Ensuring the Appropriate Use of Maalox Total Relief^® Liquid

As of May 2010 NCH has voluntarily discontinued Maalox TR and will focus on the Maalox^® brand's strong heritage in antacids.

During 2010, Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. worked collaboratively with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to educate consumers and healthcare professionals about when to select or recommend Maalox Total Relief^® liquid or Maalox Advanced^® liquid products. Maalox Total Relief liquid is for the relief of upset stomach and diarrhea and Maalox Advanced liquid products are antacids and anti-gas remedies.

All Maalox products are safe and effective when used as directed. Consumer awareness and safety is our number one priority. While it is rare for consumers to become confused when choosing between Maalox Total Relief and Maalox Advanced products, we have been educating consumers and healthcare professionals about the continued appropriate use of Maalox Total Relief and all Maalox products.

Maalox Total Relief liquid contains a different active ingredient than other products in the Maalox line.

• Maalox Total Relief contains bismuth subsalicylate, a safe and effective ingredient for the relief of upset stomach associated with nausea, heartburn, and gas due to overindulgence in food, and for the relief of diarrhea. For more than 90 years, Americans have used this ingredient safely and effectively in many over-the-counter products.

Maalox Advanced regular strength liquid and Maalox Advanced maximum strength liquid products contain different active ingredients than Maalox Total Relief and are intended for different uses.

• Maalox Advanced liquid products contain the antacid ingredients aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide for the relief of acid indigestion, sour stomach, heartburn and upset stomach due to these symptoms, and the anti-gas ingredient simethicone for pressure, bloating and fullness commonly referred to as gas.

Maalox Total Relief and Maalox Advanced liquid products are not interchangeable. People should always read the complete drug facts label on all over-the-counter products before use and should only use medicines that treat their specific symptoms.

Novartis Consumer Health is committed to the safety of consumers who use our products. Please contact a health care provider if you have a question about which Maalox product might be right for you. Please also call our Consumer Relationship Center at 1-800-452-0051 with questions about any of our Maalox products.