Product Packaging

Merck is committed to environmental responsibility as it pertains to reducing packaging waste. Since MAXALT and MAXALT-MLT was originally launched, Merck has continually explored ways to reduce the product's packaging waste where we can demonstrate that key packaging requirements are unaffected and compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements is maintained. Some steps we have taken to date include removal of the plastic carrying case from the packaging for MAXALT tablets, removal of business reply cards, reducing the overall number of information inserts, elimination of foam protection from the shipping containers, and reduction of secondary packaging by increasing the package count.

The blue plastic carrying cases that contain MAXALT-MLT are made from polypropylene (PP, #5), which is a thermoplastic and is recyclable but may not be accepted by all recycling centers. Please check with your local recycling center to determine their process for recycling polypropylene plastics, or visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website at http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr to learn more about reducing waste, reusing containers and products, and recycling materials.

In addition, Merck is looking at ways to improve the sustainability of our product packaging. Merck recently joined the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) a non-profit organization [www.sustainablepackaging.org] and has also formed a company-wide Sustainable Packaging Community of Practice (CoP) to drive environmentally beneficial packaging innovations.

Important Safety Information

You should not take MAXALT if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease or history of heart disease, or if you are taking or have taken MAO inhibitors within the last 2 weeks, or are taking certain other medications.

Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Talk to your doctor about any history of chest pain, shortness of breath, or stroke.

If you have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, are postmenopausal, or are a male over 40, you should be evaluated by your doctor before taking MAXALT.

Do not take MAXALT if you are pregnant or nursing.

As with other drugs in this class, there have been very rare reports of heart attack and stroke generally occurring in patients with risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease.

In clinical studies with MAXALT, the most common side effects reported were dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness, fatigue, and pain or pressure sensation (eg, in the chest or throat). Ask your doctor to discuss with you the more complete list of side effects reported with MAXALT.

Phenylketonurics: MAXALT-MLT contains phenylalanine. Please read the Patient Product Information (PDF: 43KB, 6 pages).

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please read the Patient Product Information (PDF: 43KB, 6 pages) and discuss it with your doctor. The physician Prescribing Information (PDF: 112KB, 14 pages) is also listed.

Having trouble paying for your Merck medicine? Merck may be able to help. Visit www.merck.com/merckhelps.

For general health information

MIGR-1005002-0000 07/11