Is it safe to use a pain-relief spray during pregnancy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 13 weeks pregnant and have had back pain for the last four days. Today, due to increased pain, I applied a topical spray that contains Diclofenac, linseed oil, Methyl salicylate, and Menthol. I would like to ask whether this can affect the pregnancy.

Kindly advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read the query and understand the concern.

A single use of this topical spray at 13 weeks of pregnancy is very unlikely to harm the baby.

At 13 weeks, the pregnancy is in the early second trimester. Medicines such as Diclofenac are generally of concern when used regularly after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and especially after 30 weeks.

Topical applications are absorbed through the skin in much smaller amounts compared to oral tablets, so the exposure to the baby is significantly lower. The composition of the spray, as you mentioned, includes:

Diclofenac used for pain and inflammation.
Methyl salicylate.
Menthol.
Linseed oil.

Among these, Diclofenac and Methyl salicylate are the ingredients that require caution during pregnancy. However, a single, limited application is not expected to cause harm, especially at this stage and when applied over a small area.

However, I would suggest:

Avoid using the spray again unless specifically advised by a gynecologist.
If any residue remains on the skin, it can be washed off with soap and water.
For back pain during pregnancy, Acetaminophen is generally considered the safer first-line medication.
Non-drug measures such as gentle stretching, applying a warm compress, and sleeping with a pillow between the knees may also help relieve discomfort.

Medical consultation is recommended if a large amount was used, if it was applied repeatedly over several days, or if it was used along with heat (such as a heating pad), as heat can increase drug absorption.

Back pain is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and changes in posture. However, if the pain has worsened over four days, it is important to assess for other symptoms such as:

Pain in the lower back versus the upper back.
Burning sensation during urination.
Fever.
Abdominal cramps.
Vaginal bleeding.

These symptoms may help differentiate between normal pregnancy-related back pain and conditions such as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

I hope it helps.

Thank you.