PRESS RELEASE

Schering-Plough Corporation

BABY BOOMERS WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE REPORT THEY IGNORE
COLD AND FLU MEDICATION WARNINGS, ALSO GO TO WORK SICK,
NEW SURVEY SHOWS

Experts Encourage People with High Blood Pressure To Take a Closer Look at the Labels
of Over-the-Counter Cold and Flu Products

KENILWORTH, NJ, December 11, 2006- The generation that vowed to stay forever young has reached a major milestone. In 2006, the oldest of the 78 million American Baby Boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964, will turn 60. [i]While they remain young in outlook and attitude [ii], a national survey of 1,000 hypertensive Baby Boomers reveals that Boomers face challenges in managing health issues that come with age.A majority of Boomers with high blood pressure (hypertension) say they know that using decongestants to relieve cold or flu symptoms may raise their blood pressure. Interestingly, many report using them.

While the majority of survey respondents (54%) concede that if they could go back in time they would have taken better care of their health, their current health behavior as reported in the survey suggests a disconnect between awareness and action. This is significant, as approximately one in three American Boomers has high blood pressure. [iii]

With cold and flu season underway, the American Heart Association issued a reminder today that people with high blood pressure should be aware that the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure. Most over-the-counter cold and flu products contain decongestants, commonly pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.

What, Me Worry?

Approximately four in ten Boomers (43%) with high blood pressure expected the diagnosis of hypertension based on their family history, but another three in ten (29%) were taken by surprise. Even after learning the diagnosis, just one-fourth say the news motivated them to change their lifestyle, although nearly two-thirds admit they could do better with weight control (63%) and exercise (64%) to control their hypertension.

"As more Boomers are diagnosed with high blood pressure, they may need to make difficult lifestyle changes," said Roger S. Blumenthal, M.D., director of the JohnsHopkinsCiccaroneCenter for the Prevention of Heart Disease and associate professor of medicine, division of cardiology, at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "An easy but essential step is to check the labels on cold and flu medications to understand if they contain decongestants, which may raise blood pressure. If so, talk to your doctor before use."

Independent-Minded Boomers.

When asked to identify "the worst thing about having high blood pressure," many Boomers name concern about potential health complications (40%) and potential heart problems (34%). Two-thirds of hypertensive Boomers are aware that the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure. Interestingly, of this group, most who had a cold and took an over-the-counter medication in the past year took a decongestant (67%).

Cold Warriors.

More than two-thirds (66%) admit they could take better care of themselves when they have a cold or the flu. Unfortunately for the rest of us, nearly nine out of ten Boomers (89%) who work outside the home say they are likely to go to work with a cold.

"Boomers have an amazing work ethic," said Carol Orsborn, Ph.D. and co-author of Boom: Marketing to the Ultimate Power Consumer - The Baby Boomer Woman (by Mary Brown and Carol Orsborn)."By virtue of their sheer numbers, they always had to compete and they have a fear of being left behind, or of others getting ahead of them. They may fear that taking a day off to recover from a cold, or prevent spreading the virus, is a sign of weakness."

Still Blaming Their Parents?

Growing up, many Boomers blamed previous generations for the world's problems. Not much has changed in 40 years - the survey shows that more than half of boomers (53%) identify their genetics as the greater cause of their high blood pressure, versus their lifestyle (27%).

A Hard Day's Night.

While the number one tactic for avoiding cold and flu in the winter was hand washing (73%), nearly one-fifth of Boomers say they'll sleep in a separate room to avoid catching a cold or the flu from a sick significant other. Eighty percent of both men and women agreed that men complain more when they get a cold or the flu than women do - including 69 percent of male responders.

About the Survey

The Hypertension in the Boomer Population survey examined the perceptions, feelings and experiences of Boomers with high blood pressure. The survey is based on interviews with a nationwide sample of 1,000 hypertensive U.S. adults, aged 42 - 60 years, and was conducted online within the United States by Greenfield Online from October 25 - 30, 2006. The survey was commissioned by Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc.

The Link between Decongestants and High Blood Pressure

Decongestants work by constricting blood vessels, which in turn shrinks swelling in the nose and opens nasal passages. While constriction of blood vessels helps alleviate congestion, decongestants may raise blood pressure.

CORICIDIN ® HBP, a line of cold and flu medications, is specifically formulated for people with high blood pressure. Each of the four CORICIDIN ® HBP formulas is decongestant-free and safe and effective for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms when taken as directed.

Resources for High Blood Pressure Patients and Families

Schering-Plough, makers of CORICIDIN ® HBP and a proud sponsor of the American Heart Association Hypertension Website, helps educate people with hypertension and those who actively participate in their care. For more information, visit www.americanheart.org/hbp or the CORICIDIN ® HBP Web site at www.CORICIDINHBP.com .

People with hypertension can obtain a free Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Weight Tracker by calling the American Heart Association at 1-800-AHA-USA1. A High Blood Pressure Health Risk Calculator offered by the American Heart Association allows hypertensive patients to assess their personal health risks and learn how lifestyle changes can lower their blood pressure, at www.americanheart.org/hbprisk .

CORICIDIN ® HBP is a registered trademark of Schering Corporation, a subsidiary of Schering-Plough Corporation of Kenilworth, N.J. Schering-Plough HealthCare Products is the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) and consumer products business unit of Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP). Schering-Plough is a global science-based health care company with leading prescription, consumer and animal health products. Through internal research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough discovers, develops, manufactures and markets advanced drug therapies to meet important medical needs. Schering-Plough's vision is to earn the trust of the physicians, patients and customers served by its more than 32,000 people around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is www.schering-plough.com .

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