DEERFIELD, Ill. & PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 17, 2011 - 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.
Walgreens:
Vivika Vergara
Media Relations Specialist
Phone: (847) 315-2923
Email: vivika.vergara@walgreens.com
Novo Nordisk:
Ken Inchausti
Director, Media Relations, Communications & Public Affairs
Phone: (609) 786-8316
Email: kiau@novonordisk.com
Sharps Compliance:
Deborah Pawlowski
Kei Advisors LLC
Investor and Media Relations
Phone: (716) 843-3908
Email: dpawlowski@keiadvisors.com