Pepcid

Executive Summary

H2 antagonist sales grew 13% during the quarter. In recognition of the upcoming loss of exclusivity for Pepcid, Merck tried to minimize the significance of the increase. Underlying prescriptions were down 15%-20%, Jordan said, and only an unusual inventory adjustment in the second quarter of 1999 led to the reported sales increase. "It is very important to remember that Pepcid is one of Merck's most aggressively priced products in terms of rebates and discounts [and that] Pepcid carries a royalty to a third party," she added. Merck reports gross sales without adjustments for rebates and other payments