Thera-Gesic Discontinued? Best Alternatives & Generic Options

Thera-Gesic Cream—also labeled Thera-Gesic “Creme”—was a popular topical pain reliever used for arthritis, sore muscles, and back pain. It contained 1% Menthol and 15% Methyl Salicylate as active ingredients. The product now appears to be discontinued and is no longer available in stores.

If you’re looking for a replacement, two excellent alternatives are available:

• Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream – matches the original formula with 15% Methyl Salicylate and 1% Menthol. Available in: Single, 3-Pack, 5-Pack, and 24-Pack.
• Rugby Muscle Rub Cream – a stronger option with 10% Menthol (10x more than Thera-Gesic and Rugby Pain Relieving Cream). Available in: Single, 4-Pack, and 24-Pack.

Compare Thera-Gesic Alternatives

1. Was Thera-Gesic Cream discontinued?

Yes. While the Thera-Gesic website once had a “Purchase Online” link, it no longer works. In early 2023, MainPointe Pharmaceuticals transferred the rights to Mission Pharmacal Company. Since then, Thera-Gesic Cream has not been listed on Mission’s product page, nor is it available from major retailers like Amazon, Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart.

We’ve confirmed with multiple suppliers that Thera-Gesic is no longer being manufactured, and no relaunch has been announced. For most customers, the best option is to switch to Rugby Pain Relieving Cream or the stronger Rugby Muscle Rub Cream.

2. Who manufactures Thera-Gesic Cream?

Thera-Gesic was originally manufactured by MainPointe Pharmaceuticals, LLC. In January 2023, the rights were transferred to Mission Pharmacal Company. However, as of today, Thera-Gesic is not listed on Mission’s website and is believed to be discontinued.

3. Where can I buy Thera-Gesic Cream?

Thera-Gesic is currently not available at major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens. Some resellers on eBay list old stock, but prices are often inflated—sometimes exceeding $100 per tube. For most customers, we recommend switching to a reliable alternative like Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream.

4. What happened to Thera-Gesic Cream?

After the product changed ownership in 2023, it quietly disappeared from most major retailers and supplier listings. Based on current availability and lack of manufacturer updates, it’s safe to say that Thera-Gesic Cream has been discontinued.

5. What are the active ingredients in Thera-Gesic Cream?

Thera-Gesic Cream contains two active ingredients:

• Methyl Salicylate 15% – Counterirritant
• Menthol 1% – Analgesic

Inactive ingredients include: Carbomer 934, Dimethicone, Glycerine, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Trolamine, and Water.

6. How does Thera-Gesic Cream work?

Thera-Gesic works by using menthol and methyl salicylate to stimulate cold and heat receptors in the skin. This temporarily reduces pain and inflammation from muscle aches, arthritis, backaches, and sprains. It’s typically applied 3–4 times daily for best results.

7. Is Thera-Gesic Cream available near me?

As of now, Thera-Gesic is not available in drugstores or pharmacies. You won’t find it at CVS, Walgreens, or local chains. Instead, we recommend using a generic equivalent like Rugby Pain Relieving Cream, which offers the same ingredients and is widely available online.

8. What is the generic for Thera-Gesic Cream?

The best generic match is Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream, which has the same active ingredients: 15% Methyl Salicylate and 1% Menthol. For those who want stronger relief, consider Rugby Muscle Rub Cream, which boosts menthol to 10% for more intense cooling action.

9. What are the side effects of Thera-Gesic Cream?

Like other topical analgesics, Thera-Gesic may cause side effects in some people. According to Drugs.com, reported effects include:

• Skin irritation, redness, or burning
• Rash or hives
• Severe allergic reactions (swelling, wheezing, or trouble breathing)
• Stomach pain, black or bloody stools (rare but serious if absorbed systemically)
• Chest pain, dizziness, or fainting (rare)

If you experience any of these, stop use and contact a healthcare provider immediately.

10. What is the best alternative to Thera-Gesic Cream?

The top replacement for Thera-Gesic is Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream. It contains the same active ingredients and provides similar pain relief for arthritis, muscle aches, and joint discomfort.

If you found Thera-Gesic too mild, Rugby Muscle Rub Cream is a stronger option with 10% Menthol—10x more than Thera-Gesic—and is comparable to Bengay Ultra Strength.

11. What is Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream used for?

Rugby Pain Relieving Cream is a topical analgesic designed to relieve:

• Arthritis and joint pain
• Backaches and muscle soreness
• Sprains and strains
• Everyday aches from overuse or stiffness

It uses the same dual-action ingredients as Thera-Gesic for a familiar and effective pain relief experience.

Want to learn more about Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream? Check out these helpful resources:

• The Best Generic for Thera-Gesic: Rugby Maximum Strength Cream
• Zostrix vs Voltaren vs Thera-Gesic: Which Pain Relief Cream is Best for You?
• Drug Facts Label – Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream
• Rugby Maximum Strength vs. Icy Hot Pro: A Comparison
• Guide to Rugby Pain Relieving Creams & Patches

If you're ready to order Rugby Maximum Strength Pain Relieving Cream, you can purchase it here. For the most detailed ingredient comparison and product breakdown, we recommend starting with this blog post.

For historical reference, you can still visit the archived Thera-Gesic website at www.thera-gesic.com, although product availability is no longer current.

About xeteor.com

xeteor.com, based in Las Vegas and founded in 2018, is an online pharmacy specializing in discounted over-the-counter generics and diabetic test strips. We pass along savings typically reserved for wholesalers or large chains, offering our customers trusted brands like Rugby at lower prices. We’re proud to be the #1 authorized online reseller of Rugby Laboratories products, backed by over 8,000 five-star reviews across Amazon, eBay, Trustpilot, and Google.

xeteor.com is also recognized as a Google Top Quality Store, an honor given to merchants who consistently deliver exceptional service.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.