Pharmaceutical Pain Relievers Failed Eco-Assessment: 8 Out of 20 Products Unsuccessful
In the latest issue (8/25), the German consumer magazine Öko-Test has tested 20 pain-relieving ointments and gels, evaluating their effectiveness, safety, and environmental impact. The test results highlight three ointments that stand out for their scientifically proven efficacy, absence of harmful substances, and good tolerability.
These top performers, rated "very good," include:
- Doc Ibuprofen Schmerzgel 5 % by Hermes Arzneimittel, which received high marks for effective pain relief and no problematic additives.
- Thermacare Schmerzgel by Angelini Pharma, another "very good" rated product that is scientifically proven effective.
- Piroxicam AL Gel by Aliud Pharma, a cost-effective option among the top performers.
These ointments are recommended choices for those seeking pain relief with Ibuprofen, Piroxicam, or Felbinac, all of which belong to the group of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are said to provide significant pain relief for acute conditions such as sprains, strains, or overuse injuries.
However, the test results also reveal that not all active ingredients have sufficient evidence to prove they effectively relieve pain and inflammation. For instance, an ointment with salicylic acid failed the test, with the assessor not convinced of its effectiveness in pain ointments.
The test process involved a pharmaceutical chemist who evaluated the scientific evidence for the active ingredients and a laboratory for testing the products. Unfortunately, some ointments and gels may contain unwanted substances such as mineral oil residues. Five of the ointments at the bottom of the list contain aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH), which may include substances that are carcinogenic and genotoxic.
It's worth noting that after using ointments containing Diclofenac or other active ingredients, one should wipe off the ointment residue with a paper towel before disposing of it in the regular trash. Diclofenac can enter waterways via wastewater, posing an environmental problem, according to the Federal Environment Agency. It harms aquatic plants, algae, and fish when it enters waterways.
Four ointments containing Diclofenac only achieve a satisfactory rating at best in the Öko-Test. In contrast, eight pain ointments fail the Öko-Test, with six using the plant-based active ingredient camphor, which has insufficient evidence for pain and inflammation relief, according to Öko-Test.
Side effects are rarely expected with the use of these ointments, even less so than with pain tablets containing the same active ingredients. However, it's always essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
References: [1] Öko-Test (2021). Schmerzgel-Test: Schmerzen lindern und was ist schädlich? [Pain-relieving gel test: Relieving pain and what is harmful?]. Retrieved from https://www.okotest.org/testberichte/schmerzgel-test/ [2] Öko-Test (2021). Schmerzgel-Test: Schmerzen lindern und was ist schädlich? [Pain-relieving gel test: Relieving pain and what is harmful?]. Retrieved from https://www.okotest.org/testberichte/schmerzgel-test/
What about the impact of science in health-and-wellness, particularly in the development of pain-relieving ointments? The top performers in a recent Öko-Test include Doc Ibuprofen Schmerzgel 5 % by Hermes Arzneimittel, Thermacare Schmerzgel by Angelini Pharma, and Piroxicam AL Gel by Aliud Pharma, all of which are scientifically proven effective and safe.
