Walmart unveils one-of-a-kind opioid disposal effort
Walmart is taking action to help fight the nation’s ongoing opioid epidemic.
The nation’s largest retailer is launching a first-of-its-kind opioid disposal solution — available at no cost — in its 4,7000 pharmacies nationwide, including those at Sam’s Club. Called DisposeRx, the product provides a virtually effortless way for patients to destroy leftover opioids. It contains ingredients that when emptied into the opioid pill bottle and combined with warm water, creates a biodegradable gel that can be thrown out safely in the trash. The solution will be provided in addition to ongoing counseling available to customers on proper opioid use when filling an opioid prescription at a Walmart pharmacy.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Institute of Drug Abuse, more than 65% 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.
Beginning immediately, customers 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.
“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,” said Marybeth Hays, executive VP of consumables and health and wellness at Walmart U.S. “Walmart is incredibly proud to fund this initiative that provides our patients with an opioid disposal solution they can access nationwide, at no cost.”
The nation’s largest retailer is launching a first-of-its-kind opioid disposal solution — available at no cost — in its 4,7000 pharmacies nationwide, including those at Sam’s Club. Called DisposeRx, the product provides a virtually effortless way for patients to destroy leftover opioids. It contains ingredients that when emptied into the opioid pill bottle and combined with warm water, creates a biodegradable gel that can be thrown out safely in the trash. The solution will be provided in addition to ongoing counseling available to customers on proper opioid use when filling an opioid prescription at a Walmart pharmacy.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Institute of Drug Abuse, more than 65% 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.
Beginning immediately, customers 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.
“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,” said Marybeth Hays, executive VP of consumables and health and wellness at Walmart U.S. “Walmart is incredibly proud to fund this initiative that provides our patients with an opioid disposal solution they can access nationwide, at no cost.”