Excedrin, NoDoz, Gas-X, Bufferin Recalled

Novartis is recalling some popular over-the-counter drugs over concerns about broken or incorrect tablets winding up in pill bottles. Excedrin, NoDoz, Bufferin and Gas-X are the drugs in question.

Novartis had recently decided to temporarily suspend production at its Lincoln, Neb. Plant for "maintenance and other improvement activities."

The Swiss drug maker is working with the Food and Drug Administration during its voluntary recall, which affects U.S. retailers. Novartis became aware of the potential problem during an internal review that revealed broken and chipped pills, and inconsistent bottle packaging (which could have caused the mix-up). The company said it wanted to make sure that customers didn't take any pills that they might be allergic to or that might become dangerous when mixed with other medications. But Novartis also said there have been no complaints from consumers themselves.

Some bottles of headache medicine Excedrin and caffeine caplets NoDoz with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2014 or earlier will be subject to recall. And some packages of pain medicine Bufferin and stomach medicine Gas-X with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2013 or earlier will be affected.

Consumers should visit www.novartisOTC.com for a full list of recalled products, and they can also call the company at 1-888-477-2403 Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST for more information.