PROVIDENCE (AP) — The Rhode Island House has approved a bill that would require pharmacies to post signs warning people about the risks of taking opioids.

The bill approved Wednesday now heads to the Senate, where similar legislation has been introduced.

It was introduced by Democratic Rep. Justine Caldwell, who represents East Greenwich and West Greenwich.

Caldwell says that given the scale of the opioid epidemic, the state should use every available means to ensure that people who are prescribed opioids have the information they need to prevent dependence. She says the signs would be part of a wider response.

The signs would be similar to warnings for tobacco products. The bill isn't expected to result in any significant cost to the state.

The bill's co-sponsors include several House leaders.