Eight pain medications tested for environmental impact fail the ecological evaluation.
In the latest issue of Öko-Test (8/25), a comprehensive analysis of 20 pain-relieving ointments and gels was conducted, with the help of a pharmaceutical chemist who evaluated the scientific evidence for the active ingredients. The test aimed to identify products that offer both effective pain relief and minimal environmental impact.
According to Öko-Test evaluations, the best pain-relieving ointments for joint pain with proven effectiveness typically contain NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, Piroxicam, or Felbinac. These substances have demonstrated consistent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties suitable for topical use, effectively reducing joint pain and inflammation when applied locally.
On the other hand, ointments containing Diclofenac, while effective as a painkiller, are less recommended by Öko-Test due to environmental concerns. Diclofenac has been identified as ecotoxic, meaning it can cause significant harm to aquatic ecosystems when residues enter water bodies through wastewater. This environmental risk leads Öko-Test and other evaluators to caution against its widespread use despite its clinical efficacy.
The key reason some ointments with Diclofenac are not recommended is that their active compound can persist in the environment and damage aquatic life, which raises sustainability and safety issues beyond individual patient benefit.
In addition to NSAIDs, some ointments were found to lack sufficient evidence for their active ingredients' effectiveness. For instance, there's insufficient evidence that camphor helps with pain and inflammation, according to Öko-Test. Similarly, there's insufficient evidence for arnica in pain-relieving ointments.
When it comes to safety, salicylic acid is considered harmful to fertility. It's essential to exercise caution, especially for pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant.
The test also revealed that five of the least effective ointments contain aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH), which can include substances that are carcinogenic and genotoxic.
Five ointments received the highest rating of "very good" in the test. Three of these "very good" rated ointments contain the active ingredient Ibuprofen, while one contains Piroxicam, and another contains Felbinac.
It's worth noting that side effects are rare for these ointments containing NSAIDs, compared to taking tablets with the same active ingredients. However, it's always recommended to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
When using ointments containing Diclofenac, it's best not to wash hands immediately after application. Instead, wipe off the ointment residue with a paper towel first, as Diclofenac cannot be fully retained by wastewater treatment plants and ends up in water bodies, harming aquatic plants, algae, and fish, according to the Federal Environment Agency.
This balanced approach aligns pain relief needs with broader ecological responsibility, guiding consumers toward NSAID ointments with proven efficacy but fewer environmental drawbacks according to Öko-Test assessments. By making informed choices, consumers can contribute to a healthier environment while enjoying the benefits of effective pain relief.
In the realm of health-and-wellness and science, the evaluations by Öko-Test suggest that NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, Piroxicam, and Felbinac offer effective pain relief when it comes to joint pain, as they demonstrated consistent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Conversely, the use of ointments containing Diclofenac, while effective for pain relief, is discouraged due to ecotoxic properties that can harm aquatic ecosystems.
