System and method for providing temporal patient dosing

Abstract

A system and method for creating a series of individualized custom doses for a consumer. The individualized doses being delivered in a package or packages, such that each individualized custom dose, comprising a plurality of medications and / or supplements, is individually separable from the remaining doses within the series. By way of example, and not of limitation, a system is described having a web based front-end interface within which the user may establish a dosing schedule, select supplements and / or medications (MS) from an MS database, elect which MS are to be included in each dose, and communicate the order to be processed by a packetizing system. The packetizing system utilizes a conveyance device which interconnects a series of pill dispensing bins. The conveyance device has compartments for collecting a series of doses which are then packetized and shipped for use by the consumer.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of copending PCT International Application number PCT / US00 / 35048 filed on Dec. 22, 2000 which claims priority from U.S. provisional application serial No. 60 / 176,961 filed on Jan. 18, 2000, and serial number 60 / 172,057 filed on Dec. 23, 1999.STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002] Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX[0003] Not Applicable[0004] 1. Field of the Invention[0005] This invention pertains generally to internet-based distribution of medications and supplements, and more particularly to a method for packetizing and distributing individualized custom doses containing a combination of medicines and / or supplements created according to a user defined dosing schedule.[0006] 2. Description of the Background Art[0007] Individuals are taking an ever increasing variety and number of both supplements and medications. Each of these individuals has very unique requirements as to the type and concentration of pi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] The system increases consumer safety by preferably performing assessments of the selected MS for possible interactions with one another. In addition, if an optional medical profile is entered, such as by the consumer, by a medical practitioner, or by collection or linking with a personal medical database, which contains information relating to their health and conditions, the system assesses the selected MS against the consumers medical profile for possible clinical contraindications for use. The consumer / patient is alerted to possible side effects, and in some cases is urged, or even forced, to alter their selections to suit prudent medical practice. Once the individualized dosing schedule has been established and populated, the consumer may submit the order for various forms of pre-order verification; such as to their doctor, pharmacist (or other party); their insurance company to determine payments therefrom; or they may submit the order directly for fulfillment.

[0040] Another object of the invention is to provide a system for packaging individualized doses that is highly reliable and easy to maintain.

Problems solved by technology

However, pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution systems are designed for mass distribution in large quantities and have not addressed these individualized needs.

However, it will be appreciated that a generic pill, or a generic set of pills does not provide MS doses to the consumer which are tailored to his / her specific set of requirements, containing the proportions of herbs, vitamins, over the counter pharmaceuticals, and prescriptions which are suited to the given individual.

However, such segmented containers remain inconvenient, and are difficult to take to work or when traveling, such as on business trips.

Additional problems exist with the current manner of dispensing these medications and supplements (MS).

Furthermore, the consumer is required to plan ahead to assure that their pills will be with them if they are not at home, for instance if they are partaking of an evening dinner, or a party, they may easily miss a dose.

A number of mechanical devices are available which attempt to meter out pills or record when pills are taken by a consumer; however, these do not alleviate the underlying problems, such as the need to maintain a stockpile of MS, or the inconvenience.

Requiring individuals to collect and dispense from their own pharmacies is subject to significant degree of risk.

The overhead of keeping a miniature pharmacy stocked up and remembering what, how, and when to take it all is burdensome to anyone, but is especially onerous to our senior citizens which must deal with the most complex assortment of medications and supplements.

Due to the difficulties with orchestrating each pill dose, it is not surprising how often people forget, or make dosing mistakes with even their most important medications.

Institutional care organizations, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and the like, suffer from another set of problems associated with providing doses of supplements and medications to their patients.

The overhead and liability associated with creating and supervising these numerous doses each day for every patient becomes exceedingly costly and prone to error.

Misdosing of patients within an institutional setting can have dire consequences, and numerous patients die each year as a result.

Furthermore, additional problems exist with regard to theft and loss of both medications and supplements.

In addition, staffs do not have the time to study each of the medications to determine if any possible interactions or contraindications may exist.

It is often desirable to follow a profile, such as accelerated dosing, decelerating dosing, or interrupted periodic dosing, it has traditionally been sufficiently difficult to achieve simple compliance, wherein the confusion of traditional profile dosing can reduce compliance and negatively impact results.

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