Watson Provides Update on Ferrlecit(R) Supply and Distribution Agreement

Watson to Market and Sell Ferrlecit(R) through December 31, 2009

CORONA, Calif., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(NYSE: WPI), a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced that
the Swiss Chambers of Commerce Court of Arbitration has ruled that the
Ferrlecit(R) (sodium ferric gluconate complex in sucrose) supply and
distribution agreements between Watson and Sanofi-aventis will expire on
December 31, 2009. As a result of today's decision, Watson will continue to
market and sell Ferrlecit(R) through December 31, 2009.

"We are very pleased with the panel's decision which affirms our right to
market Ferrlecit(R) and allows us to continue our commitment to the nephrology
community," said Paul Bisaro, Watson's President and Chief Executive Officer.
"We have plans to continue our direct marketing efforts in nephrology, as well
as extending the nephrology team's selling and marketing efforts to new
products and areas where this seasoned sales force can provide additional
value."

Watson recently launched RAPAFLO(TM) (silodosin), the company's new alpha
blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH) and GELNIQUE(TM) (oxybutynin chloride) gel 10%, the first
and only topical gel for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of
urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. The Company also has a New
Drug Application pending for its six month formulation of Trelstar(R)
(triptorelin pamoate), a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist
for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Watson anticipates
that FDA will take action on this application in the third quarter 2009.

About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global leader in the development and
distribution of pharmaceuticals with a broad portfolio of generic products and
a specialized portfolio of brand pharmaceuticals focused on Urology, Women's
Health and Nephrology/Medical.

For press release and other company information, visit Watson Pharmaceuticals'
Web site at http://www.watson.com.

Watson's Forward-Looking Statement

Any statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or
other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect
Watson's current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date
of this release. Except as expressly required by law, Watson disclaims any
intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Actual
results may differ materially from Watson's current expectations depending
upon a number of factors affecting Watson's business. These factors include,
among others, the impact of competitive products and pricing; market
acceptance of and continued demand for Watson's products, including Ferrlecit;
the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of FDA approvals and
actions, if any; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Watson's
periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including
but not limited to Watson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2008.

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SOURCE Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Patty Eisenhaur of Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., +1-951-493-5611