Merck Expands Katrina Prescription Replacement Program to Include Patients Impacted by Hurricane Rita

-- All Patients Now Have Until Oct. 15 to Apply for Emergency 30-Day Supply

-- Replacement Program Adds to Merck's $11.8 Million Cash and Product Donations to Date

Merck & Co., Inc. announced today that it is extending throughOct. 15 its prescription replacement program for patients who havelost their existing Merck medicines as a result of Hurricanes Katrinaand Rita. The expanded program is in addition to Merck's contributionof more than $11.8 million in cash and product donations to date insupport of the relief efforts.

Under the emergency program, Merck is providing, through U.S.retail pharmacies, up to a 30-day supply for patients who needreplacement of their existing Merck medicines that were lost ordamaged as a result of the hurricanes. Patients requiring replacementmedicines from retail pharmacies that are not yet back in operationwill be encouraged to seek assistance from local or state agencies,where Merck is also providing medicines and vaccines. The need for areplacement prescription must be verified to the best of thepharmacist's or physician's knowledge, and the replacementprescription must be filled prior to Oct. 15 in order for patients toreceive their medication.

Merck will provide replenishment of product to communitypharmacies that provide required data but will not offer financialreimbursement, debit or credit memos or charge-backs for productdispensed under emergency conditions by retail pharmacies. Allreplacement prescriptions must be dispensed in accordance with theprescribing physician's instructions and applicable law.

Merck has taken several steps to assist with the enormous reliefefforts that are under way. In addition to the $1 million cashdonation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, Merck hasdonated more than $10.8 million in medicines and vaccines to assistrelief efforts in nine states. Among the products donated by Merck arevaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b(HIB), pneumococcal infection, varicella (chickenpox), and measles,mumps and rubella.

About Merck

Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceuticalcompany dedicated to putting patients first. Established in 1891,Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines andmedicines in more than 20 therapeutic categories. The company devotesextensive efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reachingprograms that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver them tothe people who need them. Merck also publishes unbiased healthinformation as a not-for-profit service. For more information, visitwww.merck.com.