[Gpdd] [Health] Recall of Gas-X same as simethicone

[Sandra Oliver-Poore]

The following recall is in effect in the US for Gas-X which is a brand name for simethicone.  No notice has been given for generic versions, Sandy, Sammy, and AR
Jan. 9, 2012 -- Bufferin, Excedrin, Gas-X, and NoDoz products have been recalled because they may be mixed with one another, contain broken tablets, or contain prescription painkillers.

Drugmaker Novartis is voluntarily recalling 1,645 lots of the four products. All four of the recalled products -- as well as nine prescription opiate painkillers including Percocet and morphine -- were made at the same plant in Lincoln, Neb. The opiate painkillers are made at the Novartis plant for Endo Pharmaceuticals.

At a news teleconference, Edward Cox, MD, director of the FDA's office of antiviral products, said there was a slight but real risk that opiate prescription drugs could end up in the over-the-counter products.

"There is a potential risk that it could happen," Cox said. "That is the reason for the consumer-level recall, because there is the potential for a product mix-up there."

Packages of each of the brands may contain tablets, caplets, or capsules of other products. Some of the pills may be broken or chipped.

All Bufferin products with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2013, or earlier have been recalled. Brand names include Bufferin Extra Strength Tablets, Bufferin Low Dose Tablets, and Bufferin Regular Strength Tablets.

All Gas-X Prevention products with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2013, or earlier have been recalled.