The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about a potential mix-up between powerful prescription pain drugs and common over-the-counter medications like Excedrin and Gas-X made at a Novartis manufacturing plant.
The problem is a result of major manufacturing problems at a Lincoln, Nebraska, facility which was shut down last month. The Swiss drugmaker has recalled bottles of Excedrin, Bufferin and other medications which may have included mixed up pills.
Now the FDA says some of those over-the-counter pills may have accidentally been packaged with powerful prescription painkillers made at the same facility. The opioid drugs are sold by Endo Pharmaceuticals as Percocet, Endocet, Opana and Zydone.
The recalled drugs include Excedrin and NoDoz products with expiration dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier, as well as Bufferin and Gas-X Prevention products with expiration dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier.
The Food and Drug Administration reports that the over-the-counter products were distributed nationwide to wholesalers and retailers alike.
Mixing different products in the same bottle can result in consumers taking the incorrect product and receiving a higher or lower strength than intended, or receiving an unintended ingredient. This could result in overdose, interaction with other medications, or an allergic reaction. Novartis is not aware of adverse events reported with the issues leading to the recall.
If you have purchased any of the recalled products named above you should stop using them immediately and contact Novartis for a full refund. For information on how to return the affected products call Novartis at 888-477-2403. For more information, visit www.novartisOTC.com.
You should also contact your physician or healthcare provider if you have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these recalled products.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a defective product, contact the defective product lawyers at the Alexander Law Group, LLP for a free case evaluation or call 888.777.1776. All calls free and confidential.
