<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
Schering-Plough Corporation and subsidiaries consolidated Financial Statements,
and related Exhibits for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                             732
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                      588
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                        750
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                  2956
<PP&E>                                            3628
<DEPRECIATION>                                    1189
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                    6448
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                             2937
<BONDS>                                             64
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                          1015
<OTHER-SE>                                        1688
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                      6448
<SALES>                                           4997
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                  4997
<CGS>                                              945
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                      945
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   608
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   1458
<INCOME-TAX>                                       357
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               1101
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                      1101
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.50
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.49