We have all most likely heard of manufacturers that have released, or distributed, a product, or series of products, and then followed up with a recall of that product at a later date. The reasons for the recalls can vary from precautionary to having the ability to cause harm or, in some cases, even death, so it is good to heed the recall and do as instructed.

Typical industries that recalls tend to be initiated by include the automotive industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry, and child related industries, to name a few.

In a specific example, Novartis, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, announced that it is issuing a voluntary Gas X recall along with three additional products sold in the U.S. Bottled versions of these four products may contain chipped, broken or stray tablets of other products manufactured by Novartis.

So, if you’ve recently purchased a container of one of the following medications, Excedrin, Bufferin, Gas-X or NoDoz, it is important that you take the time to carefully check the expiration date on the manufacturing label before consuming another tablet.

Gas X Recall is A Precautionary Measure

So far, Novartis has not received any reports of individuals falling ill as a result of the potentially compromised products, and they’re issuing the voluntary recall as a precautionary measure. Still, Novartis is warning consumers of the potential dangers and suggesting that they return any bottles of Gas-X, NoDoz, Excedrin and Bufferin to the point of sale.

According to representatives from Novartis, failing to yield to the recall could result in consuming the wrong product, or the correct product at an incorrect dosage. This, in turn, could result in an allergic reaction, a lack of desired effects or even an overdose.

Check the Expiration Date

The Novartis recall applies to bottles of Gas-X and Bufferin with expiration dates of December 20th, 2013 and sooner. The recall also applies to bottles of NoDoz and Excedrin with expiration dates of December 20th, 2014 and sooner.

If your expiration date is later than the one listed for your product, it should be safe to consume as normal.

The Recall Costs $120 Million

Novartis estimates that the voluntary recall will cost approximately $120 million. The company has traced the problem to to its manufacturing facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, where shipments and operations have been suspended while the company sorts out the problems.

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has been made aware of the recall. Retailers and distributors have been made aware as well, meaning that the recalled products should no longer be available for purchase.

The Bottom Line

Bottled versions of Excedrin, NoDoz, Gas-X and Bufferin have all been voluntarily recalled by the pharmaceutical company Novartis. The Gas X recall, specifically, affects the entirety of the United States. If you’ve recently purchased any of these medications, or if you plan to purchase them in the near future, be sure to check the expiration dates carefully.

Expiration dates should post-date Dec. 20, 2014 for Excedrin and NoDoz, and post-date Dec. 20, 2013 for Gas-X and Bufferin. If they don’t, return the product for a refund.