SACRAMENTO, Calif: Every day, people manage a variety of serious diseases like diabetes, hemophilia, obesity or growth disorders. Some of their vital therapies are delivered by a syringe or pen injector with an attached or removable needle, or "sharp."
That's why Novo Nordisk is piloting an education and disposal program for patients living in California who use the company's medicines to safely get rid of their used sharps products.
California residents can visit novocare.com/needledisposal to qualify or call 1-877-765-3030. By registering online through the company's NovoCare support program, patients can receive a free sharps container that, once filled, can be shipped for disposal all without any cost to the patient.
"We know from experience, including my own as a person living with type 1 diabetes that people want a safe and convenient way to dispose of their needles and sharps. This NovoCare program offers an easy process to keeping themselves and their loved ones free from the possibility of unnecessary needle exposure," said Todd Hobbs, MD, U.S. chief medical officer, Novo Nordisk. "Because disposal requirements can be different in many locations, it's become confusing and difficult for patients to dispose of their used sharps. For those living in California, we welcome the opportunity to share this program."
The program also includes online education for patients nationwide who want to learn more about the safe and appropriate disposal of medical sharps. Anyone using such products is encouraged to visit safeneedledisposal.org for details on appropriate sharps disposal in their community. At a minimum, it's important for patients to know that all used sharps should be placed in a strong, plastic container before disposal. Additionally:
•Sharps should never be thrown loosely into the trash
•Sharps that retract after use, or are very small, should be disposed of like all other sharps
•Sharps should never be recycled
