Panaflex Pain Relief Patch

Panaflex Pain Relief Patch is a topical, adhesive hydrogel patch marketed under the Panadol brand by Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare) and sold in Malaysia and Singapore as an OTC (Over-the-Counter) external-use product. It is applied directly onto the skin over areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, elbows or knees and is intended for external use only; unlike the oral Panadol tablet range, it is never swallowed and contains no paracetamol.

The patch’s active ingredients are Glycol Salicylate, L-Menthol and DL-Camphor, combined in a water-based hydrogel matrix together with DL-Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E). This formulation gives Panaflex Pain Relief Patch its characteristic cooling sensation and minty scent, and distinguishes it from oil-based topical rubs and from medicated NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) patches such as diclofenac patches, which use an entirely different active ingredient. Panaflex is a hypoallergenic, non-greasy patch designed to be worn discreetly under clothing.

In Malaysia, Panaflex Pain Relief Patch is commonly sold in packets of 2 patches, with larger multi-patch packs also available from some retailers. It is available without a prescription as an OTC product through community pharmacies and licensed online pharmacies such as DoctorOnCall, and is intended for use by adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above.

Wash and thoroughly dry the area of skin where the patch will be applied before use. Peel away the protective backing film from the hydrogel patch, taking care not to touch the adhesive gel surface with your fingers. Apply the patch firmly and smoothly onto the clean, dry, unbroken skin over the affected muscle or joint, pressing down at the edges to ensure it adheres well. Each patch is designed for a single application and should not be reused once removed. Wash your hands after applying or removing the patch, and avoid applying it to the face, broken skin, rashes, eyes, or mucous membranes.

For adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above, apply one patch to the affected area, leaving it in place for up to 8 hours before removing it. Up to 2 patches may be used within a 24-hour period unless a doctor or pharmacist advises otherwise. Do not apply a new patch to the same area immediately after removing one; allow the skin to rest between applications. This product is intended for short-term, self-limited use; if discomfort persists beyond 7 days, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or restricted movement, stop using the patch and consult a doctor or pharmacist rather than continuing to reapply patches. Panaflex Pain Relief Patch is not intended for children under 12 years of age.

Use Panaflex Pain Relief Patch before the expiry date printed on the individual patch sachet and on the outer packaging. Once a sachet is opened, use the patch promptly, as an opened patch that is not applied may dry out and lose adhesion and effectiveness.

Store Panaflex Pain Relief Patch at room temperature, generally below 30°C, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep each patch in its sealed, individual sachet until ready for use, and reseal or discard opened sachets promptly. Keep the product out of the reach and sight of children and pets, and dispose of used patches carefully, as a used patch can still contain active ingredient residue.

• Common: Mild, temporary warming or cooling sensation at the application site.
• Common: Slight redness or tingling of the skin where the patch was applied.
• Common: Mild itchiness or a feeling of skin tightness under the patch.
• Serious: Skin blistering, burning sensation, or broken skin at the application site, which needs prompt medical attention.
• Serious: Signs of an allergic skin reaction such as significant swelling, spreading rash, or hives, which should be assessed by a doctor or pharmacist.
• Serious: Signs of a wider allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips or throat, which requires urgent medical care.

• Known allergy or hypersensitivity to salicylates (including aspirin), menthol, camphor, or any other component of the patch.
• Application to broken, cut, infected, or irritated skin, open wounds, rashes, eczema, or recent surgical sites.
• Use on children below 12 years of age.
• Application near the eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, or other mucous membranes.
• Use together with a heating pad, hot water bottle, heat lamp, or tight bandaging directly over the patch, as this can increase the risk of skin burns.

• Panaflex Pain Relief Patch is applied to the skin and, when used as directed, results in only limited absorption of salicylate into the bloodstream, but individuals who are taking oral aspirin, other salicylate medicines, or blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin should tell their doctor or pharmacist before using multiple salicylate-containing products together.
• Do not apply Panaflex Pain Relief Patch at the same time as other topical rubs, gels, sprays, or patches containing salicylates, menthol, or camphor on the same area of skin, as this combination does not add extra relief and increases the risk of skin irritation or burns.
• There is no established food interaction with Panaflex Pain Relief Patch, as it is applied topically rather than taken by mouth.
• Panaflex Pain Relief Patch does not contain paracetamol, so it does not add to the total paracetamol dose if used alongside oral Panadol products; however, always check the ingredient label of any other pain-relief product used at the same time to avoid unintentionally duplicating active ingredients.

• Apply the patch to clean, dry, intact skin for the best adhesion and comfort.
• Avoid shaving the application area immediately before use, as this can make skin more sensitive to the patch.
• Remove the patch gently and slowly to reduce skin irritation, especially on more sensitive areas.
• Do not cover the patch tightly with clothing, bandages, or heat sources while it is in use.
• Keep track of when each patch was applied so you do not exceed the recommended number of patches in 24 hours.
• Check the ingredient list on any other topical product before combining it with Panaflex Pain Relief Patch to avoid duplicating salicylates, menthol, or camphor.

Precautions: Panaflex Pain Relief Patch is for external use on intact skin only and should never be swallowed or applied to the eyes, mouth, or open wounds. People with a known allergy to aspirin or other salicylates, sensitive skin, or a history of skin allergies should perform a small patch test or check with a pharmacist before wider use. Use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and in children below 12 years, should only be considered after discussion with a doctor or pharmacist, as safety data for these groups is limited. Do not use more than the recommended number of patches per day, and avoid combining it with other topical products containing similar ingredients.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Stop using Panaflex Pain Relief Patch and seek medical advice if the treated area becomes increasingly painful, swollen, blistered, or shows signs of infection, or if pain does not improve after several days of use. Seek urgent medical attention if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash. If you are unsure whether Panaflex Pain Relief Patch is suitable for your condition, current medicines, or skin type, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.