Drug Maker Recalls Over-the-Counter Medicines Following Dangerous Mix-Up

Drug Maker Novartis recalled popular drugs including Excedrin, Bufferin, NoDoz and Gas-X. The Food and Drug Administration and Novartis are warning consumers that these over-the-counter medications may be mixed up with powerful painkillers such as Percocet.

Officials became aware of the error following hundreds of complaints about "broken or incorrect tablets winding up in pill bottles." While no injuries resulting from the mix-up have been reported at this point, accidental ingestion of prescription-only, narcotic painkillers could cause very serious injuries or even death.

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

As a Chicago products liability attorney, I urge consumers to carefully examine their medications in light of this dangerous mix-up and seek immediate medical assistance for any adverse reaction.