ICY HOT BURNS

Chattem, Inc. issued a voluntary nationwide recall of its Icy Hot Heat Therapy Products after receiving hundreds of reports from consumers who suffered skin irritations and first, second and third degree burns from using these products. Icy Hot Heat Therapy is a self-heating disposable patch designed to soothe muscular and joint pain. Icy Hot Heat Therapy was made available to consumers in December 2006 by Chattem—the manufacturer--for treatment of arthritis, backaches, muscle strains, sprains and cramps.

The Icy Hot products were only on the market for a few months before consumers first reported burns, particularly from older patients with more sensitive skin. In September 2007, Chatttem updated the Icy Hot Patch label to include additional information about correct use of the product. In so doing, the company was claiming burns and skin irritations were caused by the user not following the right application instructions. But reports of burns continued and the products were withdrawn from the market on February 8, 2008.

However, countless consumers were not made aware of the recall and continued to use the product. And more consumers reported problems with Icy Hot patches, including severe burns that could leave permanent scars and disfigurement.

As well as the Icy Hot products, Chattem manufactures and sells health and beauty products, toiletries, proprietary drugs, fragrances and dietary supplements.

According to Forbes.com, The Chattanooga, Tenn.-based company said the number of consumers affected by the product is fewer than 1,800, or a tenth of 1 percent of the approximately 1.8 million units sold. However, in fiscal 2007, sales of Icy Hot Heat Therapy represented 2.3 percent of the company's total sales of $423 million. That is a lot of Icy Hot.

Chattem said it is notifying its customers, including distributors and retailers, about the recall, and has arranged for the return of all recalled products to Chattem. The company says it will give a refund for any unopened products. However, if you, a friend or family member suffered a serious Icy Hot burn which required medical treatment, you may want to seek legal help before returning any products to Chattem.

[MORE ARTICLES]

Enter the information about your ICY HOT BURNS case and we will contact you. Fields marked * are required.

First Name: *

Last Name: *

Email Address: *

Phone Number: *

State: *

Date of injustice: *

Describe the nature of your complaint in one short sentence: *

Details of complaint:
(briefly describe the damages you have suffered) *

Enter the text in the image below into the box at right:

Online Legal Resources