Excedrin Migraine back on store shelves amid confusion

A popular headache medication is back on store shelves after a voluntary recall in January 2012.

Some consumers are confused by the new lot numbers and expiration dates on the new Excedrin Migraine packaging because they are similar to the recalled product.

The product was initially recalled because some packages contained stray tablets, caplets from other products, or broken tablets.

Brand officials insist the new product is safe to use and can easily be identified by the new lot numbers listed on the packaging.

A consumer should first check the product packaging for a lot number with seven digits, according to Julie Masow, a spokeswoman for the Novartis Corporation, which makes the headache medication.

The lot number is located on the side of the box and on the back of the bottle’s label, above the expiration date, she said.

If the bottle has two letters as the second and third digits, it was not part of the voluntary recall, said Masow. 

“Novartis Consumer Health is aware that there has been some confusion about the expiration date on new bottles of Excedrin Migraine,” Masow said.

“First we want to assure all consumers that Excedrin Migraine, which returned to market in the United States in October 2012, is safe and effective when used as directed on the package label,” she said.

Masow said consumers can also check the NDC number on the upper left corner of the front panel of the box and on the upper right corner of the bottle’s front label.

If the bottle has one of the following NDC numbers, it was not part of the voluntary recall, she said:

For 24 count Excedrin ^® Migraine: 0067-8103-24

For 100 count Excedrin ^® Migraine: 0067-8103-91

For 200 count Excedrin ^® Migraine: 0067-8103-92

For 300 count Excedrin ^® Migraine: 0067-8103-33