RUB A535 is a rubefacient

Rubefacient

A rubefacient is a substance for topical application that produces redness of the skin e.g. by causing dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation. There is limited evidence as to their efficacy ; and as of 2010 the best evidence does not support using gels and creams...

 introduced in 1919 and manufactured by Church and Dwight

Church and Dwight

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. is a minor U.S. manufacturer of household products that is based in Princeton, New Jersey. While it manufactures many items, it is by far best known for its Arm & Hammer line which includes baking soda and many other items made with it. The company was founded in 1896 to...

 in Canada.

While relatively unknown outside of Canada (it is not sold in the US), it is indeed a popular product for the treatment of tough muscle pain, arthritic pains, rheumatic pains, bursitis

Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae of synovial fluid in the body. The bursae rest at the points where internal functionaries, such as muscles and tendons, slide across bone. Healthy bursae create a smooth, almost frictionless functional gliding surface making normal movement painless...

, lumbago, etc. Church and Dwight claim that (on their website) nearly all the research, development and production of RUB A535 was and still is done in Canada. Patients who are allergic to salicylates (ASA based drugs, such as Aspirin

Aspirin

Aspirin , also known as acetylsalicylic acid , is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication. It was discovered by Arthur Eichengrun, a chemist with the German company Bayer...

 ), or who are taking anticoagulant

Anticoagulant

An anticoagulant is a substance that prevents coagulation of blood. A group of pharmaceuticals called anticoagulants can be used in vivo as a medication for thrombotic disorders. Some anticoagulants are used in medical equipment, such as test tubes, blood transfusion bags, and renal dialysis...

medications should avoid the use of the product. It is also recommended to not use it more than 3-4 times a day.

Varieties

Currently, RUB A535 has been released in a variety of products:

• Originally, it was produced in a particular white cream, carrying a rather offensive medical odor.
• Recently, the name was also given to a line of dual action back patches that change temperature (known as Hot-Cold patches).
• An improved cream was also developed, claiming to be odorless, differing from their normal cream, which carries the same smell as most topical analgesics.
• As of 2008 the "Ultra Heat" sport stick was released and shipped to many provinces including Manitoba. The package looks like an orange deodorant stick, that is a little taller than usual. Says sport along the left side. Comes in a 100g stick, is a spearmint smelling cream, and gets dispensed by turning the dial at the bottom like deodorant, and it is forced through three slits at the top, under a cap.
• There is also a cold A535 named "Ice"

Additional References

RUB A535 is often referred to by the shorter expression "A535". As the product is particularly Canadian, this usage may be only somewhat local. Meanwhile, for French-speaking consumers in Canada, the name Antiphlogistine is used instead.

External links

• The RUB A535 webpage on Church and Dwight's.