Posted on January 20, 2012
Topics: Product Liability
Patients should be aware of a potential mix-up between powerful prescription pain medications and over-the-counter drugs, such as Gas-X and Excedrin, made at a Novartis manufacturing plant.
The prescription pain drugs are marketed by Endo Pharmaceuticals under names such as Opana, Zydone, Endocet and Percocet. The incident was the result of manufacturing problems at a facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, according to news reports.
The recall of over-the-counter medications was initiated Sunday, January, 8. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials warned on Jan. 9 that some over-the-counter pills could have been accidentally packaged with prescription pain drugs made at the same location.
Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. said it is not aware of a confirmed mix-up that had reached any consumers. The FDA says the prescription pain medications will not be recalled, as they are vital medications for many individuals and there is a low chance of stray pills.
“The likelihood of finding a wrong tablet in an opiate pain medication dispensed to patients is low and patients should not be unduly alarmed,” the FDA’s Dr. Edward Cox said in a pharmpro.com article. According to FDA officials, the investigation is ongoing.
Despite a low chance of mix-ups, we feel consumers should still be aware and be cautious, as serious harm could occur should an unsuspecting patient take the wrong medication.
The recall will affect bottles of Excedrin headache medicine and NoDoz caffeine caplets with December 20, 2014 expiration dates, as well as Bufferin pain medicine and Gas-X stomach medicine with December 20, 2013 expiration dates.
About Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C.
The personal injury lawyers at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., have been helping injured individuals since 1981, and have recovered $350 million in verdicts and settlements for clients. Results may vary because each case is unique. If you or someone you love has been injured due to another’s negligence, contact us today to discuss the specifics of your case.
Call our New York or New Jersey office at (800) LAW-2000 or fill out our convenient online contact form. We do not charge attorney fees unless we are successful in your case.
