Prescription vs OTC Topical Pain Relief. What's the Difference?
The US topical pain market includes dozens of products across four distinct categories: true NSAIDs, counterirritants, local anesthetics, and prescription compounded formulations. They all go on your skin. But their mechanisms, potency, and clinical evidence vary dramatically. This guide covers every major product category so you can understand what each one actually does.
Most topical pain products sold in the US are not anti-inflammatories. Biofreeze, Icy Hot, Tiger Balm, and Aspercreme all work through sensory distraction or nerve numbing. not inflammation reduction. Only NSAIDs (like Voltaren and prescription ketorolac) actually inhibit the inflammatory cascade. Knowing the difference is the first step to choosing the right product for your pain.
No marketing spin. No rankings designed to sell you something. Just the pharmacology behind every major topical pain product on the market.
4
Distinct mechanism categories in topical pain
1
NSAID sold OTC as a topical in the US (diclofenac)
5-17x
Lower systemic exposure, topical vs oral diclofenac
- Topical pain products fall into four categories: true NSAIDs (Voltaren, prescription ketorolac), counterirritants (Biofreeze, Icy Hot, Tiger Balm), local anesthetics (Aspercreme), and compounded formulations. Each works through a different mechanism.
- Only NSAIDs reduce inflammation. Counterirritants and anesthetics provide real symptomatic relief but do not address the inflammatory process, which is appropriate for some types of pain.
- Diclofenac 1% gel is the only OTC topical NSAID available in the US. Voltaren sells it, and so do store brands and other labels, including Aspercreme Arthritis Pain (the same molecule at the same strength). Ketorolac is a different NSAID, available only on prescription after a provider review.
- Topical NSAIDs as a class produce lower systemic exposure than the same drug taken by mouth, studied most directly with diclofenac: topical diclofenac 1% gel produced 5 to 17 times lower systemic exposure than oral diclofenac in healthy volunteers (Kienzler 2010). Lower, not zero. Equivalent published data for compounded topical ketorolac do not exist.
Every Topical Pain Product Compared: Voltaren, Aspercreme, Biofreeze, Icy Hot
Every major topical pain product in the US, organized by mechanism. What they contain, what they do, and what they cost.
| Product | Active Ingredient | Mechanism | Anti-Inflammatory? | Rx Required? | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ketro RX Pain Gel | Ketorolac (Rx NSAID) | COX inhibitor. reduces prostaglandins | Yes. potent | Yes | $110-150 |
| Voltaren | Diclofenac 1% (OTC NSAID) | COX inhibitor. reduces prostaglandins | Yes. moderate (OTC strength) | No | ~$15-25 |
| Biofreeze | Menthol 4% | Counterirritant. activates cold receptors (TRPM8) | No | No | ~$8-15 |
| Icy Hot | Menthol + methyl salicylate | Counterirritant. cold then warm sensation | No | No | ~$8-15 |
| Aspercreme (Lidocaine) | Lidocaine 4% | Local anesthetic. blocks sodium channels | No | No | ~$10-15 |
| Aspercreme Arthritis | Diclofenac sodium 1% (OTC NSAID) | COX inhibitor. reduces prostaglandins | Yes. same molecule and strength as Voltaren | No | ~$15-25 |
| Aspercreme (Trolamine) | Trolamine salicylate 10% | Salicylate. Label purpose reads Topical analgesic | Not listed in FDA monograph M017 | No | ~$8-12 |
| Tiger Balm | Camphor + menthol | Counterirritant. warming + cooling sensation | No | No | ~$5-10 |
| Rx Ketoprofen (compounded) | Ketoprofen (Rx NSAID) | COX inhibitor. reduces prostaglandins | Yes. potent | Yes | Varies by pharmacy |
| Rx Compound (multi-drug) | Multiple agents (NSAID + others) | Multi-mechanism. tailored per patient | Yes (if NSAID included) | Yes | Varies by formulation |
How Topical Pain Products Actually Work
Every topical pain product falls into one of four mechanism categories. Understanding these categories is more important than comparing brand names. because two products in different categories do fundamentally different things, even if they sit on the same pharmacy shelf. The same question comes up condition by condition, including for an anti-inflammatory cream for plantar fasciitis.
1. Topical NSAIDs: Anti-Inflammatory Action
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin production at the tissue level. Prostaglandins mediate inflammation, swelling, heat, and pain. By reducing prostaglandin production at the source, topical NSAIDs treat the inflammatory process. not just the symptom. This is the only category that provides true anti-inflammatory action. For osteoarthritis specifically, the ACR strongly recommends topical NSAIDs for the knee and conditionally for the hand, and also conditionally recommends topical capsaicin for the knee. See anti-inflammatory cream for arthritis for the ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown.
Products: Voltaren Arthritis Pain and Aspercreme Arthritis Pain (both diclofenac 1%, OTC), store-brand diclofenac 1% gels (OTC), Ketro RX (ketorolac, Rx), ketoprofen (Rx), compounded multi-drug formulations (Rx).
Prescription-Strength NSAID
Ketorolac is a prescription NSAID. Every form of it, oral, injectable, ophthalmic and compounded topical, requires a prescription. A compounded topical version is prepared by a pharmacy to a prescriber's specification for one patient, which is not the same as a mass-manufactured, FDA-approved topical drug product.
2. Counterirritants: Sensory Distraction
Counterirritants create a competing sensation. cooling, warming, or both. that temporarily distracts the nervous system from deeper pain signals. Menthol activates TRPM8 cold receptors. Camphor and methyl salicylate activate TRPV1 warm receptors. The sensation feels like something is happening, but no inflammation is being treated. When the sensation fades, pain returns unchanged because the underlying process was never addressed.
Products: Biofreeze (menthol 4%), Icy Hot (menthol + methyl salicylate), Tiger Balm (camphor + menthol), Aspercreme trolamine salicylate (weak counterirritant, disputed efficacy).
3. Local Anesthetics: Nerve Signal Blocking
Local anesthetics block voltage-gated sodium channels in peripheral nerve fibers, preventing nerve impulses from initiating and conducting. This produces temporary numbness in the applied area. The inflammation, tissue damage, and biochemical pain generators remain completely unchanged. the anesthetic simply stops you from feeling them for a few hours. Duration is typically 2-4 hours per application.
Products: Aspercreme lidocaine (4%), other OTC lidocaine patches and creams.
4. Prescription Compounded Formulations: Multi-Mechanism
Compounding pharmacies create customized topical formulations prescribed by a physician for an individual patient. These can combine multiple active ingredients. NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, nerve agents, and penetration enhancers. in concentrations and combinations not available in any mass-market product. Each formulation is mixed per patient based on the prescribing physician's clinical judgment.
Products: Ketro RX Pain Gel (ketorolac, compounded by Precision Compounding Pharmacy), other compounded pain creams (vary by pharmacy and prescription).
Aspercreme vs Biofreeze vs Icy Hot vs Voltaren: What Is In Each One
Aspercreme and Biofreeze are not the same kind of product, and Aspercreme is not one product. Biofreeze is menthol, a counterirritant. Aspercreme is a brand covering three different active ingredients: lidocaine 4%, trolamine salicylate 10%, and diclofenac sodium 1% in Aspercreme Arthritis Pain, which is an NSAID.
The brand name tells you almost nothing here. What determines the mechanism is the active ingredient printed on the Drug Facts panel, and several of these brands sell products from different ingredient classes under one name. Every row below is taken from that product's current FDA Drug Facts label.
| Product | Active Ingredient (Drug Facts) | Ingredient Class | NSAID? | What the Label Says It Is For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voltaren Arthritis Pain | Diclofenac sodium 1% | NSAID. COX inhibitor | Yes | Temporary relief of arthritis pain, only in hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle or knee. Label says it may take up to 7 days to work |
| Aspercreme Arthritis Pain | Diclofenac sodium 1% | NSAID. COX inhibitor | Yes | Same indication and same directions as above. Same molecule at the same strength |
| Aspercreme with Lidocaine (creme) | Lidocaine HCl 4% | Topical anesthetic. Sodium channel blocker | No | Temporarily relieves minor pain. Apply every 6 to 8 hours, no more than 3 times in 24 hours |
| Aspercreme with Lidocaine (patch) | Lidocaine 4% | Topical anesthetic. Sodium channel blocker | No | Temporary relief of pain. One patch at a time, up to 3 to 4 times daily |
| Aspercreme Pain Relieving Creme (original) | Trolamine salicylate 10% | Label purpose reads Topical analgesic. Not listed in FDA monograph M017 | No | Temporarily relieves minor pain associated with arthritis, simple backache, muscle strains, sprains, bruises, cramps |
| Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel | Menthol 4% | Counterirritant. Cooling sensation | No | Temporary relief from minor aches and pains of sore muscles and joints associated with arthritis, backache, strains, sprain |
| Icy Hot Original (stick, balm, cream) | Menthol 10% and methyl salicylate 30% | Counterirritants. Cooling plus redness | No | Temporarily relieves minor pain associated with arthritis, simple backache, muscle strains, sprains, bruises, cramps |
| Ketro RX Pain Gel | Ketorolac, compounded per patient | NSAID. COX inhibitor. Prescription only | Yes | No OTC Drug Facts label. Compounded to a prescription after a licensed provider reviews your case |
The ingredient classes in column three follow FDA's OTC monograph M017 for external analgesic drug products, which lists menthol at 1.25 to 16% and methyl salicylate at 10 to 60% among counterirritants, and lidocaine at 0.5 to 4% among analgesic, anesthetic and antipruritic ingredients. Trolamine salicylate does not appear anywhere in M017. Diclofenac is not a monograph ingredient at all: OTC diclofenac gels are marketed under approved drug applications, which is also why they carry a 21 day limit and a dosing card and menthol gels do not.
Aspercreme vs Biofreeze
Different classes, so the comparison depends entirely on which Aspercreme. Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel is menthol 4%, a counterirritant that produces a cooling sensation. Aspercreme with Lidocaine is lidocaine 4%, a topical anesthetic that blocks sodium channels in peripheral nerve fibers. Neither is an NSAID, and neither label carries an anti-inflammatory indication. Aspercreme Arthritis Pain is the odd one out in the Aspercreme range: diclofenac sodium 1%, the same NSAID as Voltaren.
One practical difference sits in the directions. Biofreeze is labeled for adults and children 2 years and older, up to 4 times daily. Aspercreme with Lidocaine creme is labeled for adults and children over 12, every 6 to 8 hours, no more than 3 applications in 24 hours.
Is Aspercreme an NSAID? It Depends Which One
Three answers, because Aspercreme is three different drugs. Aspercreme Arthritis Pain is diclofenac sodium 1%, and diclofenac is an NSAID. Aspercreme with Lidocaine, in creme, patch, spray and roll-on forms, is lidocaine, an anesthetic, not an NSAID. The original Aspercreme Pain Relieving Creme is trolamine salicylate 10%, a salicylate whose label purpose reads Topical analgesic and which does not appear in FDA's external analgesic monograph.
Most of the comparison content on this topic online still says flatly that Aspercreme is not an NSAID. That was accurate before the brand added a diclofenac product, and it is worth checking the front of the box rather than the brand name.
Is Aspercreme Arthritis the Same as Voltaren?
Same active ingredient, same strength, same labeled use. Both are diclofenac sodium 1% gel indicated for the temporary relief of arthritis pain in the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle or knee, with the same 7 day onset language, the same 21 day limit, the same 4 times daily frequency and the same 2 body area cap. Diclofenac sodium 1% gel is also sold as a store brand: Costco, CVS, Target and Kroger all list one under an approved abbreviated new drug application. The differences between them are price, gel base and packaging, not the drug.
Does Icy Hot Contain an NSAID?
No NSAID appears on the Drug Facts panel. Icy Hot Original lists menthol 10% and methyl salicylate 30%, and its purpose line reads Topical analgesic. Methyl salicylate is a salicylate, chemically related to aspirin, and FDA's external analgesic monograph lists it among counterirritants, specifically the irritants that produce redness, at 10 to 60%. Its labeled use is temporary relief of minor pain associated with arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains, bruises and cramps. That is a different indication from the arthritis pain indication a diclofenac gel carries, and the two labels ask for different things: the salicylate carries an aspirin allergy alert and a burn warning, the diclofenac gel carries an NSAID stomach bleeding warning and a liver warning.
Where Ketro RX Pain Gel Sits
Ketorolac is a prescription NSAID that works through the same COX inhibition pathway as diclofenac. It has no OTC Drug Facts label because there is no OTC ketorolac: every form of the drug requires a prescription, and the topical version is compounded to order by a pharmacy after a licensed provider reviews your case. Compounded medications are not reviewed by FDA for effectiveness, and there is no head to head trial comparing a compounded topical ketorolac against OTC diclofenac gel, so nothing here ranks one above the other. A licensed provider can advise where each option fits, given your history and what you have used. Our full Voltaren comparison goes further into that difference.
Prescription NSAID vs OTC Categories
The core question: does the product treat inflammation or provide temporary symptomatic relief? Here is how prescription topical NSAIDs compare to the three OTC categories.
Prescription NSAID (Ketorolac)
Treats the inflammatory process at the tissue level. COX inhibition reduces prostaglandin production. Physician-supervised, compounded per patient.
- NSAID. Inhibits COX enzymes
- Ketorolac, a prescription-only NSAID
- Compounded per patient to a prescriber's specification
- Topical NSAIDs as a class show lower systemic exposure than the same drug by mouth, studied most directly with diclofenac
- No significant difference in GI adverse events vs placebo in osteoarthritis trials of topical NSAIDs
- Provider reviews your case before it is dispensed
OTC (Non-NSAID Products)
Counterirritants create competing sensations. Anesthetics numb nerve signals. Neither category treats the inflammatory process generating pain.
- No anti-inflammatory action (except OTC diclofenac gels)
- Temporary symptom masking (2-4 hours)
- Pain returns when effect wears off
- No COX inhibition or prostaglandin reduction
- Underlying inflammation untreated
- No physician oversight or customization
Important Exception: OTC Diclofenac
Diclofenac 1% gel is the one OTC active ingredient here that IS a true NSAID, and it is sold as Voltaren Arthritis Pain, as Aspercreme Arthritis Pain and as store brands. It inhibits COX enzymes and reduces prostaglandin production. the same mechanism as prescription ketorolac, but at lower potency. For mild to moderate inflammatory pain, Voltaren is a legitimate anti-inflammatory option without a prescription. The trade-off: fixed 1% concentration, no customization, and lower potency than prescription alternatives. See our Ketro RX vs Voltaren comparison.
Clinical Evidence: What the Research Shows
Peer-reviewed data on topical NSAID efficacy, counterirritant limitations, and the safety advantages of topical vs oral delivery.
61
Trials in the Cochrane Review
Cochrane's review of topical NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal pain included 61 studies: 5,311 participants on a topical NSAID, 3,470 on placebo, 220 on an oral NSAID.
3.7
NNT, Topical Diclofenac, Acute MSK Pain
In a Cochrane review subgroup of two studies (314 participants) testing diclofenac Emulgel for acute musculoskeletal pain, the number needed to treat was 1.8. Across all topical diclofenac formulations in that review it was 3.7. These are diclofenac figures, not ketorolac.
= Placebo
GI Adverse Events vs Placebo, Osteoarthritis
A meta-analysis in osteoarthritis found no significant difference in the odds of gastrointestinal disorders between topical NSAIDs and placebo, at an odds ratio of 0.96 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.27).
Topical Diclofenac: 5 to 17 Times Lower Systemic Exposure Than Oral
Topical diclofenac 1% gel produced 5 to 17 times lower systemic exposure than oral diclofenac in healthy volunteers, measured as area under the curve over 24 hours in a 40-person crossover study (Kienzler 2010). It is an exposure measurement in one drug, not an efficacy result, and it does not transfer to other molecules. What it supports is the general principle behind topical NSAIDs as a class: more of the dose stays near the application site and less circulates. Lower systemic exposure is not zero systemic exposure.
Kienzler et al., J Clin Pharmacol 2010. Systemic Bioavailability of Topical Diclofenac
Counterirritants. Sensory Distraction, Not Treatment
Menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate work through TRP channel activation in sensory neurons. creating competing thermal sensations that temporarily reduce pain perception. A systematic review of menthol-based topicals found some short-term analgesic benefit, but no evidence of anti-inflammatory action, tissue-level changes, or disease modification. The pain relief is real but transient, and the underlying condition progresses untreated. For chronic inflammatory conditions, counterirritants do not address the disease process.
Pergolizzi JV et al. The Role of Topical Analgesics in Pain Management. Pain Ther. 2021;10:1063-1075.
Topical Ketorolac: Compounded to a Prescription
Ketorolac is a prescription NSAID that inhibits COX enzymes, the same mechanism as the topical NSAIDs with a published trial record. Oral and injectable ketorolac are FDA-approved and generally limited to short courses. A topical version is not an FDA-approved drug product: a compounding pharmacy prepares it to a prescriber's specification for one patient, and compounded medications are not reviewed by FDA for effectiveness. No published trial compares a compounded topical ketorolac with an OTC diclofenac gel.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Cochrane Systematic Review
61 Randomized Controlled Trials
LegitScript Certified
When OTC Is Enough vs When to Consider Prescription
An honest framework based on pain type, severity, and what each category of product can actually do.
OTC May Be Sufficient
Diclofenac 1% gel is the only OTC topical NSAID available in the US. Voltaren sells it, and so do store brands and other labels, including Aspercreme Arthritis Pain, the same molecule at the same strength. It suits mild to moderate pain that responds to standard treatment.
- Mild muscle soreness after exercise
- Minor strains and sprains during recovery
- Mild joint stiffness with low inflammation
- Intermittent pain that resolves within days
- Temporary relief while waiting for a medical appointment
- Budget is a primary consideration
- No-prescription, immediate access preferred
Consider Prescription Strength
Prescription topical NSAIDs deliver higher potency, customized formulation, and physician oversight for pain that needs more than OTC can provide.
- Pain not controlled by OTC after consistent use
- Diagnosed inflammatory conditions (arthritis, TMJ, tendinitis such as tennis elbow)
- Moderate-to-severe pain requiring stronger treatment
- Chronic pain that keeps returning
- Currently taking oral NSAIDs and want to reduce GI risk
- Deep-tissue inflammation needing higher potency
- Post-surgical recovery requiring prescription-level intervention
- Pain where counterirritants and numbing agents are not enough
A Note on Counterirritants
Products like Biofreeze, Icy Hot, and Tiger Balm have a place. they provide fast, temporary sensory relief and many people find them helpful for mild discomfort. But it is important to understand what they are and what they are not. They are counterirritants that create competing sensations. They are not anti-inflammatories. If your pain is driven by an inflammatory process, a counterirritant addresses the symptom without treating the cause. For inflammatory pain, the appropriate comparison is between OTC NSAIDs (Voltaren) and prescription NSAIDs (ketorolac).
Prescription Strength + Daily Maintenance
Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory for pain and flares. Daily topical magnesium for ongoing muscle tension and recovery. Both applied directly where you need them. not through your whole body first.
Prescription Strength
RX Pain Gel
Prescription topical ketorolac, an NSAID that requires a prescription in every form. Originally developed by the same compounding team that works with professional sports organizations, including the Boston Red Sox. Compounded per patient by a US pharmacy and applied where it hurts. Online provider review included.
- Ketorolac, a prescription-only NSAID
- Applied where it hurts, not swallowed
- Topical NSAIDs as a class show lower systemic exposure than the same drug by mouth, studied most directly with diclofenac
- Compounded per order by US pharmacy
- Online physician consultation included
Daily Maintenance
CALM Magnesium Cream
Skincare-formulated topical magnesium for daily muscle tension, soreness, and recovery. Magnesium plays a direct role in muscle relaxation and contraction. Fast-absorbing, non-greasy, no sting. formulated like premium skincare, not drugstore. No prescription needed.
- Premium transdermal magnesium delivery
- Supports muscle relaxation and recovery
- Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula
- Formulated like skincare, not drugstore
- No prescription needed
Prescription vs OTC Topical Pain Relief FAQ
Sources and Citations
- Derry S, Moore RA, Gaskell H, McIntyre M, Wiffen PJ. Topical NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015;(6):CD007402. PMC6426435
- Derry S, Conaghan P, Da Silva JA, Wiffen PJ, Moore RA. Topical NSAIDs for chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016;(4):CD007400. PubMed 27103611
- Kienzler JL, Gold M, Nollevaux F. Systemic bioavailability of topical diclofenac sodium gel 1% versus oral diclofenac sodium in healthy volunteers. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2010;50(1):50-61. doi:10.1177/0091270009336234
- Honvo G, Leclercq V, Geerinck A, et al. Safety of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in osteoarthritis: outcomes of a systematic review and meta-analysis. Drugs & Aging. 2019;36(Suppl 1):45-64. PMC6509095
- Diclofenac vs Ketorolac: Clinical Comparison. Drugs.com. drugs.com/compare/diclofenac-vs-ketorolac
- Becker DE, Reed KL. Local Anesthetics: Review of Pharmacological Considerations. Anesthesia Progress. 2012;59(2):90-102. doi:10.2344/0003-3006-59.2.90
- Cross SE et al. Is there tissue penetration after application of topical salicylate formulations? Lancet. 1997;350(9078):636.
- FDA OTC Monograph Review. Topical Analgesic Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use. Federal Register.
- Pergolizzi JV et al. The Role of Topical Analgesics in Pain Management. Pain Ther. 2021;10:1063-1075.
- Topical vs Oral NSAID Safety and Efficacy. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PMC. 2024. PMC10980447
- Ketorolac. StatPearls. NCBI Bookshelf. NBK545172
- US Food and Drug Administration. Over-the-Counter Monograph M017: External Analgesic Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use. Final Administrative Order OTC000033. accessdata.fda.gov
- Aspercreme Arthritis (diclofenac sodium 1%) gel and Voltaren Arthritis Pain (diclofenac sodium 1%) gel. FDA Drug Facts labels, DailyMed. setid 81f78685-c416-48b5-8840-eef03a66bc28 and setid 30a94282-0892-442a-aa10-6525cbd4fe88
- Aspercreme with Lidocaine pain relieving creme (lidocaine HCl 4%), Aspercreme with Lidocaine patch (lidocaine 4%) and Aspercreme Pain Relieving Creme (trolamine salicylate 10%). FDA Drug Facts labels, DailyMed. setid d5da67c3, setid 7ad8efa9, setid 97dd587b
- Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel (menthol 4%) and Icy Hot pain relieving stick, balm and cream (menthol 10%, methyl salicylate 30%). FDA Drug Facts labels, DailyMed. setid 83d5c2f2 and setid 40c8c02f
Product-Specific Comparisons
Ketro RX vs Voltaren
Prescription ketorolac vs OTC diclofenac 1%. Both are topical NSAIDs. Ketorolac is traditionally reserved for hospital and ED use.
Compare →Ketro RX vs Aspercreme
Prescription NSAID vs lidocaine anesthetic. Treating inflammation vs numbing nerve signals. Fundamentally different mechanisms.
Compare →Arthritis
The ACR strongly recommends topical NSAIDs for knee osteoarthritis and conditionally recommends them for hand osteoarthritis. Topical capsaicin is also conditionally recommended for knee OA.
Learn More →TMJ / Jaw Pain
The masseter sits right under the skin. ideal for topical delivery. Prescription ketorolac applied directly to the jaw.
Learn More →Back Pain
Superficial back muscles respond well to topical anti-inflammatory treatment. Prescription strength for persistent pain.
Learn More →Neck & Shoulder
Desk tension, stress knots, and chronic neck pain. Topical delivery to superficial trapezius and cervical muscles.
Learn More →Prescription topical ketorolac, compounded per patient and applied where it hurts. Topical NSAIDs as a class show lower systemic exposure than the same drug by mouth. Lower, not zero.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Individual results may vary. Ketro RX Pain Gel requires a prescription. Voltaren is a trademark of GSK. Biofreeze is a trademark of Performance Health. Icy Hot is a trademark of Chattem/Sanofi. Aspercreme is a trademark of Chattem/Sanofi. Tiger Balm is a trademark of Haw Par Corporation. Ketro is not affiliated with any of these brands. Clinical data referenced from published peer-reviewed studies.
Ketro RX Pain Gel
Prescription-strength topical NSAID