Pharmaceutical chain Rite Aid Corp. on May 21 said it would offer packets of the opioid disposal solution DisposeRx in all of its 2,500-plus outlets in the U.S.

The packets, which contain a biodegradable powder that, when mixed with water, dissolves drugs to form a viscous gel that can be safely discarded, will be offered for free to patients with prescriptions.

Rite Aid said it would provide DisposeRx to patients with new opioid prescriptions. Patients with chronic opioid prescriptions will be offered packets every six months.

The move is part of Rite Aid's strategy to help address opioid and drug abuse in the U.S., the company said in a statement.