New disposal option for California residents using Novo Nordisk medicines and needles

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 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

For more information about the program, California residents can visit novocare.com/needledisposal or call 1-877-765-3030.

About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat other serious chronic conditions: hemophilia, growth disorders and obesity. With U.S. headquarters in Plainsboro, N.J., Novo Nordisk Inc. has nearly 5,000 employees in the United States. For more information, visit novonordisk.us or follow us on Twitter: @novonordiskus.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk