research on it while writing this article. You are correct, the salicylate is different from the one found in Bengay and Icy Hot. As I stated in the comment above, Bio freeze has no chemicals but herbs. It lists only three ingredients. I am not prescribing it to you or anyone but it has worked for me. I am thankful you can get relief and be comfortable. Take good care, Bob. [warm smile]
» left by Roger Murro 4 years 244 days ago.
There are many other muscle creams, ointments that contain the same active ingredient as Bengay. See the list of creams containing this substance - Methyl Salicyclate at SAMHSA study on desilocal dot com
» left by 4 years 244 days ago.
Yes, there are many others and I wondered why the AP news article only mentioned two. I think getting the information out about Methyl salicylate being involved in a teen's death is a good thing. Thanks for commenting and providing valuable input to that end, Mr. Murro!
» left by Anonymous
3 years 268 days ago.
I don't know if it was helpful, but it was tragic by all accounts. Other than the girl's death, the main thing that was tragic was the stupidity of it all.
» left by Avis Ward 3 years 266 days ago.
131 fans.
Thank you for reading, and posting your comments. I agree, a tragic loss.
» left by Anonymous
3 years 250 days ago.
what will happen to me if i have bengay in my eye!?! will i go blind or something?!
» left by Avis Ward 3 years 248 days ago.
131 fans.
*shrugs* I'd try Visine or another opthalmic solution, if I were you. I'm positive Bengay isn't indicated for eye ailments. Thanks for reading, ya clown! *laffin'*
» left by Madi
from PA 3 years 203 days ago.
Thx for the great article!Just reading and learning about it now,and use Aspercreme and Biofreeze for my knee osteoarthritis. Good to know that deadly incredient is not in them.
» left by Avis Ward 3 years 202 days ago.
131 fans.
Madi, thanks for the great comment! I'm happy you found this article and are using safe products to manage your osteoarthritis. I pray you receive a miraculous healing of this disease. Be well and blessed. My best regards.
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