Walgreens Pain and Itch Relief Cream Recalled by Natureplex Due to Failure to Meet Child Resistant Closure Requirement

What was recalled

In early January of 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving a popular over-the-counter medication sold under the Walgreens brand. Specifically, the recall targets the "Well at Walgreens Pain and Itch Relief Cream," a product manufactured by Natureplex. This is not a recall of every item in Walgreens’ pharmacy aisle, but rather a specific batch of this particular topical cream that failed to meet strict federal safety standards for child-resistant packaging. If you have been using this product for minor skin irritations or muscle aches, it is important to pause and verify whether your tube falls under this specific alert.

The scope of this recall is defined by very specific physical characteristics on the packaging, as the manufacturer could not guarantee that the container would prevent young children from accessing the contents. The affected product is a 2-ounce (56.7 grams) tube of Maximum Strength Pain and Itch Relief Cream containing 4% Lidocaine. Visually, these tubes are distinctively designed with an orange body and a purple stripe running across them. On the front of the packaging, the words "Maximum Strength" and "Pain and Itch Relief Cream 4% Lidocaine" are printed in white text. You can also identify the product by looking at the upper right corner of the front label, where the "The Well at Walgreens" logo is prominently displayed.

To be absolutely certain you have the recalled item, you must check the back of the tube for the Universal Product Code (UPC). The specific barcode associated with this recall is 3 11917 18962 8. This number is critical because similar-looking products may have been produced with compliant packaging or different ingredients. If your tube matches the orange and purple description but does not have this exact UPC, it may not be part of this specific safety action, though checking with the manufacturer is always wise if you are unsure.

This product was sold at Walgreens pharmacies across the United States. The recall was officially initiated on January 30, 2018, when Natureplex, in cooperation with the CPSC, determined that the packaging did not meet the requirements of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. This federal law is designed to prevent accidental ingestions by young children, and because the cream contains lidocaine—a topical anesthetic that can be harmful if swallowed—the failure of the cap or closure to be child-resistant posed a direct public health concern. While no incidents of poisoning have been reported to date, the potential for harm was sufficient to warrant the removal of these specific units from homes and store shelves.

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a seemingly small but critical failure in packaging design: the container for the Natureplex Pain and Itch Relief Cream does not meet the federal requirement for child-resistant closures. To understand why this matters, it helps to look at how these products are regulated and what "child-resistant" actually means in practice. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, which mandates that many over-the-counter medications containing potentially harmful substances must be sold in packaging that is difficult for young children to open within a reasonable time. This requirement exists because toddlers and young children are naturally curious explorers who learn about their world by touching, tasting, and putting things in their mouths. They lack the cognitive understanding of danger and the physical dexterity of adults, making them uniquely vulnerable to accidental ingestion.

The specific risk here comes from the active ingredient in the cream: lidocaine. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic commonly used to numb skin before minor procedures or to relieve pain from insect bites, minor cuts, or itching. While safe and effective when used as directed by adults, it poses a significant poisoning risk if ingested by a young child. The packaging failure means that the orange tube with its purple stripe, which consumers might mistakenly assume is secure because it looks like standard retail packaging, can likely be opened by a determined toddler. This is not about the cap being loosely screwed on; it is about the mechanism itself failing to resist the specific grip, twist, and push motions that children are capable of performing.

When a child gains access to this cream, the danger is twofold. First, the volume of the product matters. Each tube contains 2 ounces (56.7 grams) of cream, which is a substantial amount for a small body to ingest relative to its size. Second, the chemical properties of lidocaine are potent. Ingestion can lead to systemic absorption, meaning the drug enters the bloodstream rather than just acting on the skin surface. For young children, even small amounts of ingested lidocaine can cause serious health effects, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and in severe cases, seizures or heart rhythm disturbances. The hazard is not that the cream itself is toxic by touch, but that the lack of a proper child-resistant barrier allows for easy access to a substance that should be strictly controlled.

This type of hazard is particularly insidious because it relies on complacency. Parents and caregivers often trust that all medication packaging is inherently safe for children unless proven otherwise. They may leave the cream in a bathroom cabinet or nightstand, assuming that any container will deter a child. However, without the specialized push-and-turn or squeeze-and-twist mechanisms required by law, the packaging offers little more than a suggestion of security. The recall highlights that even well-known brands can fall short on this critical safety feature, leaving families exposed to accidental poisoning risks that are entirely preventable with compliant packaging.

Understanding this mechanism underscores why the remedy is not just a refund, but an immediate removal of the product from your home. The risk is not theoretical; it is a direct consequence of the physical design failing to stop a child’s access. By returning the item, you are eliminating the possibility of a curious hand reaching into that orange tube and finding more than just relief for an itch.

Who is most at risk

While this recall involves a product designed for pain relief—something many adults might keep in their medicine cabinets or bathroom vanities—the primary group at immediate risk from the packaging failure is young children. The hazard here is not the cream itself, which is intended to be safe when used correctly, but rather the combination of its active ingredient and the inability of standard packaging to stop a determined toddler from accessing it. Specifically, the "Well at Walgreens Pain and Itch Relief Cream" contains 4% lidocaine. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that works by blocking nerve signals in the body. While effective for numbing minor burns, insect bites, or itching in adults, ingesting even a small amount of this concentration can be dangerous for a child whose body mass is significantly smaller and whose metabolic systems are still developing.

Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to this type of hazard because their natural curiosity often leads them to explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths. They may mistake the orange tube with its purple stripe for a toy or simply be drawn to the texture and scent of the cream. The core issue identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is that the packaging fails to meet the child-resistant closure requirements mandated by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. This means that a child can likely open the container without significant effort from an adult. Once opened, the risk shifts from accidental ingestion of the cap or tube to direct contact with and potential swallowing of the cream. A young child does not have the cognitive ability to understand that a topical medication is poisonous if eaten, nor do they have the motor skills to wipe it off immediately.

The severity of the risk is tied directly to the pharmacological effects of lidocaine poisoning in pediatrics. When ingested, lidocaine can affect the central nervous system and the heart. In children, this can manifest as drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and in more severe cases, seizures or irregular heartbeats. Because the recalled product is a "Maximum Strength" formula, the concentration of the drug is high enough to cause systemic toxicity if a child consumes a meaningful portion of the tube. Unlike some household hazards that might cause immediate distress, lidocaine poisoning can be subtle at first, making it critical for parents and caregivers to recognize the specific risk profile.

It is also worth noting who is not at high risk in this specific scenario. The CPSC report indicates that there have been no reported incidents associated with this recall as of the date in January 2018. This suggests that while the potential for harm exists, actual poisoning events have not yet been documented. However, relying on the absence of current reports is not a safety strategy. The vulnerability lies in the latent danger: any household with young children who has purchased this specific orange and purple tube of Well at Walgreens cream from 2018 should treat it as a high-risk item until it is properly disposed of or returned. Elderly individuals or those with mobility issues are generally not the primary target of this specific child-safety recall, though they may be more susceptible to side effects if they accidentally ingest the product themselves due to confusion or memory lapses. Therefore, the strictest vigilance should be applied by parents, guardians, and anyone caring for toddlers in the home.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether the tube of cream in your bathroom cabinet is part of this specific recall requires a careful visual inspection of both the packaging and the label details. Because the product was sold under the "Well at Walgreens" brand but manufactured by Natureplex, it can be easy to overlook subtle differences if you are not looking for them. To confirm if your item is affected, you need to verify several distinct physical characteristics that match the official description provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the manufacturer.

First, examine the overall color scheme of the tube. The recalled product features a distinctive orange body with a prominent purple stripe running along it. This specific combination is key to distinguishing it from other pain relief creams that may look similar at first glance but belong to different brands or formulations. If your tube is blue, green, white, or any color other than this specific orange and purple design, it is likely not part of this recall, though you should always double-check the brand name.

Next, look closely at the text printed on the front of the packaging in white ink. You must verify that the label clearly states "Maximum Strength" and "Pain and Itch Relief Cream 4% Lidocaine." The concentration of lidocaine is critical here; this recall applies specifically to the 4% strength version. Additionally, check the net weight listed on the front. The recalled tubes are exactly 2 ounces (56.7 grams). If your tube is a different size, such as 1 ounce or 3 ounces, it is not included in this specific safety alert.

The branding placement is another important clue. Look to the upper right corner of the front of the tube. You should see "The Well at Walgreens" logo located there. This confirms the product was sold under Walgreens' private label line. Finally, turn the tube over to inspect the back for the Universal Product Code (UPC). The recalled items have the specific barcode number 3 11917 18962 8 printed on the back. If you find a tube that matches all these criteria—the orange and purple packaging, the 4% lidocaine formula, the 2-ounce size, the "Well at Walgreens" logo in the upper right corner, and the correct UPC code—you have a recalled product that needs to be addressed immediately.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have been holding onto your tube of Natureplex Well at Walgreens Pain and Itch Relief Cream, waiting for the perfect moment to use it, now is the time to put those plans on hold. The good news is that this recall offers a straightforward and consumer-friendly remedy. Because the issue stems from packaging safety rather than a defect in the cream’s formula or its effectiveness, you do not need to worry about the product being ineffective. Instead, the primary option available to you is a full refund. Natureplex and Walgreens have coordinated to ensure that anyone who purchased this item can get their money back without any hassle or hidden fees. This approach prioritizes your peace of mind and safety over profit, allowing you to replace the product with a different brand that meets stricter child-resistant packaging standards if you still need pain and itch relief.

To initiate this process, you must take two specific steps. First, you need to physically return the product to any Walgreens store location. It is important to bring the actual tube along with you, as store associates will likely need to verify the product details against their recall records. Second, you should contact Natureplex directly for additional information or if you encounter any difficulties at the store. You can reach them by calling their toll-free number at 866-323-0107. Their customer service team is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.natureplex.com and click on the "Product Safety Recall" section for more detailed guidance. Please note that the recall facts do not specify whether mail-in refunds are an option, so returning the item in person is the most reliable method to ensure you receive your refund promptly.

Why is a full refund the chosen remedy here? The hazard associated with this product is the failure of the packaging to meet the Child Resistant Closure Requirement mandated by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. This means the cap or seal does not prevent young children from opening it easily, which could lead to accidental ingestion of lidocaine. Since the cream itself is not contaminated or defective, repairing the package is not feasible for a consumer. Therefore, removing the product from your home and reimbursing you is the only logical solution. This ensures that the unsafe packaging is destroyed and replaced with safer alternatives in the market.

When you return the item, keep the receipt if you have it, as it may speed up the process, but do not worry if you lost it. The UPC barcode on the back of the tube (3 11917 18962 8) serves as a unique identifier for this specific recalled batch. If you are unsure whether your product is part of the recall, carefully check for the orange tube with a purple stripe and the "Maximum Strength" label. By taking these steps, you are not only protecting your own household but also helping to keep the community safe by ensuring that these non-compliant packages do not end up in landfills or second-hand stores where other families might use them.

What can happen if you ignore it

When a recall notice lands in your inbox or appears on the news, it is natural to feel a momentary spike of anxiety, followed perhaps by a shrug and a decision to wait until you have "more time" to deal with it. However, ignoring this specific recall carries tangible risks that extend far beyond the minor inconvenience of returning a product. The core issue here is not that the cream itself is inherently dangerous when used correctly, but rather that its packaging fails to provide the critical barrier necessary to protect the most vulnerable members of your household: young children.

The recalled Natureplex Pain and Itch Relief Cream contains 4% lidocaine, a local anesthetic that numbs nerve endings to relieve pain and itching. While effective for adults, lidocaine is a potent chemical that can be highly toxic if ingested in significant quantities by small bodies. Children are naturally curious and lack the cognitive understanding of what "medicine" or "chemicals" mean. To a toddler or a young child, an orange tube with a purple stripe might look like a toy, a snack, or simply an interesting object to explore. Without a child-resistant closure—a specialized mechanism that requires specific dexterity and strength to open—this product is essentially left wide open to accidental access.

If you choose to keep this cream in your home without addressing the packaging failure, you are leaving a hidden trap for curious hands. The consequences of ignoring this warning can range from mild gastrointestinal distress to severe systemic poisoning. Young children have lower body weights and developing organ systems that process toxins differently than adults. Even small amounts of lidocaine absorbed through the mouth or ingested can lead to serious health complications. These may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and in more severe cases, seizures, irregular heart rhythms, or respiratory depression. The risk is not theoretical; it is a direct result of the chemical's potency clashing with the lack of physical protection.

Furthermore, consider the environment in which this product is typically stored. Many households keep pain relief creams in bathrooms or bedroom drawers that are accessible to children who have learned to climb or open lower cabinets. If the cap comes off easily, a child could squeeze out a significant portion of the cream and ingest it before an adult ever notices. The silence of "no incidents reported" in this specific recall does not mean the risk is absent; it simply means that, so far, no one has called to report a poisoning. That silence is comforting, but it is not a guarantee of safety for your own home.

Ignoring the recall also means you are disregarding the legal and safety standards set by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. This law exists because history has shown us that standard caps are insufficient for protecting children from harmful substances. By keeping this product, you are essentially betting that your child will never find it, never open it, and never taste it. Given how quickly children can move and explore, that is a gamble with high stakes. The potential outcome—a trip to the emergency room, unnecessary medical stress, and a frightening experience for both parent and child—is entirely preventable through a simple return.

There is also the matter of peace of mind. Knowing that a potentially toxic substance is sitting in your home without proper safeguards can create a low-level background stress. It forces you to constantly monitor where the cream is kept, whether it is capped tightly enough, and whether children are near it. This mental load is unnecessary when the remedy is so straightforward. Choosing to ignore the recall does not make the hazard disappear; it only leaves you exposed to it.

Finally, consider the precedent you set for your children regarding safety and health products. Teaching them that medicines require respect and careful handling is easier when all medicines in your home are stored securely. If you allow one item to be left accessible because of convenience, you undermine the broader lessons about safety you are trying to teach. The consequences of ignoring this recall are not just physical but also educational, potentially sending mixed messages about how we handle dangerous items in our homes.

In summary, the real-world consequence of ignoring this recall is the unnecessary elevation of risk for your family. You are trading a few minutes of effort for a return at Walgreens against the possibility of a medical emergency. The hazard is clear, the mechanism of harm is well-understood, and the solution is simple. Letting the product sit in your drawer does not protect you; it only delays the inevitable need to address the risk.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific product recalls are essential for addressing immediate risks in the marketplace, true safety at home relies on building a robust, layered defense against common household hazards. Many of the dangers associated with over-the-counter medications, such as the lidocaine found in the recalled pain and itch relief cream, stem from accessibility rather than inherent toxicity when used correctly. The primary strategy for preventing accidental poisoning in children is rigorous storage discipline. Lidocaine and other topical anesthetics should never be stored in plain sight or in locations that are easily accessible to curious toddlers, such as bathroom counters, nightstands, or low kitchen cabinets. Instead, these items belong in high, locked cabinets or behind child-resistant locks that require a specific dexterity most young children have not yet developed. It is also wise to store medications separately from your other toiletries; keeping them in their original, labeled containers helps you quickly identify what the product is and its expiration date, reducing the chance of accidental misuse.

Beyond physical storage, cultivating a culture of "pause and verify" can significantly reduce household accidents. Before applying any new topical treatment, take a moment to read the active ingredients list. Many products contain overlapping active components, such as multiple forms of pain relief or antihistamines, which can lead to accidental overdose if used simultaneously. For parents and caregivers, it is helpful to keep a simple inventory of all medications currently in your home, checking expiration dates regularly and disposing of unused or expired items properly through local drug take-back programs rather than throwing them in the trash where they might be retrieved by children or pets.

Furthermore, staying informed about product safety requires proactive engagement with government resources. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the FDA regularly issue recalls that may not make national news but are critical for your specific household situation. You can sign up for email alerts from these agencies to receive notifications about new recalls relevant to products you own, such as cribs, toys, or health supplements. Additionally, consider registering your major appliances and health devices with the manufacturers; this ensures that if a safety issue is discovered later, you are contacted directly rather than having to search for information yourself.

Finally, educate older children about the difference between food and medicine. Even items that smell pleasant or look like candy can be dangerous if ingested incorrectly. Have age-appropriate conversations with your kids about why certain items are kept in locked places and who is responsible for giving them. By combining secure storage, regular inventory checks, and ongoing education, you create a safety net that protects your family long after any single recall has been resolved.