Do you have old and expired medicine just sitting in your medicine cabinet and you’re not quite sure how to get rid of it? Walgreens is installing kiosks in 500 stores in the hope of giving customers a way to quickly and easily dispose of their unused drugs.
The first kiosks will be installed in California before then expanded to 39 other states and Washington, D.C. later this year.
“The medication disposal kiosks allow individuals to safely and conveniently dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications, at no cost,” Walgreens said in a statement. The kiosks “will offer one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidentally used or intentionally misused by someone else.”
Drop-off is available during regular pharmacy hours, and all day at locations open 24-hours.
“Walgreens pharmacists play an important role in counseling patients on the safe use of their medications, and now we are leading the way in retail pharmacy’s fight against prescription drug abuse,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. “We understand the challenges our communities face, and we stand ready to help our patients and customers lead healthier lives. When the stakes are this high, the solutions must be comprehensive.”
In addition to installing drug drop-off kiosks, Walgreens announced it will also make naloxone, a drug used to reverse the effects of heroin and other opiods in the event of an overdose, available without a prescription at more than 5,800 stores this year.
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist
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