Walmart has unveiled a new program that would work to limit the access patients have to prescription opioids. This program is designed to allow people to dispose of their unused opioid prescriptions in an effective and easy way. Customers who sign up for this program will receive a packet of what is known as DisposeRX.
The substance in these packets can be used to treat any leftover pills customers have in their possession. All the customer has to do is add the packet of DisposeRX to their prescription bottle along with a bit of warm water. Once this is done, the contents of the bottle will be turned into a biodegradable gel.
Who Can Get These Packets of DisposeRX?
One of the first questions you probably have about this Walmart-sponsored program is who is eligible to get these packets of DisposeRX? Anyone who goes to a Walmart pharmacy to fill a Schedule II opioid prescriptions will give presented with a packet of this substance. People who receive prescriptions to treat chronic pain will be given a new packet of DisposeRX every six months.
Why This Program is So Important
A 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report found that nearly 53% of people who abuse prescription opioids got them from a friend or family member. With this program, Walmart hopes to reduce the chance that old prescriptions are stolen and used by drug addicts. Other retailers, like CVS, have had prescription take-back programs for years. It is this level of awareness and action that will help to reduce the access addicts have to harmful opioids.
The DisposeRX packets have also been made available to hospitals. This substance has been on the market for nearly six months and has been used to get rid of a number of unused and unwanted opioid pills.