Walmart Launches Groundbreaking Disposal Solution to Aid in Fight Against Opioid Abuse and Misuse
January 17 2018 - 12:01AM
Business Wire
Retailer first national pharmacy chain to offer
free opioid disposal solution at all pharmacy locations
In an effort to help curb abuse and misuse, Walmart is launching
a first-of-its kind opioid disposal solution – available at no cost
– in all company pharmacies.* Known as DisposeRx, the small packet
contains ingredients that, according to the manufacturer, when
emptied into a pill bottle with warm water, ultimately enable
patients to responsibly dispose of leftover medications in their
trash.
This press release features multimedia. View
the full release here:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180116006914/en/
Walmart is the first national pharmacy
chain to offer free opioid disposal solution at all pharmacy
locations. (Photo: Business Wire)
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration and the National Institute of Drug Abuse, more than
65 percent of people misusing prescription opioids are getting them
from family and friends, and personal prescriptions are one of the
main sources of nonmedical opioid abuse. DisposeRx provides a
virtually effortless way for patients to destroy leftover opioids
and a way to do so without ever leaving home.
The innovative disposal solution will now be provided in
addition to ongoing counseling available to Walmart patients on
proper opioid use when filling an opioid prescription at any one of
its 4,700 pharmacies nationwide. Now, pharmacists can also counsel
patients on how to use DisposeRx and distribute an opioid awareness
brochure outlining risks and helpful resources.
“The health and safety of our patients is a critical priority;
that’s why we’re taking an active role in fighting our nation’s
opioid issue – an issue that has affected so many families and
communities across America,” said Marybeth Hays, executive vice
president of Consumables and Health and Wellness at Walmart U.S.
“While this issue requires many resources to solve, we are
confident this unique, easy-to-use disposal solution, DisposeRx,
will make a meaningful impact on the lives of many. Walmart is
incredibly proud to fund this initiative that provides our patients
with an opioid disposal solution they can access nationwide, at no
cost.”
According to DisposeRx, packets contain a crosslinking polymer
blend that, when added to the pill bottle with warm water,
sequester any form of prescription drugs – including powders,
pills, tablets, capsules, liquids or patches – into a
non-divertible and biodegradable gel. The chemicals in the packet
are listed as safe by the FDA.
Beginning immediately, patients filling any new Class II opioid
prescription at Walmart pharmacies will receive a free DisposeRx
packet and opioid safety information brochure when picking up their
prescription. Patients with chronic Class II opioid prescriptions
will be offered a free DisposeRx packet every six months. Existing
pharmacy patients can also request a free DisposeRx packet at any
time, including at the upcoming Walmart Wellness Day event on
January 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time at all Walmart
locations nationwide. Additionally, Sam’s Club patients can access
Dispose Rx at their pharmacies.
“About one-third of medications sold go unused. Too often, these
dangerous narcotics remain unsecured where children, teens or
visitors may have access. I commend Walmart for taking this
innovative approach to help keep unused prescription drugs out of
the wrong hands,” said Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.
The launch of DisposeRx in Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies is
one of several ways the retailers are helping to address the
prescription drug abuse problem. The company urges lawmakers to
establish a seven-day supply limit for initial prescriptions issued
for acute pain and to require all controlled substance
prescriptions be issued electronically, in partnership with the
Drug Enforcement Administration. It stocks Naloxone in its
pharmacies and will offer Naloxone behind its pharmacy counters for
sale or for dispensing by a pharmacist by the end of this month in
all states where pharmacy practice laws support its ability to do
so. The company also believes education on prescription drug abuse
is a key part of the solution and is helping to fund a variety of
multi-state programs that teach youth about the dangers of
prescription drug use and abuse.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world
save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail
stores, online, and through their mobile devices. The
company’s legal name will become Walmart Inc., effective on Feb. 1,
2018, to reflect its growing status as an omni-channel retailer.
Each week, over 260 million customers and members visit our more
than 11,600 stores under nearly 60 banners in 28 countries and
eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2017 revenue of $485.9
billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates
worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability,
corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional
information about Walmart can be found by visiting
http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at
http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/walmart.
*Walmart patients in Rhode Island and Washington will receive an
alternative free disposal solution until third-party testing of
DisposeRx is complete in those states.
View source
version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180116006914/en/
Walmart Media RelationsErin Hulliberger,
1-800-331-0085news.walmart.com/reporter
Walmart (NYSE:WMT)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
Walmart (NYSE:WMT)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024