Rub A-535

What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

A535 Rub is an over-the-counter topical analgesic indicated for the temporary relief of muscle and joint pain associated with strains, sprains, arthritis, and backaches. It contains counterirritant and analgesic agents that produce a warming or cooling sensation to help alleviate pain by distracting from deeper muscular discomfort. A535 Rub is available in several formulations, including regular, ultra-strength, and no-odour versions, designed for external use only. It is a commonly used product in sports medicine and home care settings for short-term symptomatic pain management.

Fact Table

Formula

C8H8O3 (methyl salicylate), C10H20O (menthol)

License

Health Canada; OTC

Bioavailability

Topical absorption; systemic bioavailability is minimal

Legal status

Over-the-counter (OTC)

Chemical Name

Methyl salicylate; Menthol; +/- Camphor/Capsaicin

Elimination half-life

Varies; ~2-3 hours (methyl salicylate if absorbed)

Dosage (Strength)

Methyl salicylate 15–30%, Menthol 5–10% (varies by product)

Pregnancy

Use with caution; avoid large areas or prolonged use

Brands

A535 Rub, Rub A535, Antiphlogistine

Protein binding

Not significant topically; systemic data limited

PubChem CID

Methyl salicylate: 4133; Menthol: 1254

MedlinePlus

a682775 (methyl salicylate)

ChEBI

Methyl salicylate: 6825; Menthol: 15408

ATC code

M02AC (topical analgesics)

DrugBank

Methyl salicylate: DB09555; Menthol: DB00825

KEGG

Methyl salicylate: D02366; Menthol: D08173

Routes of administration

Topical

Directions

Apply A535 Rub to the affected area up to 3–4 times daily. Massage gently until the product is fully absorbed. Wash hands thoroughly after application unless treating the hands. Avoid use on broken or irritated skin, and do not bandage tightly or use with heating pads, as this may increase the risk of skin irritation or burns. If symptoms persist beyond 7 days or worsen, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider. Use in children under 12 years of age should be supervised by a healthcare professional.

Ingredients

The active ingredients vary slightly by formulation but typically include:

Methyl salicylate (10–30%) – topical analgesic and counterirritant

Menthol (2–10%) – cooling counterirritant

Camphor (3–10%) – warming counterirritant

Inactive ingredients may include:

Polyethylene glycol, stearic acid, lanolin, fragrance (in scented formulas), and other emulsifiers or stabilizers

Contraindications

A535 Rub is contraindicated in individuals with:

Known hypersensitivity to salicylates, menthol, camphor, or any ingredient in the product

Existing skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis in the area of application

Aspirin or NSAID allergies

Cautions

Use caution in individuals with asthma or aspirin sensitivity due to the presence of methyl salicylate. The product is for external use only and should not be ingested or applied to mucous membranes. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Discontinue use if skin irritation, rash, or burning occurs. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a healthcare provider. Keep out of reach of children, as accidental ingestion may be harmful or fatal.

Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

Localized redness or burning sensation

Mild skin irritation or rash

Rare: allergic contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity reaction

Very rare: salicylate toxicity with overuse or accidental ingestion

IMPORTANT NOTE: The information provided above is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or veterinary advice. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or veterinarian regarding the safety, suitability, and proper use of any medication for yourself or your pet.

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