Hot/cold gel packs: Urgent safety advisory

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) advised on 2 September 2008 that the Thermoskin® brand of hot/cold gel packs was being recalled after testing revealed that they contained the toxic substance ethylene glycol, rather than the non-toxic ingredient propylene glycol.

Following this recall the TGA contacted all sponsors of gel hot/cold packs to obtain information regarding the contents of their products and to obtain samples for testing. It has now been confirmed that some of these other products also contain ethylene glycol.

As a result, several brands of gel hot/cold packs, listed below, are being recalled and the TGA website will be updated as further details of the affected products become available.

Notices advising consumers of these recalls will also appear in the media as soon as the sponsors of the affected products are able to obtain advertising space in national newspapers. 

In the meantime, recall letters will be sent directly to pharmacies and other outlets selling the affected products.

The TGA reiterates that parents should ensure that all gel hot/cold packs are kept out of reach of children and are only used under adult supervision. In the event of accidental ingestion patients are urged to attend the nearest emergency department immediately for assessment and further management.