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Merck Replacement Program for Pharmacists Aiding Victims of Hurricane Katrina
Merck Announces Prescription Replacement Program for Patients Who Lost Medicines in Hurricane KatrinaPatients Will Have Access to Medicines Through Emergency 30-Day Supply
Replacement Program Adds to Merck's $7.7 Million Cash and Product Donations to Date
WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., Sept. 13, 2005 - Merck & Co., Inc. announced today that it is replacing prescription medicines through U.S. retail pharmacies for patients who have lost their existing Merck medicines as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Merck is honoring requests for replacement product dispensed in areas directly affected by Hurricane Katrina, as well as requests from patients who have been evacuated or displaced to other locations.
This new program is in addition to Merck's contribution of more than $7.7 million in cash and product donations to date in support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
"Immediately after the hurricane struck the Gulf Coast, Merck made a commitment to work with retail pharmacies to replace prescription medicines for patients impacted by the devastating effects of the hurricane," said Bradley T. Sheares, Ph.D., President, U.S. Human Health. "Replacing lost Merck medicines ensures patients will continue to have access to their much-needed prescriptions."
Information about the emergency program is being disseminated to pharmacies and physicians. Under the program, Merck is providing up to a 30-day supply for patients who need replacement of their existing Merck medicines that were lost or damaged as a result of the hurricane and the subsequent flood.
Patients requiring replacement refills from retail pharmacies that are not in operation will be encouraged to seek refills from local or state agencies, where Merck is also providing medicines and vaccines.
The need for a replacement prescription must be verified to the best of the pharmacist's or physician's knowledge, and the replacement prescription must be filled prior to Sept. 30 in order for patients to receive their medication. Merck will provide replenishment of product to community pharmacies that provide required data but will not offer financial reimbursement, debit or credit memos or charge-backs for product dispensed under emergency conditions by retail pharmacies. All replacement prescriptions must be dispensed in accordance with the prescribing physician's instructions and applicable law.
Patients who need further assistance beyond 30 days are encouraged to contact Merck regarding other available programs, such as the Merck Patient Assistance Program, which provides free medicines for eligible patients without prescription drug coverage. Information on the Patient Assistance Program can be obtained by calling 1-800-727-5400 or by accessing www.merck.com.
Merck has already made substantial cash and product donations for the massive relief effort. In addition to the $1 million cash donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, Merck has donated more than $6.7 million of medicines and vaccines. Among the products donated by Merck are vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB), pneumococcal infection, varicella (chickenpox), and measles, mumps and rubella.
Instructions for this program may be found at the following link: $$Link,http://www.ohiopharmacists.org/pdf_files/MerckProductReplacementInstructions,Instructions for Merck Replacement Product Program for Hurricane Katrina Victims $$ (PDF File: 33K)
