Medicis Declares Cash Dividend

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medicis (NYSE:MRX) today
announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarter-end cash dividend of
$0.04 per issued and outstanding share of its Common Stock payable on October
30, 2009, to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 1, 2009.

About Medicis

Medicis is the leading independent specialty pharmaceutical company in the
United States focusing primarily on the treatment of dermatological and
aesthetic conditions. The Company is dedicated to helping patients attain a
healthy and youthful appearance and self-image. Medicis has leading branded
prescription products in a number of therapeutic and aesthetic categories. The
Company's products have earned wide acceptance by both physicians and patients
due to their clinical effectiveness, high quality and aesthetic elegance.

The Company's products include the brands DYSPORT(TM) (abobotulinumtoxinA),
PERLANE(R) (hyaluronic acid), RESTYLANE(R) (hyaluronic acid), DYNACIN(R)
(minocycline HCl), LIDEX(R) (fluocinonide) Cream 0.05%, LOPROX(R) (ciclopirox),
PLEXION(R) (sodium sulfacetamide 10% and sulfur 5%), SOLODYN(R) (minocycline
HCl, USP) Extended Release Tablets, TRIAZ(R) (benzoyl peroxide), VANOS(R)
(fluocinonide) Cream 0.1%, ZIANA(R) (clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and tretinoin
0.025%) Gel, AMMONUL(R) (sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate) Injection
10%/10%, BUPHENYL(R) (sodium phenylbutyrate) Tablets and Powder, the
LIPOSONIX(R)(1) System and the over-the-counter brand ESOTERICA(R).

For more information about Medicis, please visit the Company's website at
www.Medicis.com. Printed copies of the Company's complete audited financial
statements are available free of charge upon request.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. All statements included in this
press release that address activities, events or developments that Medicis
expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are
forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions
made by Medicis based on its experience and perception of historical trends,
current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes
are appropriate in the circumstances. No assurances can be given, however, that
these activities, events or developments will occur or that such results will be
achieved. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and
uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Medicis. Several of these
risks are outlined in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2008, and other documents we file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements represent the
judgment of Medicis' management as of the date of this release, and Medicis
disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements
contained herein, which speak as of the date hereof.

NOTE: Full prescribing information for any Medicis prescription product is
available by contacting the Company. All trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.

(1) The LIPOSONIX(R) System is not cleared for sale in the U.S.

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CONTACT: Medicis
Kara Stancell
(480) 291-5854