To help prevent opioid misuse, Albertsons Companies has announced that it now offers DisposeRx—an at-home, eco-friendly medication disposal service—at its nearly 1,800 pharmacy counters in 34 states and Washington, D.C.
Albertsons Cos. banners with pharmacies offering DisposeRx include Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs.
“Patient education is an important part of our mission, and pharmacists are on the front lines when it comes to preventing the misuse of opioids,” said Mark Panzer, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Health and Wellness, Albertsons Companies. “In less than a minute, patients can prevent their leftover opioids from being diverted in their communities, prevent accidental poisonings in the home, and avoid polluting the water supply.”
DisposeRx packets contain a proprietary powder that is activated by water. Patients pour water into the medication vial with the leftover pills, add the DisposeRx powder, replace the cap and then shake the vial for 30 seconds.
The powder forms a thick gel, making the pills unusable and inaccessible. The vial can then be safely discarded in the trash. Independent environmental laboratory studies have concluded that the DisposeRx gel is non-toxic and non-hazardous.
It is standard practice for Albertson Cos. pharmacy teams to discuss the risks associated with opioid and other controlled substance prescriptions with patients. Now, they will also tell patients about how DisposeRx works. Patients do not need a prescription to obtain DisposeRx in Albertsons Companies pharmacies.
To date, more than 1,700 of its pharmacies across 30 states have pharmacists trained to administer naloxone (Narcan), a medication used to reverse the impacts of an opioid overdose. Also, over 4,500 Albertsons Cos. pharmacists are trained to counsel patients on the benefits, availability, and eligibility of naloxone therapy.
