TORRANCE, Calif. — Hisamitsu has shipped two new external pain relievers for the U.S. market, Salonpas Pain Relief Patch and Salonpas Arthritis Pain. 

The company said Monday that both products are the first and only Food and Drug Administration-approved over-the-counter pain relief patches now  on the market.

Both of the patches are formulated for the temporary relief of the mild to moderate aches and pains of the muscles and joints associated with arthritis, sprains, strains, bruises and simple backaches experienced by patients age 18 or older.  

Hisamitsu said the new patches are effective for up to 12 hours, compared with up to 8 hours offered by competing brands.

Salonpas Pain Relief and Salonpas Arthritis Pain patches are available at major chain drug stores such as Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens and Duane Reade as well as at mass retailers. The suggested retail price is $7.99.

To introduce the new Salonpas patches, Hisamitsu plans distribute over 2 million free samples. Consumers get samples by visiting www.jointhepainfreemovement.com. 

Joining Salonpas Facebook page also allows individuals to engage with the community of Salonpas users and provide resources on pain relief and pain prevention at home, the office or on the athletic field.