Medical Oil Warning Issued

5/28/2010
The FDA has issued a warning to consumers not to purchase or use the product Aceite Medicinal La Flecha or Mandarin) because the product is potentially toxic, containing methyl salicylate and camphor. These 2 substances are poisonous when ingested and may be poisonous if applied to a large skin area or combined with heat to increase absorption. Children are especially susceptible to poisoning from these ingredients. Symptoms of poisoning include: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, visual changes, dizziness, and mental confusion. Accidental methyl salicylate and camphor overdosing can be fatal. FDA preliminary product sample testing also found what appears to be diethylene glycol (DEG), an ingredient used in antifreeze that may be toxic if ingested. Additional testing will be necessary to identify its presence. The oil is sold primarily on the Internet and in specialty stores that cater to Asian and Latino communities. Retailers are asked to remove the product from store shelves.
Clin-eguide™ is an online clinical decision support tool that provides the most accurate evidence-based information for health care providers in the clinical setting. It integrates trusted content from Ovid, Facts & Comparisons®, and Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, as well as other premier publishers.