Medicine

Walmart is hoping a simple packet could help curb opioid misuse

Rudolph Thomas
Jan 18, 2018     
Walmart is hoping a simple packet could help curb opioid misuse

Walmart will offer a drug disposal product - for free - to pharmacy customers as part of an effort to combat the nation's opioid abuse epidemic, the retail giant said Wednesday.

Here are three things to know. When the packet is emptied into a pill bottle with warm water, the ingredients convert powders, pills, tablets, capsules, liquids, or patches into a non-divertible and biodegradable gel.

Patients filling Class II opioid prescription, such as oxycodone, will also receive a free DisposeRx packet and safety brochure, Walmart announced.

The company, which has 70 locations in New Jersey, announced a plan to introducing a new, free program starting January 17 for people who fill their opioid prescriptions at its pharmacies, Walmart said in a press release.

This story has been corrected to show that the information about the types of drugs on which the packets can be used came from DisposeRx, not Walmart.

Most recently, CVS joined the fight against opioid abuse by expanding its prescription drug disposal program to 750 of its pharmacies across the country. The company also will offer a packet every six months to patients with a regular opioid prescription. The disposal kit can also work on any form of opioids.

The free first-of-its kind solution will be available in all company pharmacies, making the retailer the first national pharmacy chain to do so.

'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.

Senator John Boozman of Arkansas reveals how "about one-third of medications sold go unused". Too often, these unsafe 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".

The move by Walmart is the latest precaution being taken to cut down on opioid abuse. In September, CVS Health said it would limit opioid prescriptions to seven-day supplies for new patients facing certain acute conditions.


  • Hazard To Sign New Contract After Courtois Does

    Hazard To Sign New Contract After Courtois Does

    Eden Hazard has confirmed he will sign a new contract at Chelsea after Thibaut Courtois does the same. "I don't need anyone". But The Sun report this is not the case although the Belgian's representatives are in contact with the La Liga outfit.
    A Free Update Is Coming to Super Mario Odyssey Next Month

    A Free Update Is Coming to Super Mario Odyssey Next Month

    There will also be three new costumes added to the game, as well as several new filters for the games Snapshot Mode. Called Luigi's Balloon World , the update adds two new modes to the game " Hide It " and " Find It ".
    Cornyn Says Democrats Hold Spending Bill Hostage on Immigration

    Cornyn Says Democrats Hold Spending Bill Hostage on Immigration

    Here's what immigration reformers are up against. "If you don't have the wall, you don't have security", Trump told the lawmakers. The Trump administration has requested Congress to spend $18 billion over the next 10 years to build the wall.
  • Dramatic floor collapse injures 50 at Jakarta Stock Exchange

    Dramatic floor collapse injures 50 at Jakarta Stock Exchange

    Footage from the scene in Indonesia showed the lobby strewn with debris and people being helped out of the building. Members of the police's canine unit stand in front of the building entrance during the evacuation.

    Are Analysts Bearish Chemring Group plc (LON:CHG) After Last Week?

    Also, insider Mike Inglis purchased 1,999 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 8th. Pring Turner Grp, California-based fund reported 16,028 shares. 61,034 were accumulated by Invesco Limited.
    White House: Flip-flop on Florida offshore drilling not a 'political favor'

    White House: Flip-flop on Florida offshore drilling not a 'political favor'

    He has promised to meet with all coastal governors on the plan, but has not yet removed any other state from consideration. The Trump administration will take public comment on its proposals from January 16 through March 9.
  • An Exploding Meteor Caused a 2.0 natural disaster in Michigan Last Night

    An Exploding Meteor Caused a 2.0 natural disaster in Michigan Last Night

    For anyone who finds a chunk, meteorite pieces have been known to sell for up to $1 million per pound. The United States Geological Survey reported the equivalent of a magnitude 2 .0 natural disaster .
    A Prince Harry and Meghan Markle TV Movie Is Officially Happening!!!

    A Prince Harry and Meghan Markle TV Movie Is Officially Happening!!!

    The Swiss town is a royal hot spot, with Harry's uncle Prince Andrew owning a holiday home there - the Chalet Helora. We bet Prince William will have a few surprises planned for his little brother.
    Walmart raises hourly wage to $11, expands benefits

    Walmart raises hourly wage to $11, expands benefits

    Full-time hourly workers in the United States will get 10 weeks of paid maternity leave and six weeks of paid parental leave. Target announced it was raising its minimum wage to $11 last September and pledged to establish a $15 minimum wage by 2020 .
  • Contractor Carillion goes into liquidation

    Contractor Carillion goes into liquidation

    The firm, which employs around 43,000 people worldwide, manages schools and prisons and maintains thousands of homes for MoD. Carillion is one of the main contractors for the United Kingdom government's flagship infrastructure project.
    Roy powers England to first victory of the series

    Roy powers England to first victory of the series

    But burly opener Finch filled the void with a dashing hundred, his ninth in one-day internationals and fourth against England . Smith admitted that Roy was too good for his side, and said: "He didn't give us a chance, and he chanced his arm".
    Flu cases on the rise in Hays County

    Flu cases on the rise in Hays County

    With the fresh deaths, the death toll due to H1N1 influenza in Kashmir has risen to 27 this season, which is highest so far. The very young, older people and those with underlying health conditions are especially susceptible to the flu.