The Associated Press is reporting that a New York teenager died from an apparent overdose of methyl salicylate, an ingredient found in liminents such as Ben Gay, Icy Hot and Tiger Balm. The teenager put the creams on her legs along adhesive pads that contained the anti-imflammatory between track meets. There was also an unspecified third product.

In the AP article, Dr. Thomas Kearney, who directs a poison control center and is a professor of pharmacy at the University of California at San Francisco, said topical application of methyl salicylate can be hazardous if it is smeared over 40 percent of the body, if someone has a skin condition or if another medication interacts negatively with the products.

NetSweat.com Comments: Our prayers go out to the teenagers parents.

We want to be clear that, according to the article, the teenager misused the sports creams and the adhesive pads. Methyl salicylate has been sold over the counter for years and years and our understanding is that it is safe when used as directed for most people, but there are probably side-effects and interactions that we are not aware off. The most prudent thing is to do is to talk to your doctor and pharmacist before using any medicated product. (We're not experts on medication or medicated products.)

For those you who take supplements, be aware that methyl salicylate has been around for years and years and it's potential side effects are likely well known. Many supplements, including those that are claimed to be all natural or organics, have side effects and drug interactions that most doctors and pharmacists are not aware of. So, realize that just because something seems safe, doesn't mean it is safe.