Pharmaceutical distribution device

Abstract

A method of providing items required for a complex drug regimen. In a preferred embodiment the method includes the steps of disposing a plurality of different drugs in corresponding drug compartments within a container; and providing drug identification information visually associated with each drug compartment containing a drug. The invention also includes a kit for a complex drug regimen. In a preferred embodiment the kit includes a kit container including a plurality of drug compartments, each drug compartment adapted to contain a drug; a plurality of different drugs disposed in the drug compartments; and drug identification information visually associated with each drug compartment containing a drug.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates generally to kits for complex drug regimens and methods of providing complex drug regimen items, such as methods and kits for fertility treatment regimens. [0002] Fertility enhancement treatment requires the self-administration of a variety of drugs in a prescribed manner, order and dosage according to a specified schedule. Mistakes in the manner, order and / or dosage of fertility drugs may result in a reduced efficacy of the treatment. [0003] More significantly, the psychological stress level of the woman undergoing fertility enhancement treatment can affect the outcome of the treatment. Higher levels of psychological stress have been linked to reduced positive outcomes. See, e.g., “DeStress for (Fertility) Success,” HealthScoutNews Jun. 29, 2001; “What Is the Stress / Infertility Connection?”, an online chat dated Jun. 2, 2003 and viewable at http: / / www.resolve.org / main / national / bboard / chat030602.jsp. [0004] Koestermann et al. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Another aspect of the invention provides a kit for a complex drug regimen. In a preferred embodiment the kit includes: a kit container comprising a plurality of drug compartments, each drug compartment adapted to contain one or more drugs; a plurality of different drugs disposed in the drug compartments; and drug identification information visually associated with each drug compartment containing a drug. In some embodiments, the kit includes at least one label identifying drugs to be taken together. For example, if at least two of the drugs are intended to be used together, both may be associated with the label. In some embodiments the kit also includes at least one drug delivery tool disposed in a drug delivery compartment along with a drug, such as by placing the drug and its corresponding tool in an order of use within the drug compartment.

Problems solved by technology

Mistakes in the manner, order and / or dosage of fertility drugs may result in a reduced efficacy of the treatment.

One drawback of this and other prior art complex drug regimen kits is their failure to adequately and positively identify the drugs and ancillary devices to be used in the regimen.

For example, the order, dosage and timing of the drugs to be taken during fertility treatments can be difficult to follow.

While the fertility kit described in the Koestermann et al. patent application provides a prescription, orders or instructions, the kit does not sufficiently tie drug names or other identification information to the corresponding drugs, nor does it tie ancillary devices, such as syringes, to the drugs to which they correspond.

Psychological stress from uncertainty about which drugs and / or drug devices in the Koestermann fertility kit to use at a particular point in the treatment regimen, as well as actual treatment errors from choosing the wrong drug or device, can lead to reduced treatment efficacy.

Another drawback of earlier complex drug regimen kits is their relative inadaptability to changes in the drug regimen, such as changes to the drug contents, container sizes, etc.

This approach to constructing the kit is unduly inflexible and cumbersome.

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