Prescription painkillers undergo 'Eco-examination': Disappointing results as 8 out of 20 medications fail the test
In the latest issue of Öko-Test (8/25), 20 pain-relieving ointments and gels were put to the test. The assessment involved a pharmaceutical chemist who evaluated the scientific evidence for the active ingredients.
Five of the tested ointments contained either Ibuprofen, Felbinac, or Piroxicam, which are part of a group of drugs known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Three of these five ointments containing Ibuprofen received the highest rating of "very good" in the test. However, one ointment containing Felbinac and another with Piroxicam fell short, with the latter receiving at best a satisfactory rating.
Interestingly, an ointment containing Salicylic acid also failed, and its effectiveness in pain-relieving ointments is not convincing to the assessor. On the other hand, top-rated pain-relieving ointments for joint pain typically include those with active ingredients such as menthol, methyl salicylate, capsaicin, cannabidiol (CBD), turmeric extract (curcumin), Boswellia Serrata, glucosamine, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane).
When it comes to environmental concerns, Diclofenac can enter waterways through wastewater and cause harm to aquatic plants, algae, and fish. The German Environment Agency states that sewage treatment plants cannot fully retain Diclofenac. As a precaution, users should wipe off the ointment residue with a paper towel before washing hands, a recommendation that applies to pain-relieving ointments with other active ingredients, according to Öko-Test.
Sadly, eight pain-relieving ointments failed the Öko-Test, with one rated as inadequate and seven as unsatisfactory. Five of the failed ointments at the bottom of the list contain aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH), which may include substances that are carcinogenic and genotoxic.
While some synthetic ingredients and preservatives may have environmental persistence or allergenic potential, no explicit warnings about ineffectiveness or environmental harm were detailed in the provided results for these common active ingredients. However, caution is advised for creams with poorly studied synthetic ingredients or those with known irritants not supported by clinical evidence.
For example, BalMorex Pro, Flexorol, Flexigenics, Joy Organics Premium CBD Sports Cream, Aspen Green Relief Cooling Cream, and Icy Hot are some of the top-rated ointments that combine well-studied natural extracts and/or symptomatic analgesics, providing effective pain relief. Ingredients like menthol and methyl salicylate, while effective for symptom relief, can cause skin irritation and should be used with care, especially in sensitive populations.
It's essential to remember that the towel used for wiping should not be flushed down the toilet but disposed of in the regular trash. The products were also sent to a laboratory for further testing. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
The critique of health-and-wellness products extends beyond pain-relieving ointments, as environmental-science concerns have been raised regarding the use of certain active ingredients. For instance, Diclofenac, a common ingredient in pain-relieving ointments, can potentially harm aquatic life. Under the umbrella of science, nutrition also plays a role in health and wellness. Top-rated pain-relieving ointments often incorporate active ingredients like menthol, which is also found in nutrition therapies and treatments, known for its role in symptom relief but with potential for skin irritation.
