WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck & Co., Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ZEGERID OTC(TM) (omeprazole 20 mg/sodium bicarbonate 1100 mg capsules), for over-the-counter treatment of frequent heartburn. ZEGERID OTC will be marketed over-the-counter by Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc., the consumer healthcare division of Merck & Co., Inc. Schering-Plough and Merck merged on November 3, 2009.
ZEGERID OTC contains a patented dual-ingredient formulation that combines the leading prescription acid reducing medicine (omeprazole) with sodium bicarbonate, which protects the omeprazole from acid in the stomach. ZEGERID OTC capsules will be available in their original prescription formula, and are expected to be available at drug stores, grocery stores, mass merchandisers and club stores in the first half of 2010.
“ZEGERID OTC is another demonstration of our commitment to bringing innovative treatments to consumers,” said Stan Barshay, executive vice president and president, Schering-Plough HealthCare Products. “For millions of Americans dealing with frequent heartburn, the availability of prescription-strength ZEGERID OTC is important news and we’re pleased to offer this unique, dual-ingredient, over-the-counter product.”
ZEGERID OTC capsules add to the Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc. expanding portfolio of gastrointestinal OTC products such as MiraLAX(R) laxative, which was launched in 2007 for the treatment of occasional constipation. ZEGERID OTC(TM) is the most recent example of the Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc. legacy of successful switches of medications from prescription to over-the-counter status. This portfolio of products includes brands such as CLARITIN(R), MiraLAX(R), LOTRIMIN(R), AFRIN(R), CORICIDIN(R), TINACTIN(R), and DRIXORAL(R). Many of these products are market-leading brands in their respective category.
For additional information on prescription ZEGERID, please visit www.Zegerid.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This communication includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the merger between Merck and Schering-Plough, including future financial and operating results, the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Merck’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
(1) Source: National Heartburn Alliance; www.heartburnalliance.org
CONTACT: Media Contact: Julie Lux, +1-908-298-4774, Investor Contact: Joe
Romanelli, or Carol Furgeson, +1-908-423-5185
Web site: http://www.merck.com/
