If you undergo cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion treatments, laser hair removal, tattoos, or piercings, you may want to pay attention to a warning issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding popular over-the-counter topical pain-relief products.
The FDA has issued warning letters to six companies for marketing unapproved and misbranded products that contain higher-than-allowed concentrations of lidocaine. These products are used to alleviate pain associated with cosmetic procedures. However, the FDA has found that they can lead to serious side effects like irregular heartbeat, seizures, and breathing issues when used on large areas of skin or irritated skin.
To avoid severe injury, the FDA recommends using products with no more than 4% lidocaine and avoiding wrapping them on the skin with dressings or plastic wraps. Some of the affected products include TKTX Numb Maximum Strength Pain Reliever, NumbSkin Lidocaine Numbing Creams, Signature Tattoo Numbing Cream, Miracle Numb Spray, INK-EEZE Original B Numb Numbing Gel, among others.
If you’re concerned about your current product or want more information about these products, refer to the FDA’s warning on their website. Stay informed about trending stories by visiting Scrippsnews.com.
