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Excedrin Recall Continues, Here Are Some Alternatives

No word on when the pills will return to shelves.

 

The recent recall of Excedrin, NoDoz, Gas-X and Bufferin has left many without the medicine they typically use to cure their ills.

Distributing drug company Novartis would not say when the pills would be back on the shelf, but Dr. Alice Stollenwerk Petrulis with MetroHealth in Westlake has a few suggestions until they become available again.

"Bufferin is just buffered aspirin and Gas-X is Beano," she said. "The easiest thing to do is figure out what the active ingredient is, and find something with the same dosage."

Ecotrin, a kind of aspirin, works just as well as Bufferin, Petrulis said. A low dose would be around 180 milligrams, and a high dose would be 345 milligrams.

Petrulis suggests Mylanta Gas liquid, an antacid, as a substitute for Gas-X. Mylicon, which is often given to children to reduce gas, is another option, as well as GasAid and Flatulex, she said.

For a NoDoz substitute, Petrulis suggests having a cup of coffee. She said there is as much caffeine in a NoDoz pill as a 16-ounce cup of coffee from Einstein's or an iced drink from Starbucks.

For those who don't like coffee, she suggests regular caffeine pills.

"The easiest thing to do is go to the area you bought the Gas-X and find an equivalent," she said. "Look for that key ingredient." 

Migraines can be treated with Motrin or Advil and a little caffeine, she said. "IB profein, Motrin and Advil are all good for migraines. Excedrin Migraine is just Asprin, Tylenol and caffiene."

Westlake's Walgreen's pharmacy also stated that they do not know when the recall will be over, but recommended Walgreens brand Migraine Relief as an alternative to Excedrin Migraine.

A few Patch readers have been reporting dizziness, vomiting and stomach pain after taking the last few pills in their Excedrin bottles, but Novartis says they haven't heard of any complaints.

"We don't have any reports of adverse events," said Julie Massow, U.S. corporate spokesperson for Novartis.

"Novartis Consumer Health has also taken other pre-emptive actions to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards, including voluntarily suspending operations at the Lincoln facility and suspending shipments from the site," reads a statement issued by Novartis. "We are working to resume production and return products to stores as soon as possible."

Related Topics: Excedrin, Novartis, and Recall

dinah reese

4:32 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2012

When I was 9 I had an auto accident which left me with a brain injury. I took excederin on a regular basis it helped. Now 47 I'm left with nothing and I'm scared. I'm affraid of prescription drugs I don't want to be strung out. Please hurry. Thank you

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Marjorie Heckler

6:50 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Use VANQUISH it is the same as Excedrine.

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Ana

9:14 pm on Monday, April 23, 2012

Use cvs brand tension headache gel coatted caps they work great thats what I use since recall you wont be dissapointed

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LeeTreanna Green

7:11 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012

Excedrin Menstrual was the only medicine that would cure everything that is associated with our monthly. I will be so glad when this recall is over as NOTHING else works!

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Joanne

12:29 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012

Vanquish works okay but you have to take more of it because it has less mgs of medicine in it than Excedrine does... check your labels.

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Bonnie smith

10:06 pm on Sunday, August 19, 2012

Excedrin is the only product that completely helps me with headaches and complety all over pain. Please hurry up and come back!!!!!!

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Michele Maclaughlin

9:43 am on Friday, October 26, 2012

You are so right! I've used the other medicines listed and only Excederine works! It's so fast and effective! It gives you such a pick-me-up that is unmatched by those other brands. It's like the way you can't duplicate the deliciousness of a McDonald's cheeseburger at home. There is truly something special in their formula!

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Devan

12:46 am on Monday, March 18, 2013

Try aminoactiv. It's a pain reliever that promotes healing too. It's worked wonders for me.

ColumbiaMO

6:18 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2012

iam scared to..this is the best medicine, i have took for my migraines attacks...now i will have to be rushed to the hopstial.. i hope and pray that the recall is not for a long time thats all i can say...god bless

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Judy Spengeman

11:01 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012

today is June 18th - I found an EXACT copy of "excedrin migraine" ingredients in MEIJERS Migraine. Hope you get this reply since your post was long ago.

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Pam Basinger

12:20 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Walgreens Migraine Relief is also the same ingredients as Excedrin Migraine. I've been using them since the recall and for me they work just as well!

ColumbiaMO

7:52 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012

NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE IS IT A PILL?? AND WILL THEY KNOW WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT AT THE DRUG STORE...

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Marjorie Heckler

5:45 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Yes, they should know what you are talking about. I have used it for years and years. White box with big red letters. Walgreens carries it in the pain relief section.

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Marjorie Heckler

5:50 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

It is a tablet, it contains acetaminophen which is the generic name for Tylenol, aspirin, and caffeine which are the same ingredients in Excedrine. Works the same for me as excedrine. Ibuprofen does nothing for me. Aspirin or Tylenol alone do nothing for me either. It is the combination of aspirin, Tylenol, and caffeine that does the trick.

ColumbiaMO

6:09 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

I will try it.....thank you much..

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ColumbiaMO

6:18 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

I will be super happy when excedrin gets back on the shelves......to the young lady that, said she buys her in bulk...smart lady......this will not happen to me again.......god bless

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Linda Kray

7:54 am on Friday, February 17, 2012

I agree that Excedrin Migraine geltabs is the only pain reliever that works for my headaches. My biggest problem is that I need the geltabs because any powdered tablet hits my stomach wrong and I'm ill from it. Is there a geltab in the alternative pain relievers? I bought a generic with the same ingredients, however, they make me ill because their not a geltab. Linda from Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Joan Thompson

12:22 am on Monday, May 7, 2012

CVS extra strengrh headache relief comes in a gel cap. I have the same problem with the other tablets. Bought Walmart brand and they worked but killed my stomach. CVS is frequently out of these since the recall so if they work for you I suggest buying a couple. I just did my mail order fir 5 bottles!

ColumbiaMO

8:28 pm on Saturday, February 18, 2012

Good evening everyone.....went to welgreens friday scouting for this and that....However, I did find the vanquish and the welgreens migraines tablets....which ever one works the best, It will be what I will be using until excedrine is back on the shelves.......Luckly i have not had an attack this far...... I will use one or the other......Thanks for all the information ......God Bless

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glenn crews

12:42 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2012

I rely on Excedrin as many do to relieve chronic headaches. I've tried Tylenol, Advil Ibuprofen and it's not even worth taking b/c it never works. With the recall of execdrin I had to try something and I gave the Walgreens generic Excedrin knockoff a try. It works better than any of the other name brands. (it's no Excedrin, but it's what I will be using until Excedrin comes back)

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JD Gyer

8:17 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012

I have also used Excedrin for effective relief of headaches for years, but learned I needed it much less after adding fish oil supplements as a vitamin supplement.

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William Charles Midkiff

8:28 pm on Friday, May 11, 2012

Like many, I went to Walgreens looking for the medicine that works for my migraines...Excedrin Migraine. They said it had been recalled. It was obvious to me they are pushing different pills that don't work. I have to be very suspicious of the way the remove something that works and push pills that don't work. I didn't see a thing wrong with the Excedrin Migraine I had been using. It was a solid white pill, with none of the shoddy packaging or broken pills they said were the reason for the recall. The Walgreens Pain Reliever and Advil Migraine they were pushing simply didn't work. I may as well have taken plain old aspirin.

Katria Guidry

8:05 pm on Monday, February 20, 2012

I will be so glad when Exedrin Back and Body are back on the shelves. I haven't found anything else that takes away my back ache. I don't want to take over the counter drugs. I haven't had any problems with exedrin and I ran out two months ago. Please resolve this matter asap!!!

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T. Allen, M.D.

10:39 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Excedrin Back and Body is an over the counter drug. Over the counter (or OTC) means drugs you can buy without a prescription.

Patricia Hayes

4:57 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Thanks for the Walgreens tip-hope they haven't run out!

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Sharon Atteberry

10:15 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012

What about excedrine pm. What works best? Also you did not answer the question of a substitute for excedrine back and body.

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Meg Seibert

8:18 am on Wednesday, April 18, 2012

I wish I knew. Have tried others, and haven't found a great substitute really. I get the generic antihistamine w25 mg tablets and take Tylenol generic - need 3 of first, and take 2 -3 of other. Since arthritis strength tylenols dosage is 1200 mg, I figure I can take three...but not advising anyone to do same...PM dosage is 2 extra strength. Anybody else have ideas. ( Gel caps don't work as well for me, for some reason.)
MSeibertCT

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Ang H

11:49 am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012

I have to laugh at all of you who say "Only Excedrine Migraine works for me" or "Only Excedrin Extra Strength works for me". You do realize that the ingredients in ALL of the Excedrin products are EXACTLY the same with the exception of those marked "PM" which substitute benedryl for caffiene, right? You can buy plain old Excedrin or the one marked for specific purpose and they are interchangeable. Some of the generics were made by the same company that makes Excedrine, just put into different bottles. And for the person who said they were allergic to aspirin, so they couldn't wait for Excedrin to come back.....Excedrin CONTAINS aspirin. Placebo effect indeed.

Overuse of Excedrin will cause rebound headaches. They are fine for use once in awhile, but if you have headaches every day, I suggest you see a chiropractor, an acupuncturist, and a doctor to eliminate the CAUSE of the headaches or get you into something that isn't as damaging to your liver as frequent Excedrin use.

Nothing can stop one of my migraines as well as my acupuncturist. A few needles and 20 minutes and I'm pain free.

ColumbiaMO

2:46 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012

I would go with advil back and body or anything name brand thats for back and body aches if i were you.......

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ColumbiaMO

2:52 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012

until excedrine is back on the shelves.......I know how you feel.....

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Susan Ruiz Patton

9:17 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012

OK, seriously guys. Our terms of use clearly state you've got to use your name, not an alias. Please comply with our terms.

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Bill Murphy

10:58 am on Friday, February 24, 2012

What is a good substitute for excedrin back and body? Cause I haven't found anything that works as well

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Heather

8:36 pm on Monday, August 27, 2012

Depends, Bill. Bayer Back and Body's very good, but using that is a matter of how you do with aspirin specifically. I'm a TBI survivor and several doctors have recommended I stay away from aspirin for a list of reasons. Excedrin B & B had acetaminophen as it's main listed ingredient and works wonderfully (I use it when I'm having back trouble or when I'm running a fever and having body aches). I was wondering the same thing.

TANYA WOOD

11:26 am on Friday, February 24, 2012

I have migraines headaches and Excedrin extra strength tablets are the only thing that works im so worried because i cannot move when those headaches comes on im just about out of the bottle i had and cannot find no more in stores plz bring them back I have tried everything else including doctors pills and nothing works like Excedrin

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Curly Joe

2:46 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012

What about generic excedrin are they puling that too? If not get that instead.

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Lenora Wilson

11:03 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012

I think I've had a headache pretty much every day since I've been out of Excederin extra strength, I've tried Rite-Aide brand, does not work well at all, I've taken plain aspirin, Tylenol etc. My headache seems to subside some but just dosen't go away. I really need my Excederin extra strength, if the recall was on the migraine formula, why did u have all the Excederin formulas removed? Please, please, please hurry and return it to the stores, I need it really bad.

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Mona Andrachik

5:03 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012

I have used nothing but Excedrin GelCaps for my headaches; use GelCaps because it is easier on my stomach. Nothing else seems to get rid of the headaches i have; please hurry and restock shelves with your product.

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clyde norvell

3:14 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012

how soon will it be before product is put out?

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clyde norvell

3:16 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012

i only use excederin for my headaches. the 2packs that u can buy are getting costly to buy.....

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Carole F. Shriber

3:54 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012

carole shriber
3:40 pm on sunday, february 26, 2012

i onlyuse excedrin tension headaches without asprin and i could really us them now. please try and get them back on in the stores as soon as you can. i really could us them.

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Tracy Phillips

9:36 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012

Up until a few days ago you could find the 2 pill packet of extra strength excedrin at local convenient stores. NO MORE. There is now only excedrin migraine. I have taken regular excedrin for many years and decided to try excedrin migraine since the ingredients are EXACTLY the same. What I was wondering if they are the same then why is the dosage of the migraine tablets limited to 2 in a 24 hr period and the regular up to 8 in a 24 hr period. Dont take that many, just wondering.

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Melissa

3:59 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012

Tracy..maybe you and I need to talk. Are you sure you're seeing Excedrin migraine on the shelves? For those looking for an alternative try CVS brand extra strength headache. Seems to work better than Walgreens, and they have gelcaps.

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Jessica

2:17 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012

You can buy boxes of 50 packets online at Wholesale Warehouse Supply, Staples, Office Depot, and Office Max. :-)

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ColumbiaMO

8:20 pm on Sunday, March 4, 2012

goodevening......I'am a migraine suffer.....recently I had a migraine attack....however sense i have been on patch i recently use some of the alternative that were suggest....vanquish was the first one i had tryed sense the attack, I found out that it does work, but not as fast....the welgreen brand i have not tryed it yet......I hope and pray that the vanquish/walgreen brands can hold me out until excedrin is return to the shelves........God Bless

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Claire Parker

2:36 am on Saturday, March 10, 2012

When I used to have migraines, Excedrin was the only over the counter pain reliever that got rid of them. I no longer have migraines, but I have arthritis in my knee and, once again, Excedrin is the only drug that helps relieve the pain. I've tried every other kind of pain medication on the market and they do nothing. I need my Excedrin!!

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Laura marlow

1:32 am on Monday, March 12, 2012

Vanquish does have the same ingredients but the mgs of aspirin is lower

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Laura marlow

1:37 am on Monday, March 12, 2012

For those who only use excedrin free, take 2 extra strength tylenol with a cup of coffee,a coke, it's the caffeine in excedrin free that makes it work better than tylenol alone.

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Laura marlow

1:51 am on Monday, March 12, 2012

The dosage on excedrin and excedrin migraine are different even tho they have the exact same ingredients, why I don't know but when I get one of my nasty headaches I take up to 6 excedrin migraine caplets just like I take 6 excedrin within a 24 hr period.i have had chronic headaches for 25 yrs and excedrin is all I take.i take at least 3 excedrin a day and have for the past 15 yrs.

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Cakes

2:36 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012

I used to have the same problem with what you describe as "chronic" headaches and I was continually taking medication. One day I read an article about "rebound" headaches - pain that comes back as soon as the medication wears off - and realized that was probably what I was dealing with. The article said the only way to break the cycle was to do it cold turkey. So I picked a weekend (when I would be offf work and have no added stresses adding to the problem) and bit the bullet. On Friday evening at 6:00 I took two Excedrin, with the intention of not taking another one until at least 48 hours later. By the time I went to bed, my headache was already coming back and by Saturday morning it was brutal, throbbing pain. But I persevered and held out. My head hurt the entire time, but when I finally took the next dose, actually more like 36 hours later, the pain stopped completely within 5 minutes. Ever since then, I still get headaches but I've been able to manage with far fewer doses; or I will take just one pill instead of automatically taking two, and often that is enough. I almost never go a full day without taking something, but sometimes I only take one or two total. It's a terrible thing when your activities are so limited by headaches, but this helped improve my quality of life considerably.

Bruno PharmD

11:47 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012

For the love of God you people are going out of your minds. It's not the end of the world! As a pharmacist I always suggest people buy our store brand of all products which are essentially the same as the brand name products. There is still generic Excedrin at Walgreens, CVS etc. Dont let the pretty packaging of the brand name products fool you into thinking they work better! Pharmacologically they work the same and for those who say then they are just experiencing the placebo effect.

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Jennifer Henriksen

2:25 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012

I have always used the generic brand before this recall... let's face it, it's cheaper and I am on a budget... and BTW to the person who said they didn't want to buy over the counter drugs, what do you think excedrine is... it is over the counter as well...

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Mary Schulstad

5:28 pm on Thursday, March 29, 2012

If you try to reason it out in isolation, what you say about the placebo effect seems to be correct, and yet, as you can see from all these responses, something more is going on. To dismiss people as being fooled is a mistake. How many times will you need to hear that Excedrin works differently than the generic alternatives before you wonder why that is. These are intelligent, reasonable comments - not people being fooled. Use this information. Listen.

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Dennis Waggoner

11:18 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Is a placebo not in itself a form of medicine? If you can trick your brain into thinking it is feeling better. You are still controlling the pain. Maybe they should sell laughter with your generic brands pharmacist...

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robert may

11:34 am on Monday, July 30, 2012

Let me know when you find a generic equivalent to excedrin back and body. I havent found anyone offering a asprin/tylenol combo pill without the caffeine.

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Patti Labby

2:45 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012

I have had migraines for years. 8 yrs. ago i had neck surgery and that helped considerably. I still get occasional migraines. Excederin migraine was the only product that helped. You can say what you want about other products having the same ingredients and amounts. I have tried these products with an open mind. They did nothing to reduce my migraines. I have tried every otc product. Say what you want, until you have suffered with these and found no relief, dont make such a statement. Neck massage helps a little. The muscles in the neck area tighten and pull on the skull. Warm compress on the neck to loosen the tight muscles is also helpful. If something works, use it. Otherwise, dont send advice unless you really know what you are talking about. Patti

Bruno PharmD

11:52 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012

*Pharmacologically they work the same and for those who say otherwise, then they are just experiencing the placebo effect.

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Carole Canto

12:47 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012

HI, Glad to see a Pharmacist here. I have been reading all the comments and have a question that many have brought up that perhaps you can answer. Why is the dosage different for Excedrin Migraine and regular excedrin? Limited to 2 of the Migraine in 24 hours, and 8 of the Regular. Are they the SAME? Or perhaps are the the same in the ACTIVE ingredientes, but something in the other ingredients, makes the difference between them, and also the difference between the Excedrin and the Generics?

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Nydia H.

8:05 am on Friday, August 17, 2012

"Pain is what the patient says it is" - not what we think it is. Bruno, Dr. Allen - while your statement above is true, as a health care professional myself (nurse) (and at risk of sounding like the Hair Club commercial) - I'm also an avid user of Excedrin Migraine. Yes, the ingredients are the same, yes it's just caffine & tylenol, and yes there are store brands we can purchase, but for some reason THIS product is more effective for these users than any other. I agree that some of the comments sound dramatic, but telling people what YOU think they're experiencing is like telling them get the generic & that's "not effective". I've had migraines since elementary school (inherited from dad), so I think as a 36yr old - I kinda know what works for me & it has been the green & white Excedrin Migraine coated tabs. I have the Equate & Walgreens brand in my bag - they don't touch my HA. I've had a migraine for 4 days now, so yes...I am a bit frantic about my HA relief brand. This is the 1st time I've called off work for a migraine HA, but working in a hosp environment right now (lights, alarms, people yelling, etc) is the LAST thing I can handle - not to mention the 98 degree sunny weather outside! So as HCP (health care professionals) let's just do as we were taught - to listen, support & treat - in addition to teaching & respecting the patient. Allow them to "freak out", then respectfully explain the facts & find a solution that works. Because HCP's (like us) are awesome!!

ColumbiaMO

12:49 am on Monday, March 19, 2012

hello all, the vanquish, i found out works but not as fast as excedrin, i have the walgreens brand also, just havent put it to use yet advil,tylenol, aleve, etc etc DO NOT work on my migraines...GOD BLESS

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Cakes

10:23 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012

Hi Columbia from a neighbor in Springfield. I also take Vanquish but agree it is not quite as effective as Excedrin. A couple of others you might try are Goody's Headache Powders or BC powders, although I find swallowing a caplet to be easier than the powders. For really bad migraines, I take a prescription medicine called Maxalt which is wonderful, relief in a matter of seconds, literally. If you can afford the doctor visits, some of the prescription products will certainly improve your quality of life.

Kitty Khat

7:32 am on Monday, March 19, 2012

I need the back and body to survive, and they generic doesn't even come close and the other brands of back and body are a joke. I wish they would hurry and bring it back. The pain is terrible.

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Cindy Krickbaum

11:57 am on Monday, March 19, 2012

I had just bought a large bottle of Excedrine Migraine at Costco when this occurred. From the articles I have read it sounds like cosmetic defect, but there was one article that said other RX pills could have ended up in the bottles, the sorter wasn't working correctly. So if I examine the pills carefully and it is not unusual, I'm good right? I do not want to give up my bottle since you can't find them.

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Cakes

10:25 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012

I agree Cindy. I had two bottles of Excedrin with the recall dates but I did not turn them back in. I just made they were all Excedrin tablets.

Cheryl Jones

6:55 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012

I could actually be a spokesperson for Excedrin. I have taken every single item you have. PLEASE HURRY AND BRING MY PILLS BACK!

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carol

4:01 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Excedrin has helped me so much with headaches over the years, I have tried just about everything, and with trials and errors exceidrin is the only thing that work. PLEASE<PLEASE bring it back. I think I could also be a spokesperson,

Thanks Carol

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Cakes

10:30 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012

I've found that some of the generic and store brand substitutes often upset my stomach. Someone told me that the problem is not the active ingredients - which are often identical to Excedrin - but a different combination of the INactive ingredients.

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Mercy Smith

8:35 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Walgreens brand has the exact same ingredient as Excedrin Migraine...unless you suffer from them you have NO idea why we are going crazy over this recall,I picked up Walgreen brand it's the same exact thing so how can it not work!?!its the same only difference is the name brand!!!

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Mia08

4:17 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012

I tried it twice....does not work for me

ColumbiaMO

3:01 pm on Friday, March 23, 2012

HI CAKES, I AGREE EXCEDRIN IS THE MOST AWESOME OVER THE COUNTER DRUG.THERE IS, IAM A MIGRAINE SUFEER, I HAVE BEEN FOR YEARS HOWEVER, I HAVE TRYED THE VANQUISH IT WORKS, JUST NOT AS FAST, THE WALGREENS BRAND WORKS ON MY REGULAR HEADACHES WELL, I WILL BE GLAD WHEN THIS IS RESOLVED, AND EXCEDRIN IS BACK ON SHELVES EVERYWHERE ONCE AGAIN...GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU....

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Devin

5:54 am on Monday, March 26, 2012

Hi, I suffered from migraine headaches since I was 8yrs. old. Excedrin the only pill that has ever worked. The pharmacy brands do not work. Any prescription pills out there? I need HELP!!!

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Victoria

11:39 am on Monday, March 26, 2012

I am in utter disbelief that there is NO response from the FDA or Novartis. These people are suffering. Is it all business and no compassion? A response would be in order!

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Jewel Arioto

6:01 pm on Monday, March 26, 2012

Would like to know what other pills or parts of pills were mixed in with the excedrin extra strength. If there are pills tha have side effects I think it would be only ethical to let us the customers know what to look for. This is not a scare tactic but only a responsible request. Liz Arioto

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Joanne

1:38 am on Tuesday, March 27, 2012

I definitely agree ...I went to all the drugstores and found no Excederin on the shelves today and was not so happy. I have headaches atleast once or twice a month mostly on or around my menstruation cycle and Excedrin seems to be the most effective solution.. I have tried Tylenol it doesnt work as good as Excederin .knocks my headache out in less than an hr..

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fay williams

8:41 pm on Thursday, March 29, 2012

Excederin is the only pain killer that helps me. Everytime I go to the store, I check the shelves. I hope the return is soon. What is taking so long?

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carolina smith

11:01 am on Friday, March 30, 2012

Hi. I am in Johannesburg South Africa and cannot find anyone who has Excedrin on the shelves. It is amazing for migraines. 40 years of suffering weekly migraines and finally a good painkiller and then it is taken away. Bring it back please. Carolina Smith

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Ken Baker

4:33 pm on Friday, March 30, 2012

Lincoln Nebraska newspaper Lincoln journal (which is where Excedrin is made) reports they "may" restart production in mid-June 2012, but the plant needs $120 million in upgrades & repairs. 700 employees have been laid off with no return date. Channel 4 tv news Michigan also corroborates this story in their website.

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Gary Despars

6:28 pm on Friday, March 30, 2012

I too have taken Excedrin forever. It is the only over the counter drug that works. I recently tried CVS brand and it does not work even though it says that it has the same ingredients. I will try Vanguish.

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Linda Gilmore

11:54 pm on Friday, March 30, 2012

By the time Excedrin comes back, I will have found a substitute and may never go back.

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allen

5:57 pm on Saturday, March 31, 2012

I get bad migraine headaches at least 2 times a week and theres nothing out there on the selves nor prescriptions or shots the doc. gives me that works as good as Excedrin

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Kelly Stars

12:47 am on Sunday, April 1, 2012

I used to get migraines two or three times a week and exedrine migraine was the only thing that ever worked for me. Now that its no longer available I've been using the cvs brand and I only have them once a month. I don't know what that's about,but I had one of the affected bottles and the pills all looked the same but some of them made my entire body numb. My doctor couldn't explain it at the time because we didn't know about the recall back then.

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John McMillan

11:53 am on Saturday, April 7, 2012

This is totally unbelievable.

Danny Washington

11:33 pm on Monday, April 2, 2012

I took two because I was having early symptoms of a migrane an about 30 to 45 minutes after is was slumped over with horrible stomach pains I was sweating any my heart was racing to dizzie to stand had to sit an wait for the pain to stop to drive myself hone it was the worst stomach pain I've ever felt an I was shot in the stomach with a gun before... Wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy...

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June Conner

1:16 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012

The best substitute I have found is the Walgreen's Extra Strength Headache Relief Quick Gels Gelcaps. Best regards to everyone.

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Brandy S

10:52 am on Saturday, April 7, 2012

I'm cornered by the amount of headache sufferers that say they take excedrin daily. 1. If u have chronic headaches please see your doctor for possible alternatives. 2. Excedrin is know to cause rebound headache with frequent chronic use.

I sympathize! I had daily headaches/migranes and popped OTC pills daily, like candy. Then I finally talk to my doctor about it. And after some trial and error wr have found a regimen that works while not breaking my wallet. And the best part is that the pain and suffering of migranes is now occasional, not my daily life.

So for occasional headaches OTC are great options. But for the chronic sufferes, there are better and safer options. Best of luck.
~ your friendly RN and fellow migrane sufferer.

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John McMillan

11:56 am on Saturday, April 7, 2012

I agree with you, from this message board it seems like there is way too much pill-popping going on. People, it is not good for your body organs to be taking so many OTC medications! Listen to this poster and talk to your doctor about other solutions!

Ana

11:21 am on Saturday, April 7, 2012

use tension headache pills otc they work great thats what iuse since the recall.. works the same as excedrin u wont b dissapointed

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Ana

11:23 am on Saturday, April 7, 2012

I use the cvs brand tension hradache to b exact anyone sufgering from the recall try these u wont b dissapointed

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Sandra Kassa

1:42 am on Sunday, April 8, 2012

What happened to my comment?

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tom m

10:37 am on Sunday, April 8, 2012

there seems to be a lot of censorship lately on the patch ...you are free to post your comments as long as the editor agrees with them

Doctor Kase

5:32 pm on Sunday, April 8, 2012

stop crying and get a triptan or start supplementing some magnesium....or get some damn Botox shots for your migraine if it really bothers you

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Angela Villa

9:01 pm on Monday, April 9, 2012

I have never had any problem that some people are speaking of to me they must of taken them on an empty stomach n I took all the ones I had after the recall so I dont know why you took them off the market I have been taking them since I had my daughter back in 66 n I took all sorts of pills O T C n from the Doctors n none of them worked n I bought Excedern n in 20 mins I felt no more pain, now I still get headaches like that n now I have no Excedern n yes I have tried all the pills you all are speaking of, so plz put them back on the shelves

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Traci Myers

11:50 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012

I found that the different ones were the ones that helped me the most. Tension headache and back and body. I don't know what makes them different, but they were the first to come out with the specific targeted pain killers so there must be something different going on there.

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Raven Lucas

12:59 pm on Tuesday, April 10, 2012

For someone who has suffered and still is suffering from migranes/headaches everyday, will miss the effect that Excedrin gives. That is why Excedrin works better than generic. I can say that I have taken Excedrin every day (literally) for 2 yrs, and now I have to take the Walmart brand called "migrane relief" and let me tell you, it does absolutely nothing for me! For you all who are saying we are crazy, no we are not crazy. We are the only ones who really know our own pain and how our bodies react to certain OTC drugs. I, of many, am one who needs Excedrin to relieve my headaches. "Migrane Relief" does not work. :)

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Excedrin

7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Why, where's my Xcedrin boss

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Deena

2:42 pm on Sunday, April 15, 2012

Ok so I agree. Excedrin is great and as for Mr. Pharmacist. Shove it. It's our bodies and we want the excedrin. This should at least show how many people want this product back. I get killer migraines and excedrin is the only thing that works I have tried all the other ones. And I even asked my doctor and she recommended excedrin. I don't want off brands I want the real deal. Not many things will I buy that isn't generic but excedrin I worth every penny. !!!!!!!!!!!

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Selim Var

4:26 am on Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Hi, I live in Eurpoe. I am a daily chronical headache sufferer for 40 years. I tried all types of medical and alternative medical treatments all over the world. I visited a lot of known doctors and charlatans but nothing helped me. I tried almost all known pain killers from European, American and Asian pharmaceutical companies. The only medicine who helps to heal my daily headache is extra streght excedrin which I have to take when I wake up. I do have to smooth my upset stomach also by taking stomach pills. I just wanted to share my pain history.

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SUSAN BAKER

11:58 am on Tuesday, April 17, 2012

I would like some kind of information about when they are going to bring back Excedrine Back and Body, I have tried some others and they do not work and I don't want to take prescription meds yet, I have a small supply but they are going away fast.

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Georgia Hammons

1:50 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012

I suffer from migraines and have taken Excedrin for a few years. Advil Migraine is a good alternative. Excedrin Tension Headache also helps a bit for migraines, as migraines are often tension headaches that just won't go away.

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Stanley

8:33 pm on Saturday, April 21, 2012

Ive tried everything and only excedrin work for me.But since this recall i have nothing.My Dr.gave me 800mg ibuprofen for leg & back pain and it works but for my headaches only excedrin works.I did manage to hoard several single packs but they are all gone.So for now im like everybody else.Up a raging river w/o a paddle. PLEASE START RESTOCKING THE SHELVES WITH THIS GREAT PRODUCT.

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Laurie Brewer

12:01 am on Monday, April 23, 2012

Maxalt is a rx that is closest to excedrin migraine. I switched to EM because it was cheaper & otc. Maxalt works in 10 minutes. EM works in about 30 minutes for me. The only difference I found was the time it took to work. Im 44yrs old & suffered migraines my whole life. For those of you that are still suffering after trying other substitutes, I recommend a dr visit & a rx for maxalt!

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s robbins

11:14 am on Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Laurie, I agree with you, Maxalt is great. What would be even better would be if insurance companies would actually pay for it. I pay out the nose for Blue Cross and my Maxalt costs me $180.00 for nine pills. No refills included, So that is another Dr. Visit next week for another RX. If I can take Excedrin Migraine when I feel one coming on, I do not need the Maxalt. You can Say what you want about the generics, but they are not the same. They do not work as fast or last as long. Maybe Excedrin's formula dissolves faster or their inactive ingredients help the medication absorb into the body easier, I am not sure. I am sure that the Excedrin works and we need it back.

Melanie O

12:18 pm on Monday, April 23, 2012

Wow. I read through this entire string - I use Excedrin Back and Body - for my back. Thats inbetween the 16 shots i get every three months. If they don't last, i only take it when it is absolutely necessary (i.e. i can't walk) I also use it for my neck - but only when i absolutely need it because after i had my brain tumor taken out, my neck never really got strong and occasionally it still bothers me, causing a really bad headache that i can have for WEEKS at a time with little to no relief......When i have to take my motrin for a few days straight, even the excedrin, i usually pop a couple antacids or take them with a big glass of milk so they don't eat away at the lining in my stomach. I know that motrin will, but not sure about Excedrin - just to be safe.........If your headaches are that bad - i think you should really be seeing your doctor - Mine turned out to be a brain tumor that blocked the flow of spinal fluid.......

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Sara Torrence

8:50 pm on Thursday, April 26, 2012

I am Allergic to Aspirin and have been trying spending gobs of money. ( I really dont have) trying to find another medicine to compare to Excedrin Tension Headache. Please Please hurry and get it back on the shelves.

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Carol Welch

12:15 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012

Carol Welch, You know im beggining to think they are never going to bring excederin back, they want us to have to go to the doctors office and pay high prices for medicine that we cant afford that have so many side effects, im tired of these pharmacists stating generic is the same, you have obviously NEVER had a migraine, the generics are not the same, i have had a migraine for 3 days now and ALL the generics ive tried DO NOT WORK.

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Carly

8:55 pm on Tuesday, May 8, 2012

I have suffered from migraines for years. Excedrin is the only one that works for me. I have tried just about all of these over the counter products listed in this comment string. NONE worked for me. I, too, am checking everyday for Excedrin. It's a life saver. As for Mr. Pharmacist, perhaps you don't know, but there is a difference in these drugs and they are most certainly NOT the same even if they claim to have the same ingredients...they are NOT the same. I could kick myself cause I was going to purchase a bottle of 50 Excedrin pills just before the recall but decided I'd get it later to save a few dollars....I wish I could go back in time now. I'm using Bayer extra strength, works but takes a long time. If you take it right at the onset of a headache, it works fairly well.

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Sabirah

12:30 pm on Friday, May 11, 2012

It's quite shocking how we all so depend on Excedrine migraine. I refused to take anything else once I took Excedrine for the first time. After years of taking this and that pill Excedrine was my doorway to being migraine free. I always stocked up on Excedrine and found myself lost the day I used my last pill. I must confess I was desperate to rid my current migraine that I took 2 Midols and shockingly enough it was a temporary fix. Caffeine is found in them but next time I will drink some iced coffee (not really a fan of coffee). Always talk with your doctor before taking any meds. I am not a doctor. Please hurry Novartis we need excedrine. Goodluck headache sufferers I feel your pain literally.

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LUKE

2:17 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012

i found a bottle of 300 counts of Excedrin e in my cabinet with an exp. date of 12/11, can i still use them ?

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Alicia

6:55 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012

You can buy any Excedrin on www.pricedumper.com I just looked it up because I have nasty migraines & that is the only thing that works for me!

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Lynn Ellis

6:35 pm on Friday, May 18, 2012

I just bought aspirin and tylenol and take them together in the same quantities as what is in the Excedrin Migraine. I take them with regular tea or a glass (8 ozs or so) of soda. I prefer the Excedrin Migraine however and hope it is back on the shelves soon.

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vacirca

9:23 am on Sunday, May 20, 2012

I am devastated. Excedrine is the only thing that works not only for my migraines, but for severe mentral cramps due to fibroids! Store brands work for the pain, such as CVS brand, but the nausea and churning in the stomach is worse than the pain! I have had to eat lots of yogurt to settle my stomach. Depriving us of helpful OTCs that are affordable and nonaddictive is pure evil! I pray they straighten this out soon.

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Kim Johnson

12:05 pm on Sunday, May 20, 2012

I've seen some of the 2 packs of excedrin at some gas stations...especially if it's locally owned, maybe try going on a run to bunch of stations and stock up if you see any, of course you'll be paying a lot more than usual but if you need it.... I used to take excedrin on a regular basis, then I started buying the equate brand and just a generic store brand when it was discontinued (much cheaper), but I hadn't even realized I've only been taking it once every couple of weeks until I was at the dollar store and saw a posting of the recall notice. Maybe there was something in it keeping people addicted to it?? I used to take it about every other day or so. I've also been taking a heart health supplement pack daily (fish oil, coQ10, vitamin B, flaxoil) they have it on sale buy 1 get 1 at Walgreens a lot and I really think it's been helping.

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Rachel Abbey McCafferty

9:11 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012

A comment has been deleted for violating our terms of service.

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Amy Dettman

8:48 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Since darvocet was taken off market, excedrin products were my only hope. Been to 3 doctors in 2 states, they all say oxycontin is only other med and it is too addictive, then 2 out of 3 recommend med marij. Due to state and federal not agreeing on mmj I can't afford 500.00 and 800.00 to see a doctor that isn't at any med facility that recieves any kind of federal funds or items. I have 5 types severe migraines from aps. I have bulging veins in brain from 20 strokes/clots in my large brain veins. Plus the 24/7 brain vein pressure, other headaches and neuropothy pain. Allergic to all codene and morphine. Also have organ damage and pain from iron problem. Recentlya bad pain reaction to thyroid med that forest pharmaceuticals changed recipe on, they didn't tell anyone and made alot people very sick. I think excedrin uses differrent binding stuff that doesn't interfere with the med part. The doctors and pharmacists just don't understand severe longterm pain and they could be less judgemental when not in our shoes. amy in roy, nm & denver, co

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Tee

10:18 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Look in the convince stores that's where I found a lot in the 2 pill packs

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Octavia moore

10:28 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012

I found equate extra strength headache relief at Walmart has the same active ingredients same Mg thank god

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Judy Torre

9:25 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012

I sure hope they get Excedrin back on the shelves soon. It is the only OT counter medicine that will take away my headaches. It has been horrible. I found something similar at Walgreens, extra strength headache relief, but in order to get any relief I have to take 4 tablets at a time. PLEASE BRING EXCEDRIN BACK SOON!!!

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Don Gosney

3:50 pm on Sunday, July 1, 2012

When Novartis starts production of Excedrin again, why can't they label Tansion Headache as Aspirin-Free Excedrin like they used to for people like me that can't take Aspirin?

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Pam in Florida

12:06 am on Monday, July 2, 2012

I'm getting very annoyed with Excedrin! If the manufacturer can't put it back on the shelves, it could AT LEAST tell us, on its website, which other products are exactly the same. But Nooooooooo...they're just hangin' us out here to suffer! it's now been 6 MONTHS of trial & error! I understand product competition but this length of time is ridiculous! I tried several replacements that I didn't like...but then...I dicovered Goody's powder! It works and it's much faster than Excedrin ever worked! (My headaches are NOT migraine but they're still intolerable!) Hooray for Goody's!

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gapch63

4:05 pm on Monday, July 2, 2012

Walgreens Tension Headache tablets are a great substitute, although the same price as regular excedrin at Walmart.

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Dean Porter

9:19 pm on Monday, July 2, 2012

I used to use something called Pain Stoppers, provided to me by my work. These were made by Swift First Aid (and now owned by Honeywell / North Safety Products: http://www.northsafety.com/swift_aq), These worked very well for me and after using them for several years my work switched to another brand.

So, I found that using Excedrin Extra Strength was a good replacement, but since the recall I've been buying and using Pain Stoppers: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pain+stoppers+163250&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apain+stoppers+163250&ajr=0

I hope this helps someone.
Dean

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Kimberly R.

12:21 am on Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Something has happened to the Excedrin, I know first hand. I was cleaning out my medicine cabinet, found a bottle hidden, not expired, started taking it, and have never had a problem until now. Horrible stomach pains, diarrhea, This used to be my magic pill. I am going to go on a hunch they got something bad from a supplier. I have since stopped taking and slowly getting better.

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Gail Gaines

5:34 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012

I have had migraines for years. I have spent more time in emergency rooms then I care to mention. Excedrin Migraine is the only thing that works...fast. Please bring it back...I'm dying.

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James Murphy

8:49 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012

113 comments about excedrin, has given me a headache

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LDG

11:28 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012

wow, nice to know that i'm not the only one that suffers from migraine pain, i hope they really hurry and get Excedrine Migraine back on the market, i really don't know how i can survive and function normally without it.

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CRose

7:41 pm on Saturday, July 7, 2012

According to the Excedrin Facebook page, (the post as of May 16) they expect to be back in July. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Excedrin/150938071645797

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Dave

12:16 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Safeway brand "pain reliever" (basically their generic aspirin) has the exact same ingredients as Excedrin Migraine. I just bought a 200 quantity bottle from Von's for $9.99 yesterday so it is substantially cheaper as well. There is absolutely no difference between the two besides the price. No need to go back to Excedrin brand.

Secondly, the ingredients in Excedrin Extra Strength are exactly the same as Excedrin Migraine with the only difference being the label and recommended dosages. For Excedrin Extra Strength, they recommend a dose of 2 tabs/6 hours, not exceeding 8 tabs in 24 hours. For Excedrin Migraine, they recommend a dose of 2 tabs/24 hours. By simply changing the recommended dosages they were allowed to label one as a "Migraine" formula. . . .this is commonly referred to as "a marketing ploy".

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Kate Bigam

12:52 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Why would anyone who likes coffee take No-Doz? The point of taking caffeine pills is often that we don't like caffeinated drinks!

I forget the same of the No-Doz substitute I found, but it works just as well.

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robin

7:54 pm on Monday, July 16, 2012

i have a callback bottle of 500 when i got to bottom of bottle there were pills with purple streaks in them and broken pills but they all looked the same shape as excedren i had 16 left before recall i cant find out what side effects were im a execdren user cant wait till they are back

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Barry Jowers

1:41 am on Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Never, Barack Obama found out they was making very large donation to th republican party and took the step to make sure they will never operate another business as long as each lives.

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Mrbee Hende

12:17 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Excedrin is the only pill that helps any of my headaches. I went online to see why they have not been put back on the shelves. And I found this blog. I now realize that there are people hurting all over the world and this company don't seem to be listening to us. What do we do next to fix this problem? Because this is a very serious problem.

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Sandy Baker

5:15 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Wow I can really see that the world is so caring! People who are trying to help someone else get relief is so moving.

Unfortunately, medication doesn’t work too well for my headaches – the side affects make me uneasy and it just feels so unnatural. I recently did a bunch of research into natural products and relief and came upon a product called Aculief that uses pressure on the LI-4 pressure spot on your hand to provide tension relief. You just put the clip on and forget about it. It can stay on your hand for as long as you want or until your headache goes away. Check out their website for more info: http://www.aculief.com/products/aculief. I hope this helps more people like you and me who suffer from tension and headaches whether they're from injuries or other causes.

Also I hope this comment finds you since it was from a little while ago!

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Vicki Howe

1:17 pm on Monday, July 30, 2012

I have bad migraine headaches and a lot of tension headaches. Excedrine Migraine is the ONLY thing that works. Please, Please bring them back. I am tired of not getting any relief from the headaches. I have tried other meds, but nothing works like Excedrine. I am begging, bring them back.

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Jen Allen

4:33 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012

WHEN WILL IT END????????? I get frequent migraines, and the ONLY thing that worked was Excedrin Migraine. I have tried EVERYTHING from prescription migraine meds to Ibuprofen, but nothing else works!!! I am immune to Tylenol, Asprin by itself makes me sick, Ibuprofen only relieves my inflammation, they took away my Darvocet, and I can't take flexeril for a migraine! You guys really need to get the ball rolling on getting this product back on the shelves. I don't know how much longer I can tolerate the severity of these migraines!!!! PLEASE PUT A RUSH ON THIS RECALL!!! There is no relief for me without it!!!!!!!

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Laura S

11:55 pm on Friday, August 31, 2012

I use the equate brand of excedrine. Have for years, what is a safer brand for my stomach. Was just diagnosed with ulcers, and I'm being told its from the excedrine I'm taking. Help!

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Diane Paolini

6:44 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012

I emailed Novatis the other day. Excedrine will be coming back sometime this month. The first product to return will be Excedrine Migraine. It is correct that Excedrine migraine has the same active ingredients as regular Excedrine. I like buy Migraine because I like the gel tabs. I have been taking the Walgreen's equivalent. Even though the active ingredients are the same, It does not work nearly as well for me. Perhaps, it is something about the way it is formulated. I worked in pharmaceuticals for thirteen years, so there can be differences. I have also begun to experience GI problems, which I never had in 40 years of taking Excedrin. The point about rebound headaches is a very important one. All of the NSAIDS - aspirin. acetaminophen, ibuprophen, oxycodone, etc. can cause them. If you are experiencing chronic headaches, you should see a doctor. You may very well be making them worse with chronic use of OTC pain meds.

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Cakes

10:51 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012

Hurray!! Thanks Diane, for letting us know. I also find that the generic products cause stomach upset and a severe aftertaste that I did not have with Excedrin

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Michele Washington

2:25 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012

I don't know what it is about this medicine, but excedrin migraine is the only one that works for me!! Thank goodness I purchased a big bottle! As a person who suffers from migraine's often, I have tried other OTC drugs, but excedrin works the best and the fastest. I don't care what kind of pharmacist or doctor or nurse or whatever thinks.....excedrin was my last option, after I tried everything else. The only other thing I use is my perscription fiorocet with codiene....that stuff is awesome!!

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ColumbiaMO

11:18 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012

Wanted to share with all of you this morning that EXCEDRIN MIGRAINE is back on the shelves in Columbia Missouri went too walgreens last night .....And w very pleased to see the pills back out......And to the people who make excedrin thank you so very, very,very much if it's not out where you live at yet will be soon.....and again thank you ...GOD BLESS

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ColumbiaMO

11:31 am on Thursday, December 13, 2012

I also want to thank each and everyone of you for all the suggestion and information that was giving though the crisis and also patch for allowing people to come together to help one another....... again thank you

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