Pain Relief Naturally Recalls Pain and Itch Relief Creams, Sprays and Gels Due to Failure to Meet Child Resistant Closure Requirement; Risk of Poisoning (Recall Alert)

What was recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall notice concerning a specific line of topical pain management products manufactured and distributed under the brand name Pain Relief Naturally. This action, dated November 1, 2018, targets all lidocaine-containing items produced by this company. The scope of the recall is comprehensive, covering every variant within the Pain Relief Naturally portfolio that includes the active ingredient lidocaine. Lidocaine is a common local anesthetic used to numb skin or mucous membranes, but its presence in these specific products is what triggers the regulatory concern regarding packaging safety rather than the chemical composition itself.

The affected inventory is extensive and spans multiple product lines designed for various therapeutic needs. Specifically, the recall encompasses the following brands and formulations: Numbify, Extra Strength Numbify, Pre-TAT Tattoo, Superior Pain & Itch Relief, and Soothing Sore Relief. These products are available in several physical forms to accommodate different user preferences, including creams, sprays, gels, and liquid gels. The company did not limit the recall to a single batch or manufacturing date; instead, it applies to all units of these lidocaine-containing products that were sold, regardless of when they were produced, provided they fall within the identified packaging parameters.

To help consumers identify whether their product is part of this recall, it is essential to look at the container’s size and visual design. The recalled items were sold in 1-ounce, 2-ounce, and 4-ounce containers. Visually, these products are distinctively packaged in black tubs or bottles. The branding on these containers features the product name printed in gold, red, or green lettering, depending on the specific line. For instance, the Numbify Cream, Spray, Gel, and Liquid Gel come in black containers with gold lettering. Similarly, Extra Strength Numbify products share this black-and-gold aesthetic. The Pre-TAT Tattoo line uses black containers with red lettering, while both the Superior Pain & Itch Relief and Soothing Sore Relief lines are packaged in black containers with green lettering. If your product matches these descriptions—black packaging with colored text—and contains lidocaine, it is subject to this recall.

The recall does not specify a geographic limitation within the United States, implying that these products were likely distributed widely across retail channels prior to the November 2018 alert. There are no reported model numbers or SKU codes provided in the official record that would allow for more granular identification beyond the brand names and packaging colors described above. The total number of units affected is not explicitly quantified in the available facts, but the breadth of the product lines suggests a significant volume of goods were potentially on store shelves or in homes across the country.

• Brand: Pain Relief Naturally
• Products Included: Numbify, Extra Strength Numbify, Pre-TAT Tattoo, Superior Pain & Itch Relief, Soothing Sore Relief
• Forms: Creams, sprays, gels, and liquid gels
• Sizes: 1 oz, 2 oz, and 4 oz containers
• Packaging Details: Black tubs/bottles with gold, red, or green lettering
• Active Ingredient: Lidocaine

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall is necessary, we need to look at the specific design flaw in the packaging and how it interacts with the powerful ingredients inside. The core issue is that the containers for these Pain Relief Naturally products do not meet the federal standards for child-resistant closures as mandated by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. While the product itself contains lidocaine—a widely used and generally safe numbing agent when applied correctly—the physical container allows young children to open it with ease. This isn't a minor inconvenience; it is a critical safety failure. The packaging, which includes black tubs and bottles with gold, red, or green lettering for items like Numbify, Pre-TAT Tattoo, and Superior Pain & Itch Relief, fails to provide the resistance required to prevent a curious toddler from accessing the contents.

Lidocaine works by blocking nerve signals in the body, which is why it is so effective for pain relief. However, this mechanism is precisely what makes it dangerous if ingested or absorbed excessively by a child’s sensitive skin. Children are not just smaller versions of adults; their bodies process chemicals differently, and they have a much lower tolerance for systemic toxins. If a child manages to open the jar or bottle, they may ingest the cream, spray, or gel. Because the packaging does not resist their small hands, the barrier between them and a concentrated dose of lidocaine is virtually non-existent.

The risk of poisoning arises from how quickly lidocaine can affect a child’s nervous system. If swallowed, the drug enters the bloodstream rapidly, potentially leading to serious symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, seizures, or difficulty breathing. Even if not ingested, applying a large amount of high-concentration lidocaine to a child's skin can lead to systemic absorption that exceeds safe limits. This is particularly concerning with products like Extra Strength Numbify or Soothing Sore Relief, which are designed for potent pain management in adults. The "failure to meet" the closure requirement means that the product relies on parental vigilance rather than physical safety features to prevent access. In a home environment where children explore their surroundings by touching and tasting objects, relying solely on supervision is not enough. The lack of a proper child-resistant cap turns a standard medical supply into an immediate hazard, creating a scenario where a simple accident can result in significant medical emergency.

It is important to note that while the product contains lidocaine, which is generally recognized as safe for adults when used as directed, the combination of this potent ingredient with inadequate packaging creates a disproportionate risk profile. The CPSC’s concern is not that the medicine itself is defective, but that the delivery system allows unauthorized and unsafe access. This distinction is crucial for consumers to understand: the remedy provided—a free replacement cap—is designed to restore the safety barrier that was missing from the original design, thereby mitigating the poisoning risk without requiring you to discard a potentially still-effective product.

Who is most at risk

While this recall affects anyone who has purchased the specified Pain Relief Naturally products, the primary group at significant risk consists of young children, particularly those under the age of five. The core issue here is not necessarily the toxicity of the lidocaine itself in small doses, but rather the failure of the packaging to prevent access. The Poison Prevention Packaging Act exists for a specific reason: standard containers are often easy for curious toddlers to open. These children are naturally inquisitive and lack the cognitive development to understand that the creams, sprays, and gels look like candy or toys but are actually potent medicinal substances. Because the recalled items came in 1, 2, and 4-ounce containers with attractive black packaging and bold gold, red, or green lettering, they may appear visually appealing or intriguing to a child who is exploring their environment.

The vulnerability of this age group is compounded by their physical size and behavior. A toddler is small enough to reach into lower cabinets, drawers, or bags where these products might be stored, even if they are not on the highest shelf. Furthermore, children at this developmental stage frequently put objects in their mouths or rub them into their eyes and skin. If a child manages to open the non-compliant cap, they may ingest the product directly or apply it to large areas of their body. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that numbs nerve endings, but when absorbed through the mouth or extensive skin contact in high concentrations, it can lead to serious systemic poisoning. This can result in symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, seizures, heart rhythm irregularities, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.

It is also important to consider who typically handles these products. Adults using Pain Relief Naturally items for pain management, tattoo aftercare (Pre-TAT Tattoo), or itch relief may inadvertently leave the containers accessible during use or when putting them away. Caregivers, parents, and grandparents might assume that a simple screw-top cap is sufficient security, not realizing that it does not meet the rigorous child-resistant standards required for over-the-counter medications containing lidocaine. The elderly, who may also use these products for sore relief, are generally less at risk of accidental ingestion due to their physical capabilities but remain vulnerable if they live with young grandchildren or dependents. For them, the risk is indirect; they become the gatekeepers who must ensure the product is stored securely until it is replaced. Therefore, the most immediate danger lies with unsupervised access by young children, making it critical for households with kids to treat these specific black, gold/red/green packaged items as high-priority hazards that need immediate removal or secure locking away.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action or contact the manufacturer, the most critical step is confirming that your specific product is part of this recall. Because Pain Relief Naturally offers a wide variety of formulations for different needs, it can be easy to confuse a safe item with a recalled one if you are relying solely on memory or a quick glance at a bathroom shelf. The CPSC alert specifies that this recall is not limited to just one type of container; it encompasses all Pain Relief Naturally lidocaine-containing products. This means that whether you have a tube, a spray bottle, a gel jar, or a liquid gel container, if it falls under the brand’s specific product lines listed below, it is included in this safety notice.

To identify your item, you need to look closely at the packaging design, as the manufacturer used distinct visual cues for each product line. The recalled items are sold in 1-ounce, 2-ounce, and 4-ounce size containers. The defining feature of these products is their black packaging with the product name printed in either gold, red, or green lettering. You should check your home for any of the following specific combinations:

• Numbify Cream, Spray, Gel & Liquid Gel: Look for black tubs or bottles with gold lettering.
• Extra Strength Numbify Cream, Spray, Gel & Liquid Gel: These will also feature black tubs or bottles with gold lettering.
• Pre-TAT Tattoo Cream, Spray, Gel & Liquid Gel: Identify these by the black packaging with red lettering.
• Superior Pain & Itch Relief Cream, Spray, Gel & Liquid Gel: These containers will have black packaging with green lettering.
• Soothing Sore Relief Cream, Spray, Gel & Liquid Gel: Like the Superior line, these also feature black packaging with green lettering.

If you are unsure whether a product contains lidocaine, check the "Active Ingredients" section on the label. The recall is specifically tied to products containing this ingredient because of the child-resistant closure failure. If your item matches one of the visual descriptions above—black container with gold, red, or green text—it should be treated as part of the recall until you have verified its status through the official channels. Do not rely on the expiration date or the location where you purchased it to determine safety; this issue is about the physical closure mechanism of the package, which applies to all units of these models regardless of when or where they were bought.

Once you have visually identified a potential match, do not attempt to open the container to inspect the cap yourself, as this defeats the purpose of keeping it sealed and out of reach. Instead, note the product name and size from the label. This information will be helpful if you need to contact Pain Relief Naturally for your free replacement cap. Remember, the goal here is simple identification: if the packaging matches the black-and-colored-text description for any of the listed lidocaine products, it is part of this recall.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have purchased any of the recalled Pain Relief Naturally products, the good news is that the company has established a straightforward and accessible remedy to resolve the issue. The primary solution offered by the firm is not a cash refund, but rather a free replacement cap for your existing containers. This approach is designed to be both environmentally conscious and convenient for you, allowing you to keep using the product safely once the packaging defect is corrected. The CPSC recall alert specifies that consumers should contact the firm directly to receive this free replacement cap. By providing the correct closure, Pain Relief Naturally ensures that the lidocaine-containing creams, sprays, gels, and liquid gels will finally meet the mandatory child-resistant standards set by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act.

To initiate this process, you do not need to return the product or the old cap. Instead, you should reach out to Pain Relief Naturally through one of their three designated contact channels. You can call their toll-free number at 877-906-4806. If you prefer written communication, you may send an email to PRNCustomerCare@Gmail.com. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.Painreliefnaturally.com and click on the "Recall information" tab located in the upper section of the page for more detailed instructions. It is important to note that the customer service representatives are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. If you are calling or emailing outside of these hours, please be prepared for a slight delay in response, but your request will still be processed during the next business day.

The company has also stated that all known purchasers will be notified directly about the recall. This means that if your contact information was on file when you made the purchase, you may receive a notification from them shortly. However, you should not wait for this notification to act. If you have the product at home, it is best to take proactive steps immediately. Store the item in a safe location, completely out of reach of children, while you arrange for the replacement cap. This interim step is crucial because, until you receive and install the new child-resistant cap, the current packaging does not provide adequate protection against accidental ingestion or skin absorption by young children.

There are no reported incidents of poisoning related to this recall as of the recall date in November 2018, which suggests that many consumers may have already used the product without issue. However, because the hazard involves lidocaine, a potent topical anesthetic, even a small amount ingested by a child can be dangerous. Therefore, the remedy focuses on prevention through proper packaging rather than removal of the product itself. You are not required to throw away your cream, spray, gel, or liquid gel. The replacement cap is the key to making the product safe for use in a household with children. Once you have received and properly attached the new cap, the product can be used as intended, providing the pain and itch relief it was designed for, without the risk associated with the original non-compliant packaging.

If you encounter any difficulties while trying to contact the company or if your specific model is not addressed in their standard recall procedure, please refer to the official CPSC website or the Pain Relief Naturally recall page for updates. The company’s commitment to providing free replacement caps demonstrates their responsibility to correct the defect efficiently. By following these steps, you ensure that your household remains safe while still benefiting from the product you purchased. Remember, the goal is not to discard the medication but to secure it properly. This recall highlights the importance of keeping all topical medications, regardless of whether they are prescription or over-the-counter, in child-resistant containers at all times.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to look at a minor packaging oversight and think, “I’ll just keep using this because it works for my pain.” However, ignoring a recall related to child-resistant closures is not merely an inconvenience; it is a significant safety gamble with potentially severe consequences for the most vulnerable members of your household. The core issue here is not that the product itself is toxic when used correctly by adults, but that the barrier protecting it from curious hands has failed. Lidocaine, the active ingredient in all recalled Pain Relief Naturally products, is a powerful local anesthetic. While effective for numbing skin, it enters the bloodstream and can cause systemic poisoning if absorbed in large quantities or ingested.

If you continue to store these creams, sprays, gels, or liquid gels in their current non-compliant containers, you are leaving them accessible to young children who may mistake the black tubs or bottles for candy or other appealing substances. Children do not understand that a topical pain reliever is different from food. If a child manages to open one of these containers and ingests even a small amount, or applies it extensively to their skin, the risk of acute poisoning rises sharply. Symptoms of lidocaine poisoning can include dizziness, confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, cardiac arrest. Because children have smaller bodies and developing metabolic systems, they are far more susceptible to toxic effects than adults.

You might wonder if this is just a theoretical risk. While the CPSC notes that no incidents or injuries have been reported at the time of this recall, the absence of reports does not mean the danger is absent; it often means that luck has held so far. The hazard exists precisely because the packaging fails to meet the Poison Prevention Packaging Act standards designed specifically to prevent accidental access by children under five years old. Without a proper child-resistant closure, any latch or cap can be opened with relative ease by a determined toddler.

Ignoring the recall also means you are missing out on a simple, free remedy that eliminates this risk entirely. The manufacturer has agreed to provide free replacement caps that meet safety standards. By doing nothing, you leave your family exposed to a preventable hazard for as long as you keep the product in your home. The peace of mind that comes from knowing a dangerous item is securely sealed or removed is worth far more than the minor effort of following the recall instructions. Do not wait for an accident to happen; the cost of inaction could be a medical emergency that was entirely avoidable.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a packaging defect for Pain Relief Naturally products, the underlying safety principle applies to nearly every household that uses topical pain relief items. Lidocaine and similar active ingredients are powerful medications that can be dangerous if absorbed in large quantities, particularly by children whose bodies process chemicals differently than adults. The most effective way to prevent accidental poisoning is not just relying on labels, but creating physical barriers between these products and curious hands. Always store all medications, including over-the-counter creams, gels, and sprays, in high cabinets or locked containers that are completely out of sight and reach. Children are expert climbers and explorers; what feels secure to an adult may be easily accessible to a toddler who can pull down open jars or squeeze tubes.

It is also crucial to understand that "child-resistant" does not mean "child-proof." Even when packaging meets federal safety standards, determined children can often open containers if given enough time. Therefore, relying solely on the cap is risky. After every single use, regardless of how quickly you grab the item, take a moment to ensure the closure is fully engaged and locked. If you notice any wear and tear on the plastic, or if the cap feels loose, replace the container immediately rather than risking exposure. Additionally, avoid transferring these products into unlabeled or food-grade containers, as this can lead to fatal confusion if a child mistakes the cream for a treat or snack.

Beyond storage habits, regular vigilance is your best defense against product hazards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other regulatory bodies issue recalls frequently for items that may seem safe but carry hidden risks. Make it a habit to check the CPSC website at least once a month, or subscribe to their email alerts. This proactive approach ensures you are aware of potential dangers before they result in an incident. Furthermore, educate every adult in your household about the specific risks associated with topical anesthetics. Discussing these hazards openly helps create a culture of safety where everyone understands why certain items must be handled with care and stored securely.

Finally, consider implementing a broader strategy for home safety that includes keeping emergency numbers readily available. Save the number for your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) in your phone under "Emergency" or "Poison Help." In the event of an accidental exposure, knowing exactly who to call and having their contact information instantly accessible can save critical time. Remember, safety is not a one-time action but a continuous practice of awareness, proper storage, and regular checks on the products you bring into your home.