New way to get rid of medicine, fight opioid abuse

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Walmart announced this week it will be offering a free opioid disposal solution to all patients.

The retail giant partnered with a North Carolina start-up called DisposeRx to provide a first-of-its kind way to get rid of unused prescription drugs with a powder that turns into a gel.

“Once a patient is done with their medication, they’ll simply dump the contents of the DisposeRx packet with warm water shake it for 30 seconds,” said spokesperson, Erin Hulliberger. “It’s safe, it’s convenient and it’s a responsible way that our patients can get rid of their medication without even leaving their home.”

The gel neutralizes the drugs and what’s left over is non-toxic, biodegradable and is safe if accidentally ingested. The DisposeRx website explains the science behind the gel and how “polymers in the gel bond to the opioid medicine, locking it up to prevent its illicit use.”

It will come free with any Class II opioid prescription, like morphine or Oxycontin, but patients can request a packet at any time. The gel works for powders, pills, tablets, capsules, liquids and patches.

If you are not a Walmart pharmacy patient you can still drop off unwanted medication at several drug drop-off boxes around our area: