DMSO Pain Drops and ArcticBlast: 9 Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist First
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What to know first
- DMSO's only FDA-approved use is for interstitial cystitis (a bladder condition). The FDA has not approved it for arthritis or joint pain, according to Medical News Today.
- DMSO absorbs readily through skin, so using it with other topical medicines could dangerously increase the amount of medicine your body takes in.
- Common reactions are skin irritation and a garlic-like breath odor. Over-the-counter use is described as potentially risky, and people are advised to talk to a doctor first.
- Below are 9 questions to bring to your pharmacist before you try any DMSO product, including ArcticBlast.
What DMSO is, and why it needs its own checklist
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a solvent that began as a byproduct of paper making. It passes through skin easily, which is why it appears in pain drops and gels. The same property is the reason for caution: it can carry other things on your skin with it. Medical News Today notes that using DMSO with other topical medications could dangerously increase how much of that medication enters the body, and that it can interfere with platinum-based chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin.
The article also states that there is no scientific evidence proving DMSO's effectiveness for arthritis, though some research may warrant further study. A published meta-analysis of DMSO and MSM in knee osteoarthritis exists; read it with the limitations in mind, since it rests on a small number of trials.
What ArcticBlast says it is
According to the product information summarized in our ArcticBlast review, ArcticBlast is a liquid made by Nutriomo Labs that combines DMSO with botanicals such as arnica, St. John's wort, aloe vera and emu oil, with a stated 365-day refund window. These are the maker's descriptions; we have not found published clinical trials of this specific product.
Vendor claims vs. what independent sources say
| Common claim on DMSO product pages | What independent sources say |
|---|---|
| "FDA-approved" or "FDA has approved it for medical use" | Only for interstitial cystitis. Not approved for arthritis or joint pain. (Medical News Today) |
| "Decades of clinical research prove it works for joint pain" | "No scientific evidence proving its efficacy" for arthritis, though some research may warrant further study. (Medical News Today) |
| "Safe for everyone" | Low doses caused no or mild side effects in a 2018 review of 109 studies, but skin reactions were more likely with topical use, and people are advised to use DMSO only when a doctor prescribes it. (Medical News Today) |
| "Carries botanicals deep into the joint" | DMSO does move other substances through skin, which is the reason to keep skin clean and avoid other topicals at the same site. Whether that delivers a benefit to a joint is unproven. |
9 questions to ask your pharmacist before using DMSO drops
- What medications and supplements do I take? Bring the full list, including prescription creams and anything you use for cancer treatment.
- Am I using any other cream, gel, patch or lotion on the same area? Applying DMSO over another topical could carry more of it into the body.
- Do I have allergies, especially to sulfur-containing medicines? DMSO is a sulfur compound; ask whether that matters for you.
- Am I pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be?
- What is the concentration and grade in this product, and does the label say? If a maker will not tell you, treat that as a warning.
- What side effects should I expect? Reported ones include skin redness, itching, rash and a garlic-like breath odor.
- How should I prepare my skin and hands? Apply only to clean, unbroken skin with clean hands, because DMSO can carry what is on your skin with it.
- How long should I try it before deciding? Keep a 0–10 pain log and stay inside the refund window.
- When should I stop and call someone? Stop and call your doctor for blistering, severe rash, swelling or any unusual symptom.
Who should be especially careful
Medical News Today does not list specific groups to avoid DMSO, but it advises anyone interested in using it for arthritis to contact a doctor first. Based on the points above, the people with the most to ask are those who use other topical medications, who are in cancer treatment, who have skin conditions or sensitivities, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
A long refund window is not a safety check
Some DMSO products advertise guarantees as long as a year. A refund can protect your money; it cannot tell you whether a product is right for your health situation. See our guarantee comparison for how to read refund terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is DMSO FDA approved for arthritis?
No. According to Medical News Today, the FDA has not approved DMSO, or any medication with DMSO-derived ingredients, for arthritis. Its only FDA-approved use is for interstitial cystitis, a bladder condition.
Is ArcticBlast safe to use with other medications?
We cannot say it is. DMSO absorbs readily through skin and could increase how much of another topical medicine your body absorbs, and it can interfere with some chemotherapy drugs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist with your full medication list before using it.
Why do DMSO products make people smell like garlic?
Bad breath is among the commonly reported effects of DMSO. If it bothers you or you notice other symptoms, talk to a pharmacist or doctor.
Does DMSO cure arthritis?
No. There is no cure claim we can support. Medical News Today states that there is no scientific evidence proving DMSO's efficacy for arthritis, though some research may warrant further study.
Related on NaturalPainLab
Sources
- Medical News Today: DMSO for arthritis
- Meta-Analysis of the Related Nutritional Supplements Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Methylsulfonylmethane in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (open access, PubMed Central)
This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any treatment, especially if you take prescription medication.