152 results about "Medication Distribution" patented technology

This invention relates to an interactive medication cassette with a machine readable and writable information strip that contains information corresponding to the medication in the cassette. The interactive medication cassette holds the medication and couples the corresponding information to the medication. The cassette is designed for use in a medication distribution and inventory system that includes at least one medication dispensing machine having a sensor for reading the information in the strip and updating or altering this information when medication is added to or removed from the cassette. The cassette travels with the medication during the distribution of the medication to a patient, and its information is reported to one or more memory devices or hospital or pharmacy data base during this process. The cassette is filled by a pharmacy dispensing machine holding a bulk container filled with a particular type of medication and a singulator for counting the quantity of medication added to the cassette. The pharmacy dispensing machine alters the information strip to include medication and quantity information corresponding to the dispensed medication. The cassette is closed and locked to prevent unauthorized access during transport to a hospital floor workstation. A hospital floor dispensing machine incrementally dispense the medication from the cassette, and updates the information strip with additional information including the quantity of medication dispensed from the cassette. When the cassette is returned to the pharmacy and its unused contents is emptied into the bulk container, the information strip on the cassette automatically updates an information strip on the bulk container to indicate the number of doses of medication added to the bulk container. In this manner, a reliable medication distribution and inventory system is achieved while maintaining improved control over the access to the medication on the hospital floor.

This invention provides a system and method for dispensing medication and a dispensing apparatus that comprises a plurality of compartments in an array within a housing, the compartments having respective lids, each of the lids being movable from a closed position to an open position, the respective lids each having a latch that secures the lid in a locked configuration in the closed position. The apparatus has an actuator mechanism that selectively unlocks the latch of each of the lids at a predetermined time so as to place the unlocked lid in an unlocked configuration that enables the lid to be moved to the open position. The compartments of the medication dispenser each receive a removable cup therein that is accessible when a respective of the lids associated therewith is in the open position. Other features, such as communication and messaging and / or audible / visual displays can also be provided.

This invention provides a medication dispensing system that instructs the user through visual and audio cues, such as the illumination of individual medication cups that are arrayed in accordance with a daily and weekly schedule in separate orifices within the dispenser body. It monitors compliance by determining when an indicated cup is accessed, based upon at least one of manipulating a lid and / or placing into, removing from, or replacing into the correct orifice based upon the indication. The cups can be refilled based upon an indication, and / or can be provided in removable prefilled refill tray. The dispenser can include an on-board processor that stores a current configuration including the treatment schedule. The configuration can be programmed / re-programmed, and compliance can be monitored, via a wired or wireless server connection that communicates with interested parties, and that supports a graphical user interface. Communication, messaging and / or display systems can also be integrated.

Disclosed is a medication dispensing system comprising a container including at least two compartments each compartment including a cavity configured to contain at least one first medication, a covering over the cavity configured to break under pressure, and an elongate conductive element on at least a portion of the covering and configured sever upon breaking the covering. The medication dispensing system further includes one interrogator-readable RFID circuit operatively associated with the container and connected to the elongate conductive element of each of the at least two compartments, and one RFID circuit interrogator configured to interrogate the one RFID circuit and determine whether the elongate conductive element is severed on either on at least one of the at least two compartments.

A medication dispensing system including a filling apparatus, a dispensing apparatus and a refillable canister having a plurality of dosage compartments. The canister may be releasably mountable on the filling apparatus and the dispensing apparatus. The canister may further includes a tamper-prevention apparatus adapted to prevent unauthorized access to the canister. The medication dispensing system may also include a control apparatus that controls filling of medication into and egress of medication out of the dosage compartments.

A drug distribution system and method utilizes a central pharmacy and database to track all prescriptions for a sensitive drug. Information is kept in the database regarding all physicians allowed to prescribe the sensitive drug, and all patients receiving the drug. Abuses are identified by monitoring data in the database for prescription patterns by physicians and prescriptions obtained by patients. Further verification is made that the physician is eligible to prescribe the drug by consulting a separate database, and optionally whether any actions are taken against the physician. Multiple controls beyond those for normal drugs are imposed on the distribution depending on the sensitivity of the drug.

A computerized medication dispensing station that addresses anesthesia medication management and tracking problems is disclosed. Medications, including narcotic and non-narcotic, and supplies for use in anesthesia, are stored in secured, semi-secured, and unsecured containers of a mobile station. A computer housed in the station is used to track the anesthesiology items that have been removed from the station. For each item removed, the time of removal, who removed it, and to whom it was administered is tracked. Items that are not administered to a patient are returned to the pharmacy or wasted (i.e., disposed in accordance with regulations). Each type of event (administration to a patient, return, or waste) is documented so that a health care institution can track usage of items, including narcotic medications, for use in anesthesia.

Secure methods of distributing and prescribing prescription medications and related systems significantly increase prescription medication distribution security. Applications of the present invention are particularly useful in prescribing and distributing lifestyle drugs where an actual physical examination is not necessarily required, but are similarly useful for all prescription medications. A system configured according to a particular embodiment of the present invention involves a prescription request kiosk, a prescription request review terminal, a medical information database, and a pharmacy all associated with a prescription distribution system processor. Particular embodiments of prescriptions of the present invention include a photograph of a prescription requestor on the prescription for added security along with additional follow-up questions to be asked by the pharmacist to the customer. Requestors initiate prescription requests by answering a plurality of questions related specifically to the prescription medications requested.

An interactive character associated with a metered dose inhaler that includes a medication dispensing canister and a canister holder. The interactive character includes a base portion adapted to be coupled to a canister such that actuation of the canister to dispense a medication requires providing an actuating force on the base portion. An interactive element is coupled to the base portion so that it that activates in a manner that is readily perceived by humans. The interactive element is actuated by an actuating system responsive to the actuating force being applied to the base portion to actuate the canister.

A usage status notification method and corresponding medication storage device (e.g., mobile medication dispensing cart, medication cabinet, nurse server, etc.) are provided. To generate the usage status notification, the status of one or more components of the medication storage device may be monitored. An in-use notification signal may be generated if it is determined that the medication storage device is in use at a certain point in time (e.g., when a user is logged into the medication storage device). An available notification signal may be generated if it is determined that the medication storage device is available for use at a certain point in time (e.g., when a user is logged out of the medication storage device). Other types of usage status signals may also be provided.

A usage status notification method and corresponding medication storage device (e.g., mobile medication dispensing cart, medication cabinet, nurse server, etc.) are provided. To generate the usage status notification, the status of one or more components of the medication storage device may be monitored. An in-use notification signal may be generated if it is determined that the medication storage device is in use at a certain point in time (e.g., when a user is logged into the medication storage device). An available notification signal may be generated if it is determined that the medication storage device is available for use at a certain point in time (e.g., when a user is logged out of the medication storage device). Other types of usage status signals may also be provided.

A method for identifying medical diverters includes identifying users having similar job functions. Use data indicative of user access to a medication dispensing system is retrieved and is analyzed to identify periods of use of the system for users. Boundaries of work shifts are determined and users are organized into work shifts based on periods of use. A comparison period is determined. Diversion data indicative of behavior associated with diversion for each user is identified. A diversion score indicative of a likelihood that a user is diverting medication is generated by averaging the data by shifts worked for each user and statistically comparing the averaged data. Diversion scores are combined for a medication type to generate a group score. A consistency factor is determined and an overall score is generated. A determination whether any overall scores exceed an overall threshold is made. Users whose score exceeds the threshold are flagged.

An intake to exit security system for high-volume pharmacies provides maximum security from tampering and assures accuracy. The system immediately assigns bar codes to shipments upon arrival and then tracks them through warehousing, bulk distribution, prescription dispensing and shipping to patients, hospitals and drugstores. Bar-coded lock neck devices secure bulk drug canisters to bar-coded dispensing machines at specified dispensing stations where the machines dispense drugs into pre-labeled prescription bottles according to prescription indicia on the labels. Bottles then undergo content analysis and certification before packaged and shipped to customers. A Ramon laser spectral analysis contrasts the bottle contents to a library of known spectral signatures of drugs, and the pharmacist is alerted to any detected difference. A simultaneously captured visual image of the pills enables the pharmacist visually to compare the contents to a library of known visual appearances of the drugs. Both analyses are recorded for prescriptions certified and forwarded to customers. Deviations are excised without disrupting flow of other prescriptions, and the system automatically reassigns an incorrectly filled prescription to another bottle which starts anew through the system. Full bottles of commonly used drugs and specialized containers for irregularly shaped objects, creams and ointments may be pre-filled and inventoried for later collation with prescription bottles at the packaging and shipping stage.

Some embodiments are directed to a compliance monitor for monitoring patient usage of a dry powder medicament delivery device, including a store of medicament housed within a main body portion, and a base portion which is rotatable with respect to the main body portion. The medicament delivery device also includes a medicament dispensing means for dispensing a dose of medicament into an inhalation chamber, a mouthpiece through which the dose of medicament may be inhaled by a user, and a replaceable cap. The compliance monitor includes a first portion for receiving and / or retaining the base portion of the medicament delivery device, and a second portion for releasably securing the medicament delivery device to the first portion. The arrangement and construction is such that the fitting of the second portion of the compliance monitor to the first portion of the compliance monitor does not include a screw fit.

A medication dispensing device comprises a cartridge unit and a control unit. The cartridge unit comprises a cartridge housing defining a dispensing channel to allow passage of the dosage from the cartridge to the patient. A cartridge holds dosages, with a driven member engaging the cartridge. The driven member drives the cartridge to dispense a dosage. The control unit comprises a main housing for coupling to the cartridge housing. A driver member engages the driven member to actuate the driven member. A motor driven locking mechanism is moveable between locked and unlocked positions. When in the locked position the cartridge unit is secured to the control unit. When in the unlocked position the cartridge unit is separable from the control unit thereby providing access to the cartridge. A mobile computing device stores dosage availability and receives an authorized patient identification input before dispensing a dosage.

A pill sorter with bag sealer designed for the dispensation and storage of easily transportable packages of medication. The pill sorter has one or more independent chambers that can store pills or other medication. The pill sorter dispenses medication through a funneled lid, allowing the user to dispense a single chamber's medication into a plastic bag. The plastic bag is placed into a bag sealer having an activation button, light-emitting diode (LED), battery, microprocessor, and sealing element. The activation time of the sealing element is adjusted by the microprocessor based upon the measured level of charge present in the battery, providing a one-touch sealing solution to the user. The sealing element seals the plastic bag, which has a perforated seal, allowing for easy opening of the plastic bag when the medication is needed.

An automated medication dispensing system provides for triggering a medication administration message when an inferred event is detected for which a medication administration message is to be sent. The event might be the start, the beginning, or an anticipation of a start, of an eating event, detected by an event detection module from gestures of a user from a set of sensor readings. The message can be a signal to medication dispensing apparatus, and / or a reminder message to the user, an ancillary message to a caregiver, health professional, or others. The medication administration message might comprise a signal to an input of an insulin management system or an input of a meal-aware artificial pancreas. The events might also include a drinking event, a smoking event, a personal hygiene event, and / or a medication related event.

The invention provides a pillbox comprising a plurality of pill receiving compartments detachably connected with one another in side-by-side relation to form a unitary structure, each of the compartments being constructed to store pills to be taken at a single predetermined time and have an opening which is covered by a cover and through which 5 the compartment is accessible; wherein the unitary structure is configured such that the plurality of compartments are arranged sequentially according to a medication schedule created according to a prescription, with the compartment storing the pills to be taken first as an outermost one, and that only the opening of the outermost compartment is permitted to be uncovered all the time, and wherein the outermost compartment is removed from the 10 unitary structure after the pills contained therein are taken. The invention also provides a medication management system and a mediation dispensing system based on the pillbox.

Disclosed is a multi-compartment drug dispensing device, for dispensing multiple medications to a patient. The device includes a plurality of compartments, for holding a plurality of drugs. Each compartment is separately labeled with information relevant for the contents of that compartment. The compartments may be associated into groups, corresponding to the desired administration protocol. Groups of compartments may be arranged on a strip, and multiple strips may be provided in a container such as a dispensing box, to provide a system for dispensing multiple drugs per day, over a course of multiple days. Methods are also disclosed.

A remote monitoring of the daily dispensing of prescription drugs by at-home care, an elderly or clinical trial patient is proposed. The system consists of a dispensing unit equipped with weight sensing mechanism such as scale or balance which communicates with the monitoring application residing in the wireless terminal, such as cellular phone over the Personal Area Network (PAN) wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth. The monitoring application provides supervision over the medication dispensing process as well as communication with unauthorized medical supervisor using wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) connection to the Internet.

An ambulatory medication on demand dispenser. The dispenser comprises a sensor for receiving biometric information from a user, a controller responsive to the biometric information for determining whether the user is an authorized user, a memory component for storing prescribed medication dispensing information and actual medication dispensing information, a communications device for communicating the actual medication dispensing information to a monitoring site, a continuous belt and a plurality of medication-carrying slots defined on an exterior-facing surface of the belt, a dose opening defined in an exterior surface of the medication on demand dispenser, and the controller for controlling the belt according to a prescribed dose administration schedule and after determining the user is an authorized user, the belt controllable to present a medication dose at the dose opening for removal by the user.

A comprehensive organizational system for managing medical records for an individual patient and a method for managing the dispensation of multiple medications. The method includes a set of symbols indicating the time of day the medication should be administered in accordance with the prescription instructions and a storage system for duplicate prescription labels corresponding to the prescription labels on the prescription containers. The dosage schedule and amount are translated into the symbols which are applied to each duplicate prescription label. Medications are dispensed to the patient in accordance with the symbols applied to the duplicate prescription labels.

A pharmacy workflow platform and prescription checking and medicament dispensing station and method comprising (a) script display means; (b) scanning means for providing script data and stock bottle label data in electronic format from the prescription and a stock bottle label; (c) CPU means comprising i) means for receiving and storing the script data and stock bottle data in electronic format; ii) means for transferring the script data to the script display means to effect display of the script; iii) means cooperable with medicament dispensing weighing and counting means; (d) medicament-dispensing weighing means in communication with the CPU means;; and (e) control means for controlling the CPU means. Medication is dispensed in a more safe, efficient and cost-effective manner.

The invention provides a pillbox comprising a plurality of pill receiving compartments detachably connected with one another in side-by-side relation to form a unitary structure, each of the compartments being constructed to store pills to be taken at a single predetermined time and have an opening which is covered by a cover and through which 5 the compartment is accessible; wherein the unitary structure is configured such that the plurality of compartments are arranged sequentially according to a medication schedule created according to a prescription, with the compartment storing the pills to be taken first as an outermost one, and that only the opening of the outermost compartment is permitted to be uncovered all the time, and wherein the outermost compartment is removed from the 10 unitary structure after the pills contained therein are taken. The invention also provides a medication management system and a mediation dispensing system based on the pillbox.

A drug distribution system and method utilizes a central pharmacy and database to track all prescriptions for a sensitive drug. Information is kept in the database regarding all physicians allowed to prescribe the sensitive drug, and all patients receiving the drug. Abuses are identified by monitoring data in the database for prescription patterns by physicians and prescriptions obtained by patients. Further verification is made that the physician is eligible to prescribe the drug by consulting a separate database, and optionally whether any actions are taken against the physician. Multiple controls beyond those for normal drugs are imposed on the distribution depending on the sensitivity of the drug.

An automated pharmaceutical dispensing system comprises means (4) for selecting and retrieving a pharmaceutical pack (38). The means are arranged to deliver the pack (38) to a labelling station (6). The labelling station (6) comprises a label printer (18) arranged to print a label (36) comprising information specific to a patient for whom the pharmaceutical pack is intended, and a label applicator (22) for applying the label (36) to the pack (38). The system further comprises means (8) for delivering the pack (38) from the labelling station (6) so as to be accessible to a user. The label applicator (22) is arranged to apply the label (36) at a predetermined position on the pack (38), the position being variable from one pack type to another. The means (4) for selecting and retrieving the pack and the labelling station (6) are connected to a common control means arranged to coordinate the retrieval of the pack (38) and the passing of information to the labelling station (6) to enable the label applicator (22) to apply the label (36) in the predetermined position.