Non-Drowsy CLARITIN(R) Partners with Kara DioGuardi, Judge on TV's Hottest Show, to Collect Inspirational Stories from Allergy Sufferers Across America

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., March 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Schering-Plough Consumer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Merck & Co.(NYSE: MRK), and the maker of non-drowsy CLARITIN allergy medicines, wants to learn what millions of American allergy sufferers are able to do when they aren't hindered by bothersome symptoms. The brand is teaming up with long-time allergy sufferer Kara DioGuardi, judge on TV's No. 1 hit series, to share her story and encourage others to do the same for a chance at stardom in an online commercial.

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"For contestants on the hottest TV show in America, the stakes are high. They're sharing their talent and giving their best, so I owe it to them to focus on their performance, not my allergies," said DioGuardi. "That's why I choose CLARITIN to relieve my worst allergies without making me drowsy. If I miss a detail, someone could miss their big chance."

DioGuardi is one of millions of Americans who rely on non-drowsy CLARITIN to manage their indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms, and the brand wants to hear from others.

From now until April 20, 2010, allergy sufferers can go to www.LivingClear.com to submit a video showing what they've been enabled to do -- from the everyday to the extraordinary -- because CLARITIN relieves their worst allergy symptoms without drowsiness.  Five finalists will win $1,000, a one-year supply of CLARITIN products and have their video featured on the Living Clear Web site. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 and the chance to star in an online CLARITIN commercial to be debuted later this year.

Vote to Win

Once the finalists are revealed on May 6, 2010, America gets to vote for their favorite video on www.LivingClear.com. By voting, they will have a chance to win one of 24 instant prizes daily -- representing 24 hours of non-drowsy allergy relief.  Participants can vote as often as they wish, with a limit of one game play per day.  

Details on the CLARITIN Living Clear Promotion, including official rules and DioGuardi's story, can be found at www.LivingClear.com.  There is no purchase necessary to enter or vote.

Resources for allergy sufferers, including facts, tips and frequently asked allergy questions, can be found on the new CLARITIN Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Claritin.  For more information on allergies and non-drowsy treatment options, visit www.CLARITIN.com.

About CLARITIN®

All CLARITIN® brand products are non-drowsy and available without a prescription. CLARITIN provides powerful allergy relief for 12 or 24 hours and comes in a variety of forms, including: CLARITIN Tablets, CLARITIN Liqui-Gels®, an easy-to-swallow liquid-filled capsule, and CLARITIN RediTabs® tablets, a quickly dissolving tablet for ages 6 and older. And now, CLARITIN 12-Hour RediTabs® tablets provide the flexibility to manage allergy symptoms all day or all night.

CLARITIN-D® is available behind-the-counter in 12- or 24-hour extended release tablets and also includes the decongestant pseudoephedrine for powerful nasal congestion relief.

CHILDREN'S CLARITIN® comes in great-tasting Grape Chewables or Syrup forms and is safe and effective for kids 2 and older.

CLARITIN is the No. 1 physician-recommended and pediatrician-recommended non-drowsy over-the-counter allergy brand. The CLARITIN Rx-to-OTC switch in 2002 was the largest switch ever -- and the first and only for a non-drowsy antihistamine.  For more information on allergies and treatment, visit www.CLARITIN.com

About Schering-Plough Consumer HealthCare

Today's Merck is working to help the world be well. Schering-Plough Consumer HealthCare is a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. Each day, millions count on one or more of our industry-leading brands that help prevent or treat various common conditions. These include household names such as CLARITIN for allergies, COPPERTONE for sun care, DR. SCHOLL'S for foot care, and many more. Merck. Be well. For more information, visit www.merck.com.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE THE CHANCE OF WINNING. The Claritin® Living Clear Promotion (the "Promotion") is divided into 2 phases. The 1st phase, the Share Your Story Contest, starts 12:00:00 pm ET on 3/1/10 and ends at 11:59:59 am ET on 4/20/10; and the 2nd phase, the Vote and Win Instant Win Game, starts 12:00:00 pm ET on 5/6/10 and ends at 11:59:59 am ET on 6/3/10. Both phases of the Promotion are open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and District of Columbia (excluding Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico) who are 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry. To be eligible to participate in the 1st phase, entrants must also be seasonal or indoor allergy sufferers and have used Claritin® or Claritin-D® as of 3/1/10. Void in Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules, available by visiting www.LivingClear.com or www.claritin.com between 12:00:00 pm ET on 3/1/10 and 11:59:59 am ET on 6/3/10 or by sending a SASE for receipt by 7/5/10 to: Claritin® Living Clear RULES, P.O. Box 13199, Bridgeport, CT, 06673-3199. Sponsor: Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc.

SOURCE Merck & Co., Inc.