Novartis Recalls of Excedrin and Other Over The Counter Drugs May Be Mixed Up Wit Opioid Pain Killers–So Where Are the Bar Codes to Help Consumers Find the Products?

Imagine getting your Excedrin bottle out and getting a lot more pain killer for the buck? There could be a run on the products before they all get pulled from the shelves for those who may abuse pain killers. On the other hand when one needs a strong pain killer like after surgery, you only get Excedrin. The opioid drugs are sold by Endo Pharmaceuticals as Percocet, Endocet, Opana and Zydone.

I have been on this kick for at least 2 years now with my bar code campaign for FDA recalls for both drugs and devices and we have nothing yet except a whole lot of inconvenience for consumers.

You can read more here….and here...

In addition, the factory being closed will produce shortages possibly, so this is no win all the way around.

Microsoft Tag (Bar Codes) Adds QR and NFC Capabilities - So Let’s Move on the FDA for Recalls- OTC, Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices..The Vehicle to Drive mHealth

In addition it’s getting easier and more secure with bar codes too if you read the article about about Microsoft Tags being able to create QR codes as well and these can go through an encrypted server. Below is an article I wrote about a man who died because he was mistakenly implanted with a “recalled” device that was missed from being pulled, so enough is enough with pharma and device companies not doing something here as things will happen but no plan for a disaster is a disaster. BD

CBS/AP) The Food and Drug Administration and Swiss drug maker Novartis warned yesterday that over-the-counter medications may be mixed up with powerful painkillers.

Officials advised consumers to stop using the products following hundreds of complaints about broken or incorrect tablets winding up in pill bottles.

Novartis recalled 1,645 lots of drugs including Excedrin, Bufferin, NoDoz and Gas-X. These drugs may have accidentally been packaged at the Lincoln, Neb., facility with powerful prescription painkillers made at the same facility. The opioid drugs are sold by Endo Pharmaceuticals as Percocet, Endocet, Opana and Zydone.

During an inspection, FDA inspectors uncovered a manufacturing problem that could allow pills to become stuck in the machinery and carry over to the packaging of other products, Cox said. The agency says the investigation is ongoing and would not comment on potential penalties against Endo or Novartis.

The FDA and Endo Pharmaceuticals recommend patients examine their prescriptions to make sure all the tablets are similar in shape, color, size and marking. If one or more of the tablets look different, patients should return the medicine to their pharmacist.

Consumers should visit www.novartisOTC.com for a full list of recalled products, and they can call Novartis at 1-888-477-2403, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Patients can also call Endo Pharmaceuticals' call center at 1-800-462-3636.