FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use Arrow Brand Medicated Oil & Embrocation

May 29 2010

FDA Warning: Consumers Advised Not to Use Arrow Brand Medicated Oil & - Embrocation, Aceite Medicinal La Flecha, or "箭嘜驅風油"
"Medicated" oil claiming to treat multitude of ailments is potentially toxic

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 "箭嘜驅風油 (Mandarin)." The product is potentially toxic and contains two substances, methyl salicylate and camphor, which are poisonous when ingested.

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.

http://www.fda.gov