Novartis OTC Consumer Product Updates Website

Novartis Consumer Health (NCH) is voluntarily recalling all lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Bufferin® and Gas-X® Prevention®* products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. (Click here for a list of products affected in this recall.)

NCH is taking this action as a precautionary measure, because the products may contain stray tablets, capsules, or caplets from other products, or contain broken or chipped tablets.

A comprehensive recall was initiated as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products.

If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physcian or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.

As this is a voluntary recall at the consumer level, NCH advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to NCH for a full refund.

These actions have been communicated to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We are working closely with the FDA and will continue to do so throughout this process.

Additional information may also be found on the FDA website at www.fda.gov.

How to Return the Recalled Product

To return a recalled product and obtain a refund, please follow these steps:
1. Check your Novartis OTC product to see if it has been affected by this recall. Click here for the product list.
2. Mail any remaining product in the original container along with a completed refund form.
3. The form requires that you include:
  The 10 digit UPC Code, located under the bar code or on the product list.
  
  The lot number and the expiration date (located together generally on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
4. You may mail back multiple products in one package, however, please note:
  In the event, you are returning multiple bottles, you must make sure to include the information requested (UPC, lot number, expiration date, etc.) for each bottle on the product refund form.
  
  A one-time $2.00 shipping reimbursement will be included with your refund. If your shipping cost exceeds $2.00, you will be reimbursed for the actual amount listed on the package.
  
  Please use Standard USPS Ground shipping.
Contact Consumer Relationship Center

Consumers that have questions regarding the recall should contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 midnight. Eastern Time) for information on how to return the affected products and receive reimbursement.
All lots of Bufferin® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier

Bufferin® Extra Strength Tablets

Bufferin® Low Dose Tablets

Bufferin® Regular Strength Tablets
Bufferin® FAQ
1. What do I do if I already threw out the packaging and only have my bottle of Bufferin®? Can I still get my refund?
  
  Yes, you can still receive a refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your Bufferin® bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
2. I threw out my bottle last week. Can I still get my refund?
  
  In order to receive your refund, you must be able to provide a proof of purchase which may include a receipt, a UPC Code # or you can look it up on the product list, and the LOT# and expiration date of the affected product(s). All this information must be entered on the refund form.
  
  When you have completed your refund form, please send it along with your proof of purchase to the Novartis Consumer Health address on the form.
3. What do I do if I do not have the receipt for my product?
  
  Receipts are not necessary to fill out the OTC product return form. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
4. Where do I send my form and product?
  
  Please mail your completed OTC product return form and product(s) to:
  Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.
  600 Lasley Ave.
  Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706
5. If you have more than one bottle, do you fill out a form for each one? Do you send them together or separate?
  
  You may mail back multiple products in one package with one product refund form. However, you must make sure to include all the information requested (i.e., UPC Code , lot number, expiration date, etc.) on the product refund form for each bottle you return.
6. How do I return the recalled product?
  To return a recalled product and obtain a refund, please follow these steps:
  1. Check your Novartis OTC product to see if it has been affected by this recall. Click here for the product list.
  2. Mail any remaining product in the original container along with a completed refund form.
  3. The form requires that you include:
    
    The 10 digit UPC Code , located under the bar code or on the product list.
    
    The lot number and the expiration date (located together generally on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
  4. You may mail back multiple products in one package, however, please note:
    
    In the event you are returning multiple bottles, you must make sure to include the information requested (UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) for each bottle.
    
    A one time $2.00 shipping reimbursement will be included with your refund. If your shipping cost exceeds $2.00, you will be reimbursed for the actual amount listed on the package.
    
    Please use Standard USPS Ground shipping only.
7. Can I send back my bottle even if I already used it and only have a few pills left?
  
  Please discontinue use and return all Bufferin® products to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund regardless of how many pills you may have remaining. To obtain a refund, please fill out the OTC product recall form completely and mail back along with the product to the address indicated on the refund form.
8. What does the UPC code look like on the bottle?
  Please click here for an example of a UPC code. ( http://www.novartis-otc.com/otc/upc.jpg)
9. The local news said that there was a mix up with Novartis OTC pills and prescription pills. Is this true?
  
  We have no reports that a mix-up of Novartis Consumer Health OTC products and any prescription pharmaceutical products manufactured at the Lincoln facility has occurred. A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products.
  
  Gas-X® Prevention® is the only Novartis Consumer Health product manufactured on the same line as the prescription products. The likelihood of finding a prescription medication in a Gas-X® Prevention® capsule is low.
  
  Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
10. Can I return this to the store where I bought the product?
  
  You are welcome to check with your retailer regarding their individual return policy. If your retailer does not honor refunds of the recalled products, please click here for a product refund form to obtain reimbursement.
11. Why are you announcing a voluntary recall of Bufferin®?
  
  Novartis Consumer Health, working with the FDA, decided to issue a voluntary recall of all lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, NoDoz® Alertness Aid, Bufferin® and Gas-X® Prevention® products in the United States because the products may contain stray tablets from other products or contain broken or chipped tablets. All lots of Bufferin® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier are included in this recall. Click here to see full product list.
12. Is the Bufferin® currently in my medicine cabinet safe?
  
  A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products.
  
  Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
  
  In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
  
  Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these drug products. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
13. Have there been complaints related to patient safety surrounding Bufferin®?
  
  A comprehensive recall was initiated as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. Novartis Consumer Health believes this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
14. Has Novartis acted on these consumer complaints?
  
  Novartis Consumer Health is taking pre-emptive actions to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards, including voluntarily suspending operations at the Novartis Consumer Health Lincoln facility as well as suspending shipments from the site.
15. Did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) order the recall?
  
  No. Novartis Consumer Health initiated this voluntary recall. These actions have been communicated to the FDA and we are working closely with the agency and will continue to do so throughout this process.
16. Is it possible that other products will be recalled?
  
  All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States have been recalled. At this time, there are no plans in-place to recall any other Novartis Consumer Health products. However, we will take whatever steps are necessary to deliver on our commitment to meet the highest standards and will not sacrifice quality to meet short-term business results.
17. Which products besides Bufferin® were recalled?
  
  All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, Gas-X® Prevention® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products are being recalled from consumers, retailers and wholesalers.
18. I can’t find Bufferin® at my local retailer, what should I use in place of it?
  
  Please consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding a suitable replacement.
19. What should I do if I have questions about Bufferin®?
  
  Consumers that have questions about the product(s) being recalled should contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 midnight Eastern Time).
20. I just took Bufferin®. What should I do?
  
  We are advising consumers who have purchased recalled products to stop use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. The voluntary recall is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
21. How long before Bufferin® returns to my local retailer?
  
  We are working to resume production and return products to stores as soon as possible.
22. Should I inspect my Bufferin® pills before using them?
  
  Consumers that have the product(s) being recalled should discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
23. What if my product expired in the last year?
  
  Novartis Consumer Health is recalling all lots of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. Therefore, all of these products with these expiry dates or earlier should be returned.
All lots of listed Excedrin® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier are included in this recall (except for 2, 6 or 10 count packages).

Excedrin® Extra Strength Caplets

Excedrin® Extra Strength Express Gel Caplets

Excedrin® Extra Strength Gel Tablets

Excedrin® Extra Strength Tablets

Excedrin® Back & Body Caplets

Excedrin® Sinus Headache Caplets

Excedrin® Migraine Caplets

Excedrin® Migraine Gel Tablets

Excedrin® Migraine Tablets

Excedrin® Menstrual Complete Express Gel Caplets

Excedrin® PM Caplets

Excedrin® PM Express Gel Caplets

Excedrin® PM Tablets

Excedrin® Tension Headache Caplets

Excedrin® Tension Headache Express Gel Caplets

Excedrin® Tension Headache Gel Tablets
Excedrin® FAQ
1. What do I do if I already threw out the packaging and only have my bottle of Excedrin®? Can I still get my refund?
  
  Yes, you can still receive a refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your Excedrin® Bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
2. I threw out my bottle last week. Can I still get my refund?
  
  In order to receive your refund, you must be able to provide a proof of purchase which may include a receipt, a UPC Code # or you can look it up on the product list, and the LOT# and expiration date of the affected product(s). All this information must be entered on the refund form.
  When you have completed your refund form, please send it along with your proof of purchase to the Novartis Consumer Health address on the form.
3. What do I do if I do not have the receipt for my product?
  
  Receipts are not necessary to fill out the OTC product return form. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your Excedrin® Bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
4. Where do I send my form and product?
  
  Please mail your completed OTC product return form and product(s) to:
  Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.
  600 Lasley Ave.
  Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706
5. If you have more than one bottle, do you fill out a form for each one? Do you send them together or separate?
  
  You may mail back multiple products in one package with one product refund form. However, you must make sure to include all the information requested (i.e., UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) on the product refund form for each bottle you return.
6. How do I return the recalled product?
  To return a recalled product and obtain a refund, please follow these steps:
  1. Check your Novartis OTC product to see if it has been affected by this recall. Click here for the product list.
  2. Mail any remaining product in the original container along with a completed refund form.
  3. The form requires that you include:
    
    The 10 digit UPC Code, located under the bar code or on the product list.
    
    The lot number and the expiration date (located together generally on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
  4. You may mail back multiple products in one package, however, please note:
    
    In the event you are returning multiple bottles, you must make sure to include the information requested (UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) for each bottle.
    A one time $2.00 shipping reimbursement will be included with your refund. If your shipping cost exceeds $2.00, you will be reimbursed for the actual amount listed on the package.
    Please use Standard USPS Ground shipping only.
7. Can I send back my bottle even if I already used it and only have a few pills left?
  We highly recommend discontinuing use and returning all Excedrin® products to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund regardless of how many pills you may have remaining. To obtain a refund, please fill out the OTC product recall form completely and mail back along with the product to the address indicated on the refund form.
8. What does the UPC code look like on the Excedrin® bottles?
  
  Please click here for an example of a UPC code. (http://www.novartis-otc.com/otc/upc.jpg)
9. The local news said that there was a mix up with Novartis OTC pills and prescription pills. Is this true?
  
  We have no reports that a mix-up of Novartis Consumer Health OTC products and any prescription pharmaceutical products manufactured at the Lincoln facility has occurred. A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products.
  
  Gas-X® Prevention® is the only Novartis Consumer Health product manufactured on the same line as the prescription products. The likelihood of finding a prescription medication in a Gas-X® Prevention® capsule is low.
  
  Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
10. Can I return this to the store where I bought the product?
  You are welcome to check with your retailer regarding their individual return policy. If your retailer does not honor refunds of the recalled products, please click here for a product refund form to obtain reimbursement.
11. Why are you announcing a voluntary recall of Excedrin®?
  Novartis Consumer Health, working with the FDA, decided to issue a voluntary recall of all lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, NoDoz® Alertness Aid, Bufferin® and Gas-X Prevention® products in the United States because the products may contain stray tablets from other products or contain broken or chipped tablets. All lots of Excedrin® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier are included in this recall (except for 2, 4, 6 or 10 count packages). Click here to see full product list.
12. Is the Excedrin® currently in my medicine cabinet safe?
  
  A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products.
  Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
  
  In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
  
  Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these drug products. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
13. Have there been complaints related to patient safety surrounding Excedrin®?
  
  A comprehensive recall was initiated as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. Novartis Consumer Health believes this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
14. Has Novartis acted on these consumer complaints?
  
  Novartis Consumer Health is taking pre-emptive actions to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards, including voluntarily suspending operations at the Novartis Consumer Health Lincoln facility as well as suspending shipments from the site.
15. Did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) order the recall?
  
  No. Novartis Consumer Health initiated this voluntary recall. These actions have been communicated to the FDA and we are working closely with the agency and will continue to do so throughout this process.
16. Is it possible that other products will be recalled?
  
  All lots of NoDoz® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States have been recalled. At this time, there are no plans in-place to recall any other Novartis Consumer Health products. However, we will take whatever steps are necessary to deliver on our commitment to meet the highest standards and will not sacrifice quality to meet short-term business results.
17. Which products besides Excedrin® were recalled?
  
  All Bufferin®, Gas-X® Prevention® and NoDoz® products will be recalled from consumers, retailers and wholesalers.
18. I can’t find Excedrin® at my local retailer, what should I use in place of it?
  
  Please consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding a suitable replacement.
19. What should I do if I have questions about Excedrin®?
  
  Consumers that have questions about the product(s) being recalled should contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 midnight Eastern Time).
20. I just took Excedrin®. What should I do?
  
  We are advising consumers who have purchased recalled products to stop use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. The voluntary recall is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
21. How long before Excedrin® returns to my local retailer?
  
  We are working to resume production and return products to stores as soon as possible.
22. Should I inspect my Excedrin® pills before using them?
  
  Consumers that have the product(s) being recalled should discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
23. What if my product expired in the last year?
  Novartis Consumer Health is recalling all lots of Excedrin® and NoDoz® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. Therefore, all of these products with these expiry dates or earlier should be returned.
This recall only affects all lots of Gas-X® Prevention® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier.

No other Gas-X® products are included in this recall.
GAS-X® PREVENTION® FAQ
1. What do I do if I already threw out the packaging and only have my bottle of Gas-X® Prevention®? Can I still get my refund?
  
  Yes, you can still receive a refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your Gas-X® Prevention® bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
2. I threw out my bottle last week. Can I still get my refund?
  
  In order to receive your refund, you must be able to provide a proof of purchase which may include a receipt, a UPC Code # or you can look it up on the product list, and the LOT# and expiration date of the affected product(s). All this information must be entered on the refund form.
  
  When you have completed your refund form, please send it along with your proof of purchase to the Novartis Consumer Health address on the form.
3. What do I do if I do not have the receipt for my product?
  
  Receipts are not necessary to fill out the OTC product return form. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
4. Where do I send my form and product?
  
  Please mail your completed OTC product return form and product(s) to:
  Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.
  600 Lasley Ave.
  Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706
5. If you have more than one bottle, do you fill out a form for each one? Do you send them together or separate?
  
  You may mail back multiple products in one package with one product refund form. However, you must make sure to include all the information requested (i.e., UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) on the product refund form for each bottle you return.
6. How do I return the recalled product?
  To return a recalled product and obtain a refund, please follow these steps:
  1. Check your Novartis OTC product to see if it has been affected by this recall. Click here for the product list.
  2. Mail any remaining product in the original container along with a completed refund form.
  3. The form requires that you include:
    
    The 10 digit UPC Code, located under the bar code or on the product list.
    
    The lot number and the expiration date (located together generally on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
  4. You may mail back multiple products in one package, however, please note:
    
    In the event you are returning multiple bottles, you must make sure to include the information requested (UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) for each bottle.
    A one time $2.00 shipping reimbursement will be included with your refund. If your shipping cost exceeds $2.00, you will be reimbursed for the actual amount listed on the package.
    Please use Standard USPS Ground shipping only.
7. Can I send back my bottle even if I already used it and only have a few pills left?
  
  Please discontinue use and return all Gas-X® Prevention® products to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund regardless of how many pills you may have remaining. To obtain a refund, please fill out the OTC product recall form completely and mail back along with the product to the address indicated on the refund form.
8. What does the UPC code look like on the bottle?
  
  Please click here for an example of a UPC code. (http://www.novartis-otc.com/otc/upc.jpg)
9. The local news said that there was a mix up with Novartis OTC pills and prescription pills. Is this true?
  
  We have no reports that a mix-up of Novartis Consumer Health OTC products and any prescription pharmaceutical products manufactured at the Lincoln facility has occurred. A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products.
  
  Gas-X® Prevention® is the only Novartis Consumer Health product manufactured on the same line as the prescription products. The likelihood of finding a prescription medication in a Gas-X® Prevention® capsule is low.
  
  Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
10. Can I return this to the store where I bought the product?
  
  You are welcome to check with your retailer regarding their individual return policy. If your retailer does not honor refunds of the recalled products, please click here for a product refund form to obtain reimbursement.
11. Why are you announcing a voluntary recall of Gas-X® Prevention®?
  
  Novartis Consumer Health, working with the FDA, decided to issue a voluntary recall of all lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, NoDoz® Alertness Aid, Bufferin® and Gas-X® Prevention® products in the United States because the products may contain stray tablets from other products or contain broken or chipped tablets. All lots of Gas-X® Prevention® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier are included in this recall. Click here to see full product list.
12. Is the Gas-X® Prevention® currently in my medicine cabinet safe?
  
  A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products.
  
  Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
  
  In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
  
  Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these drug products. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
13. Have there been complaints related to patient safety surrounding Gas-X® Prevention®?
  
  A comprehensive recall was initiated as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. Novartis Consumer Health believes this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
14. Has Novartis acted on these consumer complaints?
  
  Novartis Consumer Health is taking pre-emptive actions to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards, including voluntarily suspending operations at the Novartis Consumer Health Lincoln facility as well as suspending shipments from the site.
15. Did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) order the recall?
  
  No. Novartis Consumer Health initiated this voluntary recall. These actions have been communicated to the FDA and we are working closely with the agency and will continue to do so throughout this process.
16. Is it possible that other products will be recalled?
  
  All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States have been recalled. At this time, there are no plans in-place to recall any other Novartis Consumer Health products. However, we will take whatever steps are necessary to deliver on our commitment to meet the highest standards and will not sacrifice quality to meet short-term business results.
17. Does this recall include any other Gas-X® products?
  
  This recall only affects all lots of Gas-X® Prevention®, with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier. Gas-X® Thin Strips®, Gas-X® Softgels, Gas-X® Chewables, and Baby Gas-X® Infant Drops are NOT included in this recall.
18. Which products besides Gas-X® Prevention® were recalled?
  
  All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, Bufferin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products are being recalled from consumers, retailers and wholesalers.
19. I can’t find Gas-X® Prevention® at my local retailer, what should I use in place of it?
  
  Please consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding a suitable replacement.
20. What should I do if I have questions about Gas-X® Prevention®?
  
  Consumers that have questions about the product(s) being recalled should contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 midnight Eastern Time).
21. I just took Gas-X® Prevention®. What should I do?
  
  We are advising consumers who have purchased recalled products to stop use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. The voluntary recall is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
22. How long before Gas-X® Prevention® returns to my local retailer?
  
  We are working to resume production and return products to stores as soon as possible.
23. Should I inspect my Gas-X® Prevention® pills before using them?
  
  Consumers that have the product(s) being recalled should discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
24. What if my product expired in the last year?
  
  Novartis Consumer Health is recalling all lots of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. Therefore, all of these products with these expiry dates or earlier should be returned.
All lots of NoDoz® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier (except for 2 count and 4 count packages)
NoDoz® Alertness Aid FAQ
1. What do I do if I already threw out the packaging and only have my bottle of NoDoz® Alertness Aid? Can I still get my refund?
  
  Yes, you can still receive a refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your NoDoz® Alertness Aid bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
2. I threw out my bottle last week. Can I still get my refund?
  
  In order to receive your refund, you must be able to provide a proof of purchase which may include a receipt, a UPC Code # or you can look it up on the product list, and the LOT# and expiration date of the affected product(s). All this information must be entered on the refund form.
  
  When you have completed your refund form, please send it along with your proof of purchase to the Novartis Consumer Health address on the form.
3. What do I do if I do not have the receipt for my product?
  
  Receipts are not necessary to fill out the OTC product return form. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
4. Where do I send my form and product?
  Please mail your completed OTC product return form and product(s) to:
  Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.
  600 Lasley Ave.
  Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706
5. If you have more than one bottle, do you fill out a form for each one? Do you send them together or separate?
  
  You may mail back multiple products in one package with one product refund form. However, you must make sure to include all the information requested (i.e., UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) on the product refund form for each bottle you return.
6. How do I return the recalled product?
  To return a recalled product and obtain a refund, please follow these steps:
  1. Check your Novartis OTC product to see if it has been affected by this recall. Click here for the product list.
  2. Mail any remaining product in the original container along with a completed refund form.
  3. The form requires that you include:
    
    The 10 digit UPC Code, located under the bar code or on the product list.
    
    The lot number and the expiration date (located together generally on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
  4. You may mail back multiple products in one package, however, please note:
    
    In the event you are returning multiple bottles, you must make sure to include the information requested (UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) for each bottle.
    A one time $2.00 shipping reimbursement will be included with your refund. If your shipping cost exceeds $2.00, you will be reimbursed for the actual amount listed on the package.
    Please use Standard USPS Ground shipping only.
7. Can I send back my bottle even if I already used it and only have a few pills left?
  
  Please discontinue use and return all NoDoz® Alertness Aid products to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund regardless of how many pills you may have remaining. To obtain a refund, please fill out the OTC product recall form completely and mail back along with the product to the address indicated on the refund form.
8. What does the UPC code look like on the bottle?
  
  Please click here for an example of a UPC code. (http://www.novartis-otc.com/otc/upc.jpg)
9. The local news said that there was a mix up with Novartis OTC pills and prescription pills. Is this true?
  
  We have no reports that a mix-up of Novartis Consumer Health OTC products and any prescription pharmaceutical products manufactured at the Lincoln facility has occurred. A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products.
  
  Gas-X® Prevention® is the only Novartis Consumer Health product manufactured on the same line as the prescription products. The likelihood of finding a prescription medication in a Gas-X® Prevention® capsule is low.
  
  Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
10. Can I return this to the store where I bought the product?
  
  You are welcome to check with your retailer regarding their individual return policy. If your retailer does not honor refunds of the recalled products, please click here for a product refund form to obtain reimbursement.
11. Why are you announcing a voluntary recall of NoDoz® Alertness Aid?
  
  Novartis Consumer Health, working with the FDA, decided to issue a voluntary recall of all lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, NoDoz® Alertness Aid, Bufferin® and Gas-X® Prevention® products in the United States because the products may contain stray tablets from other products or contain broken or chipped tablets. All lots of NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier (except for 2 and 4 count packages) are included in this recall. Click here to see full product list.
12. Is the NoDoz® Alertness Aid currently in my medicine cabinet safe?
  
  A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products.
  
  Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
  
  In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle).
  
  Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these drug products. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
13. Have there been complaints related to patient safety surrounding NoDoz® Alertness Aid?
  
  A comprehensive recall was initiated as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. Novartis Consumer Health believes this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
14. Has Novartis acted on these consumer complaints?
  
  Novartis Consumer Health is taking pre-emptive actions to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards, including voluntarily suspending operations at the Novartis Consumer Health Lincoln facility as well as suspending shipments from the site.
15. Did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) order the recall?
  
  No. Novartis Consumer Health initiated this voluntary recall. These actions have been communicated to the FDA and we are working closely with the agency and will continue to do so throughout this process.
16. Is it possible that other products will be recalled?
  
  All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States have been recalled. At this time, there are no plans in-place to recall any other Novartis Consumer Health products. However, we will take whatever steps are necessary to deliver on our commitment to meet the highest standards and will not sacrifice quality to meet short-term business results.
17. Which products besides NoDoz® Alertness Aid were recalled?
  
  All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, Gas-X® Prevention® and Bufferin® products are being recalled from consumers, retailers and wholesalers.
18. I can’t find NoDoz® Alertness Aid at my local retailer, what should I use in place of it?
  
  Please consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding a suitable replacement.
19. What should I do if I have questions about NoDoz® Alertness Aid?
  
  Consumers that have questions about the product(s) being recalled should contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 midnight Eastern Time).
20. I just took NoDoz® Alertness Aid. What should I do?
  
  We are advising consumers who have purchased recalled products to stop use and return them to Novartis Consmer Health for a full refund. The voluntary recall is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
  
  If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403.
21. How long before NoDoz® Alertness Aid returns to my local retailer?
  
  We are working to resume production and return products to stores as soon as possible.
22. Should I inspect my NoDoz® Alertness Aid pills before using them?
  
  Consumers that have the product(s) being recalled should discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund.
23. What if my product expired in the last year?
  
  Novartis Consumer Health is recalling all lots of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. Therefore, all of these products with these expiry dates or earlier should be returned.

Novartis OTC Consumer Product Updates Website
We are experiencing a high volume of calls at our Consumer Relationship Center. For information on how to return recalled product, please click here.
You may also email your questions to OTC.Recall@novartis.com
View Impacted Product Lots Product FAQ View Impacted Product Lots Product FAQ View Impacted Product Lots Product FAQ View Impacted Product Lots Product FAQ Go to Top of Website	Novartis Consumer Health (NCH) is voluntarily recalling all lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Bufferin® and Gas-X® Prevention®* products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. (Click here for a list of products affected in this recall.) NCH is taking this action as a precautionary measure, because the products may contain stray tablets, capsules, or caplets from other products, or contain broken or chipped tablets. A comprehensive recall was initiated as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physcian or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. As this is a voluntary recall at the consumer level, NCH advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to NCH for a full refund. These actions have been communicated to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We are working closely with the FDA and will continue to do so throughout this process. Additional information may also be found on the FDA website at www.fda.gov. How to Return the Recalled Product To return a recalled product and obtain a refund, please follow these steps: Check your Novartis OTC product to see if it has been affected by this recall. Click here for the product list. Mail any remaining product in the original container along with a completed refund form. The form requires that you include: The 10 digit UPC Code, located under the bar code or on the product list. The lot number and the expiration date (located together generally on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). You may mail back multiple products in one package, however, please note: In the event, you are returning multiple bottles, you must make sure to include the information requested (UPC, lot number, expiration date, etc.) for each bottle on the product refund form. A one-time $2.00 shipping reimbursement will be included with your refund. If your shipping cost exceeds $2.00, you will be reimbursed for the actual amount listed on the package. Please use Standard USPS Ground shipping. Contact Consumer Relationship Center Consumers that have questions regarding the recall should contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 midnight. Eastern Time) for information on how to return the affected products and receive reimbursement. All lots of Bufferin® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier Bufferin® Extra Strength Tablets Bufferin® Low Dose Tablets Bufferin® Regular Strength Tablets Bufferin® FAQ What do I do if I already threw out the packaging and only have my bottle of Bufferin®? Can I still get my refund? Yes, you can still receive a refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your Bufferin® bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). I threw out my bottle last week. Can I still get my refund? In order to receive your refund, you must be able to provide a proof of purchase which may include a receipt, a UPC Code # or you can look it up on the product list, and the LOT# and expiration date of the affected product(s). All this information must be entered on the refund form. When you have completed your refund form, please send it along with your proof of purchase to the Novartis Consumer Health address on the form. What do I do if I do not have the receipt for my product? Receipts are not necessary to fill out the OTC product return form. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). Where do I send my form and product? Please mail your completed OTC product return form and product(s) to: Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. 600 Lasley Ave. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706 If you have more than one bottle, do you fill out a form for each one? Do you send them together or separate? You may mail back multiple products in one package with one product refund form. However, you must make sure to include all the information requested (i.e., UPC Code , lot number, expiration date, etc.) on the product refund form for each bottle you return. How do I return the recalled product? To return a recalled product and obtain a refund, please follow these steps: Check your Novartis OTC product to see if it has been affected by this recall. Click here for the product list. Mail any remaining product in the original container along with a completed refund form. The form requires that you include: The 10 digit UPC Code , located under the bar code or on the product list. The lot number and the expiration date (located together generally on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). You may mail back multiple products in one package, however, please note: In the event you are returning multiple bottles, you must make sure to include the information requested (UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) for each bottle. A one time $2.00 shipping reimbursement will be included with your refund. If your shipping cost exceeds $2.00, you will be reimbursed for the actual amount listed on the package. Please use Standard USPS Ground shipping only. Can I send back my bottle even if I already used it and only have a few pills left? Please discontinue use and return all Bufferin® products to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund regardless of how many pills you may have remaining. To obtain a refund, please fill out the OTC product recall form completely and mail back along with the product to the address indicated on the refund form. What does the UPC code look like on the bottle? Please click here for an example of a UPC code. ( http://www.novartis-otc.com/otc/upc.jpg) The local news said that there was a mix up with Novartis OTC pills and prescription pills. Is this true? We have no reports that a mix-up of Novartis Consumer Health OTC products and any prescription pharmaceutical products manufactured at the Lincoln facility has occurred. A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. Gas-X® Prevention® is the only Novartis Consumer Health product manufactured on the same line as the prescription products. The likelihood of finding a prescription medication in a Gas-X® Prevention® capsule is low. Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. Can I return this to the store where I bought the product? You are welcome to check with your retailer regarding their individual return policy. If your retailer does not honor refunds of the recalled products, please click here for a product refund form to obtain reimbursement. Why are you announcing a voluntary recall of Bufferin®? Novartis Consumer Health, working with the FDA, decided to issue a voluntary recall of all lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, NoDoz® Alertness Aid, Bufferin® and Gas-X® Prevention® products in the United States because the products may contain stray tablets from other products or contain broken or chipped tablets. All lots of Bufferin® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier are included in this recall. Click here to see full product list. Is the Bufferin® currently in my medicine cabinet safe? A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these drug products. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. Have there been complaints related to patient safety surrounding Bufferin®? A comprehensive recall was initiated as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. Novartis Consumer Health believes this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. Has Novartis acted on these consumer complaints? Novartis Consumer Health is taking pre-emptive actions to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards, including voluntarily suspending operations at the Novartis Consumer Health Lincoln facility as well as suspending shipments from the site. Did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) order the recall? No. Novartis Consumer Health initiated this voluntary recall. These actions have been communicated to the FDA and we are working closely with the agency and will continue to do so throughout this process. Is it possible that other products will be recalled? All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States have been recalled. At this time, there are no plans in-place to recall any other Novartis Consumer Health products. However, we will take whatever steps are necessary to deliver on our commitment to meet the highest standards and will not sacrifice quality to meet short-term business results. Which products besides Bufferin® were recalled? All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, Gas-X® Prevention® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products are being recalled from consumers, retailers and wholesalers. I can’t find Bufferin® at my local retailer, what should I use in place of it? Please consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding a suitable replacement. What should I do if I have questions about Bufferin®? Consumers that have questions about the product(s) being recalled should contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 midnight Eastern Time). I just took Bufferin®. What should I do? We are advising consumers who have purchased recalled products to stop use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. The voluntary recall is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. How long before Bufferin® returns to my local retailer? We are working to resume production and return products to stores as soon as possible. Should I inspect my Bufferin® pills before using them? Consumers that have the product(s) being recalled should discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. What if my product expired in the last year? Novartis Consumer Health is recalling all lots of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. Therefore, all of these products with these expiry dates or earlier should be returned. All lots of listed Excedrin® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier are included in this recall (except for 2, 6 or 10 count packages). Excedrin® Extra Strength Caplets Excedrin® Extra Strength Express Gel Caplets Excedrin® Extra Strength Gel Tablets Excedrin® Extra Strength Tablets Excedrin® Back & Body Caplets Excedrin® Sinus Headache Caplets Excedrin® Migraine Caplets Excedrin® Migraine Gel Tablets Excedrin® Migraine Tablets Excedrin® Menstrual Complete Express Gel Caplets Excedrin® PM Caplets Excedrin® PM Express Gel Caplets Excedrin® PM Tablets Excedrin® Tension Headache Caplets Excedrin® Tension Headache Express Gel Caplets Excedrin® Tension Headache Gel Tablets Excedrin® FAQ What do I do if I already threw out the packaging and only have my bottle of Excedrin®? Can I still get my refund? Yes, you can still receive a refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your Excedrin® Bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). I threw out my bottle last week. Can I still get my refund? In order to receive your refund, you must be able to provide a proof of purchase which may include a receipt, a UPC Code # or you can look it up on the product list, and the LOT# and expiration date of the affected product(s). All this information must be entered on the refund form. When you have completed your refund form, please send it along with your proof of purchase to the Novartis Consumer Health address on the form. What do I do if I do not have the receipt for my product? Receipts are not necessary to fill out the OTC product return form. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your Excedrin® Bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). Where do I send my form and product? Please mail your completed OTC product return form and product(s) to: Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. 600 Lasley Ave. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706 If you have more than one bottle, do you fill out a form for each one? Do you send them together or separate? You may mail back multiple products in one package with one product refund form. However, you must make sure to include all the information requested (i.e., UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) on the product refund form for each bottle you return. How do I return the recalled product? To return a recalled product and obtain a refund, please follow these steps: Check your Novartis OTC product to see if it has been affected by this recall. Click here for the product list. Mail any remaining product in the original container along with a completed refund form. The form requires that you include: The 10 digit UPC Code, located under the bar code or on the product list. The lot number and the expiration date (located together generally on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). You may mail back multiple products in one package, however, please note: In the event you are returning multiple bottles, you must make sure to include the information requested (UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) for each bottle. A one time $2.00 shipping reimbursement will be included with your refund. If your shipping cost exceeds $2.00, you will be reimbursed for the actual amount listed on the package. Please use Standard USPS Ground shipping only. Can I send back my bottle even if I already used it and only have a few pills left? We highly recommend discontinuing use and returning all Excedrin® products to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund regardless of how many pills you may have remaining. To obtain a refund, please fill out the OTC product recall form completely and mail back along with the product to the address indicated on the refund form. What does the UPC code look like on the Excedrin® bottles? Please click here for an example of a UPC code. (http://www.novartis-otc.com/otc/upc.jpg) The local news said that there was a mix up with Novartis OTC pills and prescription pills. Is this true? We have no reports that a mix-up of Novartis Consumer Health OTC products and any prescription pharmaceutical products manufactured at the Lincoln facility has occurred. A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. Gas-X® Prevention® is the only Novartis Consumer Health product manufactured on the same line as the prescription products. The likelihood of finding a prescription medication in a Gas-X® Prevention® capsule is low. Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. Can I return this to the store where I bought the product? You are welcome to check with your retailer regarding their individual return policy. If your retailer does not honor refunds of the recalled products, please click here for a product refund form to obtain reimbursement. Why are you announcing a voluntary recall of Excedrin®? Novartis Consumer Health, working with the FDA, decided to issue a voluntary recall of all lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, NoDoz® Alertness Aid, Bufferin® and Gas-X Prevention® products in the United States because the products may contain stray tablets from other products or contain broken or chipped tablets. All lots of Excedrin® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier are included in this recall (except for 2, 4, 6 or 10 count packages). Click here to see full product list. Is the Excedrin® currently in my medicine cabinet safe? A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these drug products. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. Have there been complaints related to patient safety surrounding Excedrin®? A comprehensive recall was initiated as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. Novartis Consumer Health believes this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. Has Novartis acted on these consumer complaints? Novartis Consumer Health is taking pre-emptive actions to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards, including voluntarily suspending operations at the Novartis Consumer Health Lincoln facility as well as suspending shipments from the site. Did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) order the recall? No. Novartis Consumer Health initiated this voluntary recall. These actions have been communicated to the FDA and we are working closely with the agency and will continue to do so throughout this process. Is it possible that other products will be recalled? All lots of NoDoz® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States have been recalled. At this time, there are no plans in-place to recall any other Novartis Consumer Health products. However, we will take whatever steps are necessary to deliver on our commitment to meet the highest standards and will not sacrifice quality to meet short-term business results. Which products besides Excedrin® were recalled? All Bufferin®, Gas-X® Prevention® and NoDoz® products will be recalled from consumers, retailers and wholesalers. I can’t find Excedrin® at my local retailer, what should I use in place of it? Please consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding a suitable replacement. What should I do if I have questions about Excedrin®? Consumers that have questions about the product(s) being recalled should contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 midnight Eastern Time). I just took Excedrin®. What should I do? We are advising consumers who have purchased recalled products to stop use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. The voluntary recall is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. How long before Excedrin® returns to my local retailer? We are working to resume production and return products to stores as soon as possible. Should I inspect my Excedrin® pills before using them? Consumers that have the product(s) being recalled should discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. What if my product expired in the last year? Novartis Consumer Health is recalling all lots of Excedrin® and NoDoz® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. Therefore, all of these products with these expiry dates or earlier should be returned. This recall only affects all lots of Gas-X® Prevention® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier. No other Gas-X® products are included in this recall. GAS-X® PREVENTION® FAQ What do I do if I already threw out the packaging and only have my bottle of Gas-X® Prevention®? Can I still get my refund? Yes, you can still receive a refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your Gas-X® Prevention® bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). I threw out my bottle last week. Can I still get my refund? In order to receive your refund, you must be able to provide a proof of purchase which may include a receipt, a UPC Code # or you can look it up on the product list, and the LOT# and expiration date of the affected product(s). All this information must be entered on the refund form. When you have completed your refund form, please send it along with your proof of purchase to the Novartis Consumer Health address on the form. What do I do if I do not have the receipt for my product? Receipts are not necessary to fill out the OTC product return form. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). Where do I send my form and product? Please mail your completed OTC product return form and product(s) to: Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. 600 Lasley Ave. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706 If you have more than one bottle, do you fill out a form for each one? Do you send them together or separate? You may mail back multiple products in one package with one product refund form. However, you must make sure to include all the information requested (i.e., UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) on the product refund form for each bottle you return. How do I return the recalled product? To return a recalled product and obtain a refund, please follow these steps: Check your Novartis OTC product to see if it has been affected by this recall. Click here for the product list. Mail any remaining product in the original container along with a completed refund form. The form requires that you include: The 10 digit UPC Code, located under the bar code or on the product list. The lot number and the expiration date (located together generally on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). You may mail back multiple products in one package, however, please note: In the event you are returning multiple bottles, you must make sure to include the information requested (UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) for each bottle. A one time $2.00 shipping reimbursement will be included with your refund. If your shipping cost exceeds $2.00, you will be reimbursed for the actual amount listed on the package. Please use Standard USPS Ground shipping only. Can I send back my bottle even if I already used it and only have a few pills left? Please discontinue use and return all Gas-X® Prevention® products to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund regardless of how many pills you may have remaining. To obtain a refund, please fill out the OTC product recall form completely and mail back along with the product to the address indicated on the refund form. What does the UPC code look like on the bottle? Please click here for an example of a UPC code. (http://www.novartis-otc.com/otc/upc.jpg) The local news said that there was a mix up with Novartis OTC pills and prescription pills. Is this true? We have no reports that a mix-up of Novartis Consumer Health OTC products and any prescription pharmaceutical products manufactured at the Lincoln facility has occurred. A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. Gas-X® Prevention® is the only Novartis Consumer Health product manufactured on the same line as the prescription products. The likelihood of finding a prescription medication in a Gas-X® Prevention® capsule is low. Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. Can I return this to the store where I bought the product? You are welcome to check with your retailer regarding their individual return policy. If your retailer does not honor refunds of the recalled products, please click here for a product refund form to obtain reimbursement. Why are you announcing a voluntary recall of Gas-X® Prevention®? Novartis Consumer Health, working with the FDA, decided to issue a voluntary recall of all lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, NoDoz® Alertness Aid, Bufferin® and Gas-X® Prevention® products in the United States because the products may contain stray tablets from other products or contain broken or chipped tablets. All lots of Gas-X® Prevention® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier are included in this recall. Click here to see full product list. Is the Gas-X® Prevention® currently in my medicine cabinet safe? A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these drug products. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. Have there been complaints related to patient safety surrounding Gas-X® Prevention®? A comprehensive recall was initiated as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. Novartis Consumer Health believes this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. Has Novartis acted on these consumer complaints? Novartis Consumer Health is taking pre-emptive actions to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards, including voluntarily suspending operations at the Novartis Consumer Health Lincoln facility as well as suspending shipments from the site. Did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) order the recall? No. Novartis Consumer Health initiated this voluntary recall. These actions have been communicated to the FDA and we are working closely with the agency and will continue to do so throughout this process. Is it possible that other products will be recalled? All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States have been recalled. At this time, there are no plans in-place to recall any other Novartis Consumer Health products. However, we will take whatever steps are necessary to deliver on our commitment to meet the highest standards and will not sacrifice quality to meet short-term business results. Does this recall include any other Gas-X® products? This recall only affects all lots of Gas-X® Prevention®, with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier. Gas-X® Thin Strips®, Gas-X® Softgels, Gas-X® Chewables, and Baby Gas-X® Infant Drops are NOT included in this recall. Which products besides Gas-X® Prevention® were recalled? All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, Bufferin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products are being recalled from consumers, retailers and wholesalers. I can’t find Gas-X® Prevention® at my local retailer, what should I use in place of it? Please consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding a suitable replacement. What should I do if I have questions about Gas-X® Prevention®? Consumers that have questions about the product(s) being recalled should contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 midnight Eastern Time). I just took Gas-X® Prevention®. What should I do? We are advising consumers who have purchased recalled products to stop use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. The voluntary recall is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. How long before Gas-X® Prevention® returns to my local retailer? We are working to resume production and return products to stores as soon as possible. Should I inspect my Gas-X® Prevention® pills before using them? Consumers that have the product(s) being recalled should discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. What if my product expired in the last year? Novartis Consumer Health is recalling all lots of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. Therefore, all of these products with these expiry dates or earlier should be returned. All lots of NoDoz® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier (except for 2 count and 4 count packages) NoDoz® Alertness Aid FAQ What do I do if I already threw out the packaging and only have my bottle of NoDoz® Alertness Aid? Can I still get my refund? Yes, you can still receive a refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your NoDoz® Alertness Aid bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). I threw out my bottle last week. Can I still get my refund? In order to receive your refund, you must be able to provide a proof of purchase which may include a receipt, a UPC Code # or you can look it up on the product list, and the LOT# and expiration date of the affected product(s). All this information must be entered on the refund form. When you have completed your refund form, please send it along with your proof of purchase to the Novartis Consumer Health address on the form. What do I do if I do not have the receipt for my product? Receipts are not necessary to fill out the OTC product return form. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). Where do I send my form and product? Please mail your completed OTC product return form and product(s) to: Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. 600 Lasley Ave. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706 If you have more than one bottle, do you fill out a form for each one? Do you send them together or separate? You may mail back multiple products in one package with one product refund form. However, you must make sure to include all the information requested (i.e., UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) on the product refund form for each bottle you return. How do I return the recalled product? To return a recalled product and obtain a refund, please follow these steps: Check your Novartis OTC product to see if it has been affected by this recall. Click here for the product list. Mail any remaining product in the original container along with a completed refund form. The form requires that you include: The 10 digit UPC Code, located under the bar code or on the product list. The lot number and the expiration date (located together generally on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). You may mail back multiple products in one package, however, please note: In the event you are returning multiple bottles, you must make sure to include the information requested (UPC Code, lot number, expiration date, etc.) for each bottle. A one time $2.00 shipping reimbursement will be included with your refund. If your shipping cost exceeds $2.00, you will be reimbursed for the actual amount listed on the package. Please use Standard USPS Ground shipping only. Can I send back my bottle even if I already used it and only have a few pills left? Please discontinue use and return all NoDoz® Alertness Aid products to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund regardless of how many pills you may have remaining. To obtain a refund, please fill out the OTC product recall form completely and mail back along with the product to the address indicated on the refund form. What does the UPC code look like on the bottle? Please click here for an example of a UPC code. (http://www.novartis-otc.com/otc/upc.jpg) The local news said that there was a mix up with Novartis OTC pills and prescription pills. Is this true? We have no reports that a mix-up of Novartis Consumer Health OTC products and any prescription pharmaceutical products manufactured at the Lincoln facility has occurred. A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. Gas-X® Prevention® is the only Novartis Consumer Health product manufactured on the same line as the prescription products. The likelihood of finding a prescription medication in a Gas-X® Prevention® capsule is low. Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. Can I return this to the store where I bought the product? You are welcome to check with your retailer regarding their individual return policy. If your retailer does not honor refunds of the recalled products, please click here for a product refund form to obtain reimbursement. Why are you announcing a voluntary recall of NoDoz® Alertness Aid? Novartis Consumer Health, working with the FDA, decided to issue a voluntary recall of all lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, NoDoz® Alertness Aid, Bufferin® and Gas-X® Prevention® products in the United States because the products may contain stray tablets from other products or contain broken or chipped tablets. All lots of NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier (except for 2 and 4 count packages) are included in this recall. Click here to see full product list. Is the NoDoz® Alertness Aid currently in my medicine cabinet safe? A comprehensive recall was taken as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. We believe this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. Novartis Consumer Health advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. In order to receive your refund, please mail the original product along with a completed form to the Novartis Consumer Health address listed on the refund form. The form requires that you include the UPC Code # located on the original product packaging or you can look it up on the product list. Additionally, you will need to find the LOT# and expiration date on your bottle (located on the bottom or the side panel of the bottle). Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these drug products. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. Have there been complaints related to patient safety surrounding NoDoz® Alertness Aid? A comprehensive recall was initiated as a precautionary measure due to potential product mix-ups and is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. Novartis Consumer Health believes this voluntary action is in the best interest of consumers who trust and rely on our products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. Has Novartis acted on these consumer complaints? Novartis Consumer Health is taking pre-emptive actions to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards, including voluntarily suspending operations at the Novartis Consumer Health Lincoln facility as well as suspending shipments from the site. Did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) order the recall? No. Novartis Consumer Health initiated this voluntary recall. These actions have been communicated to the FDA and we are working closely with the agency and will continue to do so throughout this process. Is it possible that other products will be recalled? All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States have been recalled. At this time, there are no plans in-place to recall any other Novartis Consumer Health products. However, we will take whatever steps are necessary to deliver on our commitment to meet the highest standards and will not sacrifice quality to meet short-term business results. Which products besides NoDoz® Alertness Aid were recalled? All lots of select bottle sizes of Excedrin®, Gas-X® Prevention® and Bufferin® products are being recalled from consumers, retailers and wholesalers. I can’t find NoDoz® Alertness Aid at my local retailer, what should I use in place of it? Please consult a doctor or pharmacist regarding a suitable replacement. What should I do if I have questions about NoDoz® Alertness Aid? Consumers that have questions about the product(s) being recalled should contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 midnight Eastern Time). I just took NoDoz® Alertness Aid. What should I do? We are advising consumers who have purchased recalled products to stop use and return them to Novartis Consmer Health for a full refund. The voluntary recall is not based upon adverse events reported in relation to the recalled products. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. If you have any questions or are experiencing an adverse event, you should contact your physician or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Consumers should also report the adverse event to the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403. How long before NoDoz® Alertness Aid returns to my local retailer? We are working to resume production and return products to stores as soon as possible. Should I inspect my NoDoz® Alertness Aid pills before using them? Consumers that have the product(s) being recalled should discontinue use and return them to Novartis Consumer Health for a full refund. What if my product expired in the last year? Novartis Consumer Health is recalling all lots of Excedrin® and NoDoz® Alertness Aid products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Gas-X® Prevention® products and Bufferin® with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States. Therefore, all of these products with these expiry dates or earlier should be returned.

How to Return the Recalled Product

Contact Consumer Relationship Center

All lots of Bufferin® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier

Bufferin® FAQ

All lots of listed Excedrin® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier are included in this recall (except for 2, 6 or 10 count packages).

Excedrin® FAQ

This recall only affects all lots of Gas-X® Prevention® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2013 or earlier.

No other Gas-X® products are included in this recall.

GAS-X® PREVENTION® FAQ

All lots of NoDoz® products with expiry dates of December 20, 2014 or earlier (except for 2 count and 4 count packages)

NoDoz® Alertness Aid FAQ