Novartis Opts For OTC Recall, With J&J/McNeil Lessons Still Fresh

After shuttering its Lincoln, Neb., OTC facility, the firm recalls some lots of Bufferin, Excedrin, Gas-X and NoDoz. FDA found a “pattern of problems” when inspecting the plant in 2011, and Novartis’ actions suggest it seeks to avoid the same scrutiny that Johnson & Johnson’s OTC recalls elicited.