Notwithstanding statements from Novartis that a recent drug recall issued by the pharmaceutical giant is purely precautionary and not associated with any adverse health events, the company is urging consumers in the United States to destroy or return products that have been named in the recall.

The Switzerland-based drug maker announced the recall last Sunday after an internal review of complaints that certain of its pills are broken or chipped inside their bottles or other packaging. Consumers have additionally noted what has been termed "inconsistent bottle packaging," that is, stray capsules, caplets and tablets from other Novartis products.

The recall applies to top-selling over-the-counter drugs, including the company's mainstay pain relievers Bufferin and Excedrin, as well as the well-known caffeinated product NoDoz.

The mislabeling and broken-product issues relate to the manufacturing processes at a Novartis facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. Novartis has closed that plant down pending an investigation of its operations. The company states that the decision was made "to accelerate maintenance." A re-opening date for the plant has not been established, and all product shipments from it have been suspended.

Novartis shareholders will feel a pinch from the recall. A news release issued by the company states that costs for the recall and required facility improvements in Nebraska will likely run about $120 million.

Novartis stated that it consulted with and apprised the Food and Drug Administration of the recall.

Source: CNN Health, "Novartis issues voluntary recall because of broken, mislabeled pills" Jan. 9, 2012