Atrogel – Arnica gel for muscle and joint pain

Atrogel^® is a herbal remedy made from extracts of fresh Arnica flowers and is an easy-to-apply non-greasy gel. It is ideal if you are looking for a treatment to relieve pain in conditions such as muscle aches or pains, stiffness or after sporting injuries. It can be used up to 4 times a day.

Atrogel^® Arnica gel may be used to relieve pain and bruising in adults, children and the elderly. Apply 2 to 10 cm of the gel gently to the affected area. Use between 2 and 4 times daily for pain relief.

Don’t use Atrogel^® if you have broken or irritated skin, if you are allergic to arnica preparations or other members of the daisy (Asteraceae / Compositae) family, or any of the other ingredients.

Use within 5 months of opening.

The active ingredient is the liquid extract of fresh Arnica flowers. 1g of gel contains 500mg of extract which is equivalent to an average of 160mg fresh Arnica flowers. The other ingredients are ethanol, purified water, glycerol (plant origin) and ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer (thickener).

After opening, store below 25^oC and use within 6 months.

Like all arnica products used externally, Atrogel^® Arnica gel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Minor side effects can occur when using Atrogel^® Arnica gel. These are likely to affect less than 1 in every 10 people and may take the form of skin reactions (itching, skin rash, dry skin, contact dermatitis).

Discontinue the use of arnica gel if you find these side effects are troubling you. If they persist, become serious or are worrying to you, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, talk to a doctor, pharmacist or healthcare practitioner.

If Atrogel^® Arnica gel is swallowed by mistake contact your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare practitioner immediately.

1. I thought that arnica was only for use in bruises or when bruising occurs?

Arnica has a long history of use as a bruise treatment and this has been its most popular use in the past, when taken in the form of homeopathic arnica tablets. In the form of a gel obtained from freshly harvested herbs, as with Atrogel^®, arnica has a traditional use for the relief of pain.

2. So can I use Atrogel^® Arnica gel for bruises?

Yes, arnica herb can also be used externally as a treatment for bruises. Atrogel^® contains extracts of freshly picked arnica flowers, is licensed as a herbal remedy for bruising, as well as the relief of pain in conditions giving rise to pain and stiffness in muscles and the tissue around joints.

3. What is the difference between Arnica gel and homeopathic Arnica?

Arnica gel is a herbal product for use topically or externally. This is distinct to arnica taken as small pills or tincture, as a homeopathic remedy, used by some people for the treatment or prevention of bruising. Like other similar remedies, homeopathic arnica is made in a special way which leads it to be diluted successively – the final result is that it behaves in a different way from the original material it started from.

4. How long can I use Arnica gel for?

There is no restriction to the use of Atrogel^® Arnica gel externally – you can use it as long as you need pain relief.

5. Can I use Arnica gel if I’m taking painkillers internally?

Yes, Atrogel^® Arnica gel may be used alongside all other painkilling medication.

6. Can I use Arnica gel on my children?

Yes, Atrogel^® Arnica gel may be used on children of any age.

7. Can I use it during pregnancy?

Arnica gel is suitable for use in pregnancy as long as you have spoken to a healthcare professional. It is also suitable for use whilst breastfeeding.

8. I am asthmatic and can’t use some of the painkillers that most people can have, not even the rub-on gels. Can I use Atrogel^® Arnica Gel?

Yes, there is no reason for asthmatics not to use Atrogel^® Arnica Gel, which is a gel that is applied topically to painful areas.

9. I am already on a lot of painkillers, but sometimes my joints are really hurting me, especially when I’m in bed – can I use Atrogel^® alongside my other painkillers?

Atrogel^® Arnica Gel can be used alongside any other painkilling medication. This makes it very useful for people who cannot take more of the medication they are on. Rub it gently on to painful areas before bed and reapply if waking in the night with pain.

10. I have a stomach ulcer. Can I use Atrogel^® Arnica Gel? My doctor says there are lots of painkillers I can’t use.

Atrogel^® Arnica Gel is a topical application and is not contraindicated with any digestive ulcers, including stomach ulcers.