Millions of people with chronic conditions including diabetes,
autoimmune diseases and allergies routinely use injectable medicines,
yet sometimes proper sharps disposal is often inconvenient. To address
that concern, Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (NASDAQ: WAG) and diabetes leader,
Novo Nordisk, Inc. (NYSE: NVO) have teamed up to provide a free Complete
Needle™ Collection & Disposal System during National Diabetes Month.
Customers can purchase the system at any Walgreens nationwide from Oct.
23 through Nov. 19 and receive a rebate form at the register for the
$4.99 cost of the system. For customers concerned with
environmentally-responsible disposal, the receipt will also include the
Novo Nordisk sponsorship redemption coupon for the free return postage
and incineration of the container and needles (a $20 value).
"Patients who self-inject medications at home often ask our pharmacists
how and where they can dispose of their needles safely,” said Suzanne
Hansen, Walgreens group vice president of pharmacy operations. "This
system offers customers safe and easy needle disposal, as well as an
option for the eco-conscious. This is another way we’re offering support
to people with chronic conditions, making it easier for them to live
well, get well and stay well.”
"Insulin is a very effective way to manage diabetes, and patients
managing their diabetes through injections should easily be able to
dispose of their needles properly. Having a convenient disposal system
can give them peace of mind, knowing they’re protecting their family and
community,” commented Phil Fornecker, corporate vice president,
strategic business operations of Novo Nordisk, Inc. "Offering patients
this option is based on our knowledge as a diabetes company that
patients are looking for ways that support their daily routines managing
this serious disease.”
Not only can the Complete Needle™ Collection & Disposal System (patent
pending), developed by Sharps Compliance (NASDAQ: SMED), offer patients
a cost-effective and safe way to contain sharps, convenient pick-up and
removal services are provided by the U.S. Postal Service. When full, the
system can be provided to a mail carrier or a pick-up can be scheduled
on request either by phone or online. Patients can obtain this
collection and disposal system for their needles, syringes or other
injection devices when they pick up their prescriptions at any Walgreens
location. This promotion is provided through a special arrangement
between Walgreens and Novo Nordisk.
For more information about how it works or to redeem your code, visit www.completeneedle.com
or call the dedicated Complete Needle™ line at 1-888-988-8859.
ABOUT WALGREENS
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com)
is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2011 sales of $72
billion. The company operates 7,779 drugstores in all 50 states, the
District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides
nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to
consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health
and wellness services and advice in communities across America.
Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty,
infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory
services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for
payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems,
pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. Take Care Health
Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most
comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and
in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations
throughout the country.
ABOUT NOVO NORDISK
Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company
with 88 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company
also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone
therapy and hormone replacement therapy. For more information, visit www.novonordisk-us.com.
ABOUT SHARPS COMPLIANCE CORP.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Sharps is a leading full-service
provider of cost-effective management solutions for medical waste and
unused dispensed medications generated outside the hospital and large
health care facility setting. Its strategy is to capture a large part of
the estimated $2.8 billion untapped market for unused medications, used
syringes and medical waste generated outside of hospital and large
health care settings by targeting the major agencies that are
interrelated with this medical waste stream; including the U.S.
government, pharmaceutical manufacturers, home healthcare providers,
retail pharmacies and clinics, and the professional market which is
comprised of physicians, dentists and veterinary practices. As a fully
integrated medical waste management company providing customer solutions
and services, the Company’s solid business model, which provides strong
margins and significant operating leverage, combined with its early
penetration into emerging markets, uniquely positions it for strong
future growth. More information on the Company and its products can be
found on its website at: www.sharpsinc.com.
