EP0563100B1 - Instructions or analogous element for medicaments - Google Patents
Instructions or analogous element for medicaments Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0563100B1 EP0563100B1 EP92900725A EP92900725A EP0563100B1 EP 0563100 B1 EP0563100 B1 EP 0563100B1 EP 92900725 A EP92900725 A EP 92900725A EP 92900725 A EP92900725 A EP 92900725A EP 0563100 B1 EP0563100 B1 EP 0563100B1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- time
- instructions
- analogous element
- signal
- element according
- Prior art date
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- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 46
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
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- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000003115 biocidal effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
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- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
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- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon dioxide Inorganic materials O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002560 therapeutic procedure Methods 0.000 description 2
- 206010020772 Hypertension Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000003242 anti bacterial agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002934 diuretic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001882 diuretic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 244000000010 microbial pathogen Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000144 pharmacologic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
- G04F3/00—Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals with driving mechanisms, e.g. dosimeters with clockwork
- G04F3/02—Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals with driving mechanisms, e.g. dosimeters with clockwork with mechanical driving mechanisms
- G04F3/027—Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals with driving mechanisms, e.g. dosimeters with clockwork with mechanical driving mechanisms using electrical contacts, e.g. for actuating electro-acoustic device
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J2205/00—General identification or selection means
- A61J2205/70—Audible labels, e.g. for pre-recorded info or messages
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
- A61J7/0409—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
- A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
- A61J7/0409—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers
- A61J7/0481—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers working on a schedule basis
Definitions
- the effect of a medicament therapy depends from the dosage and timing of consumption of the medicament. Searches have proven that the effect of medicaments is about 40 % lower than should be, because of the fact that a lot of patients do not take care of the timing and dosage.
- medecine With the use of medecines, it is of the utmost importance that the medecine is taken at the right point of time. Take for instance an antibiotic cure, for which the antibiotic should be taken every six hours to keep the concentration of the antibiotic in the blood at such an effective level that the pathogenic micro-organisms will not survive. If the antibiotic is not taken in time or if a dose is skipped, one runs the risk of a revival of the microorganism, after which the chance of success of the therapy can strongly decrease.
- the instructions or the analogous element is made out of a relatively stiff little plate, for example of plastificized or not plastificized cardboard, onto which possibly certain inscriptions are made and which e.g. can be ranged in detachable fashion in a packing of the medicaments.
- Figure 2 is a rear view of the same instructions.
- This switch 4 enables to stop the possible cycle of successive points of time and if necessary to start again on another moment a new cycle.
- the embodiment of the instructions represented in the figures according to the invention shows four different push buttons 2 which each permits to operate one of the switches S1, S2, S3 or S4. These buttons are numbered from 1 to 4.
- the key with number 1 has to be pressed when the concerned medicament has to be used only once a day.
- the key number 2 relates to a medicament which has to be used twice a day. For the key with number 3 it is three times a day and for the key with number 4 it is four times a day.
- the time regulator 11 can be regulated so that the sound signal and the light signal remain working for a specific number of seconds after which they are automatically switched off. Possibly an extra button could be provided to switch off these signals within this period of time. If for example it is provided that these signals can be sustained for ten seconds, this extra button could thus take care that these signals are switched off sooner, the aim being not to disturb possible persons in the neighbourhood.
- the signals will be emitted for one medicament f.i. at 9 o'clock (9 a.m.) and at 21 o'clock (9 p.m.) and for another medicament f.i. at 9 o'clock (9 a.m.) and at 18 o'clock (6 p.m.).
- time regulator or timer 11 has two different states : a state of rest and an active state.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
- Electric Clocks (AREA)
- Medical Treatment And Welfare Office Work (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a new type of instructions or analogous element for medicaments which preferably give a.o. indications for the use of the concerned medicaments, and which comprise means for producing a signal, such as a sound and/or light signal, on predetermined points of time which correspond to those on which the medicaments should be used.
- A very great number of factors and circumstances determine the activity and the therapeutical effect of a medicament, on the one hand, the pharmacological properties and, on the other hand, the biological availability and the pharmaco-kinetics.
- The pharmaceutical industry takes care that the medicaments are brought at the disposal of the patient in optimal shape and condition.
- However, the effect of a medicament therapy depends from the dosage and timing of consumption of the medicament. Searches have proven that the effect of medicaments is about 40 % lower than should be, because of the fact that a lot of patients do not take care of the timing and dosage.
- With the use of medecines, it is of the utmost importance that the medecine is taken at the right point of time. Take for instance an antibiotic cure, for which the antibiotic should be taken every six hours to keep the concentration of the antibiotic in the blood at such an effective level that the pathogenic micro-organisms will not survive. If the antibiotic is not taken in time or if a dose is skipped, one runs the risk of a revival of the microorganism, after which the chance of success of the therapy can strongly decrease.
- When a medicament should be administrated several times a day, the number of administrations a day can be different, while the intervals of time between two successive administrations can also vary during the day. Moreover, for certain medicaments, the number of administrations and/or the intervals of time between two successive administrations can also vary from day to day. It is for instance possible that the number of administrations decreases day after day and inversely the intervals of time between two successive administrations increase day after day. It has further to be emphasized that the cycles of administration of a specific medicament can also depend from the patient himself.
- The phenomenon of not keeping a measurement schedule, one calls in the technical jargon "noncompliance".
- Research has shown that 40 % of the patients do not keep a measurement schedule entirely. This percentage can be higher, the less the patient feels ill. Thus, it is known that, also because of possible side-effects, a patient with hypertension, who notices little of this, will be inclined to forget his medication.
- Now, it is tried to remedy this important problem substantially by providing better and more understandable information to the patient about the medecine to be used, a.o. by simplifying the language in the instructions in connection with the indications concerning the use of the medecine.
- Another often more efficient method is that the dispenser, who gives the medecine, files the medication data per patient in the memory of a computer, which calculates the consumption period and gives a signal if the patient comes too early for a new amount of the concerned medecine.
- Further experience has shown that if a medecine has to be taken orally at a relatively low frequency a day, this also has a positive influence on the correct use. This has had the effect that one tries to reduce the intake-frequency per day as well by changed administration methods, as by medecines, which are taken in gradually in the body, if possible to only once. Since however this is only possible for a limited number of medecines, the problem remains of the erroneously using or not at the right point of time using of most medecines. Furthermore, the consequences of forgetting a once-a-day intake are of course more important than when one omits an intake of a prescribed frequency of four times a day.
- In the document US-A-4,490,711 a solution has already been proposed to overcome this problem. Use has been made of an electronic clock which cooperates with a programmable timer by means of which each point of time of a cycle of 24 hours on which a medicament should be taken can separately be adjusted by means of separate switches. On this way, a signal is given to the clock by means of the timer which at each preselected point of time activates the alarm of the clock.
- The operation of such a device and also the adjustment of the points of time on which the alarm should be activated is very complicated and need in fact a certain technical background and dexterity, which the user does not necessarily dispose of. This is for instance generally the case for unskilled people and also for old or sick persons.
- If a person should be using different medicaments, the possibility exists that each of these medicaments should be administrated at different points of time. Moreover, as already mentioned hereinabove, the possibility also exists that the daily dose for a same medicament varies from day to day, more particularly decreases after each day. All this makes it still more difficult for the patients using such medicaments.
- A simular problem exists when the devices disclosed in EP-A-159306 and US-A-4725997 is used. Indeed, f.i. the devices of EP-A-159306 and US-A 4725997 should contain a clock and it will be necessary to program the intervals at which the medicament should be taken according to the prescriptions of the doctor. The invention mainly has as purpose to give a solution to all the above cited situations and to remedy the shortcomings of the different above described methods not only on an economically sound manner but also on a very simple way so that all possible mistakes in the administration times will be excluded. More particularly, contrarily as in the prior art references, according to the invention, there is no intervention at all of the patient.
- To this aim, instructions or an analogous element, according to the invention, is presented in which the means for emitting or producing a signal on predetermined periods or points of time corresponding to those on which the medicament should be used comprise an electronic timer connected to a signal producing device for activating said signal, which timer being preprogrammed by the use of a completely built-in electronic circuit in such a way as to be able to activate said signal after successive intervals of time of one or more cycles of such intervals, said intervals being identical or different, the latter being further defined with respect to a starting reference point of time for said cycles, an operating organ being provided for setting up, by means of said timer, a specific cycle at a starting reference point of time which preferably corresponds to the point of time that the medicament has to be used for the first time, the end of each interval corresponding to the point of time a next dose of the medicament should be used when starting the cycle at the reference point of time.
- In a specific embodiment of the invention, these means include also a "reset" switch which permits to erase the possibly already regulated points of time and to define a new first point of time on which all the subsequent points depend automatically.
- In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the instructions or the analogous element is made out of a relatively stiff little plate, for example of plastificized or not plastificized cardboard, onto which possibly certain inscriptions are made and which e.g. can be ranged in detachable fashion in a packing of the medicaments.
- Other details and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description following hereafter of a specific embodiment of instructions according to the invention ; the reference numbers used hereafter refer to the figures added thereto.
- Figure 1 is a frontal view of instructions made of a stiff rectangular card according to the invention.
- Figure 2 is a rear view of the same instructions.
- Figure 3 represents a block diagram of the in this instruction built in electronic circuit according to the invention.
- Figure 4a represents a portion of more detailed block diagram of an electronic part of a specific embodiment of the instructions according to the invention.
- Figure 4b represents the other portion of the same block diagram, as referred to in figure 4a.
- The general idea on which the present invention is based is to draw the attention of the patient, each time he has to use a medecine, to this fact in an active manner, such that the factor forgetfullness is entirely eliminated.
- Besides this, it is of the utmost importance that this idea is worked out in a practical and very simple economically sound method for everybody's use.
- These criteria have lead then, according to the invention, to instructions (or instruction enclosure), or analogous element which includes means for generating a sound signal on points of time which in a simple manner can be regulated beforehand and correspond to those on which the concerned medicament should be used.
- Hence in the accompanying figures a specific embodiment of instructions was presented, according to the invention, which a.o. includes such means.
- This instruction enclosure is made out of a cardboard card of very limited dimension such that it can be enclosed into the packing of the medecines. It is, for example, a rectangular card which has the standardized dimensions of a bank card or a credit card and, therefore, can be taken along in the same manner as such a bank card or credit card in a wallet or diary, such that one always carries the instructions about.
- It is for example a card with a length of 85.5 mm, a width of 54 mm and a thickness which can vary between 2 and 5 mm.
- In the embodiment of the instructions represented according to the invention, a sound signal is generated by means of a piezo-electric buzzer provided with a so-called "Helmholz resonator ("piezo-buzzer") 10 as represented schematically in figure 3.
- The instructions include further a so-called "reset"
switch 4, which in practice is made up by a small push button sunk in the left top corner of thefront side 1a of thiscard 1 and which can be operated via a small circular hole in the upper carboard layer by means of a pointed object. In this manner, it is avoided that by an accidental touch thisswitch 4 would be operated. - This
switch 4 enables to stop the possible cycle of successive points of time and if necessary to start again on another moment a new cycle. - In the middle part of the
front side 1a of thecardlike instruction 1, four keys orbuttons 2 are represented with diaphragm switches S₁, S₂, S₃ and S₄ for regulation of the desired number of points of time per day on which a sound signal should be emitted. - These keys or buttons are numbered from 1 to 4. The switches S₁ to S₄ are linked up mutually and with the "reset"
switch 4 such that, when one of the switches S₁ to S₄ is pressed after the reset switch was operated, all thekeys 2 will automatically be switched off, as a result of which it is of course no longer possible to influence the position of one of theseswitches 1 to 4. - In a specific embodiment of the invention, the sound signal can be combined or replaced by a spoken short text in connection with the use of the medecine. This specific embodiment was not represented in the figures but the technique for this is known in itself e.g. in certain postcards.
- Besides means for generating a sound signal, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, means are provided to give together with this sound signal a light signal. To this aim use can be made in an advantageous manner of a light-emitting diode, known by the name "LED" 3 (see figure 3).
- This can be of importance if the patient has to use several different medecines and therefore has disposal of several information enclosures according to the invention. In this manner, the patient can determine therefore at the hearing of a sound signal from which card it is emitted and so he knows automatically which medecine should be used at this point of time.
- All functions described above are operated via a built-in electronic circuit 9, as represented in figure 3. This circuit is thus completely built-in in the
card 1 between the cardboard layer forming thetop side 1a and the one forming theunderside 1b. - This electronic circuit 9 includes a programmed time regulator or
timer 11, which is made up of a so-called "customised CMOS timer". On thistime regulator 11 the different functions to be operated, such as the sound signal, the light signal and the "reset" switch, are connected in parallel. Via the in parallel mounted switches S₁ to S₄ thistime regulator 11 is further connected to abattery 12 which provides the necessary energy supply, the battery in turn being in a series with the "reset"switch 4. - The embodiment of the instructions represented in the figures according to the invention shows four
different push buttons 2 which each permits to operate one of the switches S₁, S₂, S₃ or S₄. These buttons are numbered from 1 to 4. The key withnumber 1 has to be pressed when the concerned medicament has to be used only once a day. Thekey number 2 relates to a medicament which has to be used twice a day. For the key withnumber 3 it is three times a day and for the key withnumber 4 it is four times a day. - If, for example for a diuretic, a dose of one table once a day at 8 o'clock in the morning is prescribed, it suffices at the first use at 8 o'clock in the morning to press first the
reset switch 4 and next the push button withnumber 1. In this manner, after an interval of time of 24 hours, so each time at 8 o'clock in the morning, a sound signal will be made bybuzzer 10 and at the same time the "LED"diode 3 will flash. - The
time regulator 11 can be regulated so that the sound signal and the light signal remain working for a specific number of seconds after which they are automatically switched off. Possibly an extra button could be provided to switch off these signals within this period of time. If for example it is provided that these signals can be sustained for ten seconds, this extra button could thus take care that these signals are switched off sooner, the aim being not to disturb possible persons in the neighbourhood. - For a use of twice a day, the signals will be emitted for one medicament f.i. at 9 o'clock (9 a.m.) and at 21 o'clock (9 p.m.) and for another medicament f.i. at 9 o'clock (9 a.m.) and at 18 o'clock (6 p.m.).
- With the use of three times a day one must take into account the sleeping period. If it is accepted that the period of sleeping amounts on average to ten hours, including making one's toilet before and after sleeping, then it is for example possible to give a signal every seven hours. If one sets the first signal at 8 o'clcock then a signal will be given also at 15 o'clock and 23 o'clock. With the use of four times a day the interval of time will preferably amount to five hours which implies that the signals are given at the following points of time : 8 o'clock, 13 o'clock, 18 o'clock and 23 o'clock.
- The benefit of the "reset" switch is that it allows to change the time for the first use. If for example one wants to move the first intake from 8 o'clock to 9 o'clock, it suffices to press the
reset switch 4 first and then one of the fourpress buttons 2, depending on whether the dose is once, twice, three or four times a day. Also at the beginning of summer or winter time it can be desirable to take into account the time change. - On the free space both at the
front side 1a and at theback side 1b of the card, 1 use can be made in an advantageous way for inserting useful information. Hence it is for example possible to print insection 5 at thefront side 1a of the card the directions for the use of the medecine. Insection 6, at the top of theback side 1b of the card, the trade name of the medecine can be printed, while in the biggermiddle part 7 of thisside 1b all information in connection with the composition and possible side effects, way of storing the medecine, etc. can be put. Finally, in thelower section 8, it is for example possible to provide name and address of the manufacturer of the medecine. Hence these instructions can generally replace entirely the classic instructions which in general are added under form of a leaflet to each medecine. - As it results from the description given hereinabove the time regulator or
timer 11 has two different states : a state of rest and an active state. - The manufacturer of the medicament and/or the pharmacist add to the medicament a programmed instruction enclosure in state of rest. The patient brings the
timer 11 in active state at the moment the first dose of the medicament has to be taken by acting on thecorresponding operating organ 2 comprising switches S₁, S₂, S₃ and S₄, depending from the prescribed cycle of points of time on which a dose of the medicament has to be taken. At that moment thetimer 11 will activate thebuzzer 10 and possibly simultaneously the light producing device indicating that the active state and thus the cycle of successive intervals of time has started. - In another particular embodiment of the instructions, according to the invention, in this active state, all the
operating organs 2, except the "reset"switch 4, will automatically obtain another function, i.e. to stop the sound signal. In this way, it will be possible to interrupt very easily the alarm without requiring the extra button as mentioned hereinbefore. Moreover, a much more important advantage is that it will not be possible to disturb by inadvertence the cycle of the programmed successive intervals of time. - Also in another particular embodiment of the instructions, according to the invention, the switches S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄ which are f.i. diaphragm switches, can be replaced by detectors from a quite different type, as long as they have the same function as these switches.
- In the embodiment of the instructions represented in figures 1 to 3, a choice can be made by the patient between four different cycles of programmed successive intervals of time depending from the prescription of manufacturer, pharmcist or physician. However, in practice, instructions with at the most two and generally with only one
operating organ 2 will be sufficient so that it will still be easier for the patient to use such instructions. - Various methods can be found to realize the electronic circuits 9 required. One of these methods is to build the circuits using digital integrated circuits with basic functions, like gates and memory circuits. An example solution has been given in figure 4a and 4b.
- The circuit can be energized by a
switch 21. This switch connects a small battery to the integrated oscillator andfrequency divider 22. Thisfrequency divider 22 is connected to thequartz cristal 23. The result will be an oscillation at the frequency determined by thequartz cristal 23. This method of providing a stable and reliable time base is also used in so-called "quartz clocks". Asecond frequency divider 24 divides the output frequency offrequency divider 22 to the time base required for a certain medicine. As soon as this time base times out, the flip-flop circuits flop 25 will enable the ANDgate 27 which AND's the enable signal from flip-flop 25 with a short repeated pulse generated by thefirst divider 22 and a differentiatingnetwork 28. The output ofgate 27 drives an emitter-follower which switches the energy stored incapacitor 30 to theLED 29. - This LED will flash as long as the flip-
flop 25 is set. After approximately 90 seconds, flip-flop 25 will be reset by the timer/divider circuit 24 and the LED will stop flashing. - A similar circuit is build around flip-
flop 26 andgate 31. The output from flip-flop 26 is AND gated with a 4 kHz tone generated by thefrequency divider 22, inverted and again AND gated bygates parallel inverters 33 and 34 in order to generate sufficient drive for a piezo-electricaudible transducer 10. The flip-flop 26 is reset after approximately 10 seconds, so that audible signal will only be heard during that time. - As long as the circuits are energized, the audible signal and the optical signal will be present, as described above, every time the
second frequency divider 24 is timed out. Hence, the signalling will be repeated at very exact time intervals. By adding more outputs from the frequency divider chain and enabling these outputs to set the flip-flops switch 37. - The circuits are build using C-MDS logic circuits. This ensures an extremly low power consumption. The circuit will operate at a set of batteries as used in electronic watches from one month to more than a year, depending from the frequency and the circuit used.
- The invention is of course in no way limited to the specific embodiments of the instructions described above, but within the framework of the invention and the protection claimed, several changes can be considered, a.o. concerning the relative arrangement of the component parts of the card, such as in relation to the
push buttons 2, the light-emittingdiode 3, thereset switch 4, the composition and the units of the electronic circuit 9, etc. Also the shape of the instructions can be very different. - In fact, the instructions or analogous element according to the invention should comprise an electronic timer or
time regulator 11 connected to a sound signal producing device, such as a piezo-buzzer 10, and possibly to a light signal producing device, such as aLED 3 for activating said signal. This timer should further be programmed on beforehand in such a way as to be able to activate said signal after well defined successive intervals of time of a time cycle, in such a way that the end of each interval should correspond to a point of time, prescribed by the manufacturer, pharmacist or physician, on which the medicament to which the instruction disclosure is relating to, should be administered. Anoperating organ 2 should be provided for starting this cycle of intervals of time at such moment of the day so that the end of each of these intervals will automatically correspond to a point of time of the day on which the medicament should be taken. - The intervals of time of a cycle are thus defined with respect to a starting reference point of time. This starting reference point of time corresponds preferably to the moment of the day the medicament has to be administered for the first time. The length of a specific interval of time should correspond to a corresponding space of time between two successive points of time so that when the timer is activated on the right moment, the end of each interval of time will automatically correspond to a point of time of the day on which the medicament should be taken.
- In practice, it will be sufficient to act at this moment on the "reset"
switch 4 of the instructions and on the selected operatingorgan 2 corresponding to the chosen cycle of intervals of time. - As the "reset"
switch 4 is not always absolutely necessary, in case such switch is not present, it will be sufficient to act directly on the selected operatingorgan 2. - By "analogous element" is meant every bearer, suitable for housing means which allows for the emission of a sound signal and possibly a light signal and which is such that it can play a role substantially similar to the above described and in the figures represented card. Hence this means that the patient must be able to carry along this bearer in a simple and discrete manner such that when a sound signal is generated this is easily audible to him. Hence it follows that for example could be thought of a bracelet, a necklace, etc.
- When use is made of a card, the latter could for example be provided with a sticker or stick-on surface, thanks to which the card can be fixed in a detachable way e.g. inside a garment, such as a shirt or blouse.
- From these additional considerations, it also follows that the instructions or analogous element, according to the invention, could be introduced on the market possibly totally separated from the medecine to be used, because of the different regulation possibilities which it offers and hence it is made suitable for a very broad range of medecines. In the packing of the medecines for example, a sticker could be provided with the necessary information which can be attached to the back side of the
card 1 in a detachable way. - Thanks to the fact that, contrarily as in the known device of U.S patent No. 4,490,711 referred to hereinabove, the intervals of time are not determined with respect to a clock, a cycle of intervals can be defined independently from the day time so that a cycle of intervals can be longer than 24 hours. This could be important if the number of dose changes from day to day as mentioned hereinabove. If the intervals are connected to a clock as in the device according to this U.S. patent, a cycle could never be longer than 24 hours.
- As to the
operating organ 2 instead of push buttons, as in figure 1, it can be made of a lip which should be drawn away for bringing the timer in said active state.
Claims (12)
- Instructions or analogous element for medicaments comprising means (9) for producing a signal, such as a sound and/or light signal, on predetermined points of time which correspond to those on which the medicaments should be used, characterized in that said means (9) comprise an electronic timer (11) connected to a signal producing device (3,10) for activating said signal, which timer (11) being preprogrammed by the use of a completely built-in electronic circuit (21-37) for a specific medicament in such a way as to be able to activate said signal on intervals of time of one or more cycles of such intervals of time, said intervals of time being identical or different, the latter being further defined with respect to a starting reference point of time for said cycles, an operating organ (2) being provided for setting up, by means of said timer (11), a specific cycle at a starting reference point of time which preferably corresponds to the point of time that said medicament has to be used for the first time, the end of each interval corresponding to the point of time a next dose of the medicament should be used when starting the cycle at the reference point of time.
- Instructions or analogous element according to claim 1, characterized in that these means (9) include a "reset" switch (4) which permits to switch off the possible already regulated points of time and to define a new first point of time.
- Instructions or analogous element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a separate operating organ (2) is provided for each cycle of intervals of time to be chosen.
- Instructions or analogous element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operating organ (2) is connected in such a way that, after having acted on said organ (2), it will be switched off, and it will only be possible to switch it on again after acting on said "reset" switch (4).
- Instructions or analogous element according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operating organ (2) is connected in such a way that, after having acted on said organ (2), its function will be changed, i.e. to stop or interrupt the signal.
- Instructions or analogous element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said means (9) include a part producing a light signal (3) which operates at the same time as the sound signal.
- Instructions or analogous element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sound signal is formed by a spoken text.
- Instructions or analogous element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an electronic circuit (9) worked by a battery (12) is provided which allows to control the emission of said sound signal on successive intervals of time regulated ahead.
- Instructions or analogous element according to claim 8, characterized in that a piezo-buzzer (10) is provided for the emission of said sound signal.
- Instructions or analogous element according to one of the claims 8 or 9, characterized in that said light signal is emitted by means of a light-emitting diode ("LED") (3).
- Instructions or analogous element according to anyone of the claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the electronic circuit (9) includes an adjustable time regulator, in particular a so-called "CMOS timer" (11), onto which the functions to be operated, such as the sound signal, the possible light signal, the "reset" switch, are connected in parallel and links up, via said in parallel mounted operating organs (2) which show switches (S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄), to a battery (12) which in turn is placed in a series with said "reset" switch (4).
- Instructions or analogous element according to anyone of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is made of a relatively stiff little plate (1), for example of plasticized or not plasticized hard cardboard, onto which possibly certain inscriptions have been made and that can be fitted in detachable fashion in a package of medicaments.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP90203519 | 1990-12-21 | ||
EP90203519 | 1990-12-21 | ||
PCT/EP1991/002421 WO1992011587A1 (en) | 1990-12-21 | 1991-12-14 | Instructions or analogous element for medicaments |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0563100A1 EP0563100A1 (en) | 1993-10-06 |
EP0563100B1 true EP0563100B1 (en) | 1995-02-22 |
Family
ID=8205217
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP92900725A Expired - Lifetime EP0563100B1 (en) | 1990-12-21 | 1991-12-14 | Instructions or analogous element for medicaments |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0563100B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2964426B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69107628T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2070624T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1992011587A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL1014438C2 (en) | 2000-02-21 | 2001-08-22 | Organon Nv | Electronic timer with alarm for use during a medical treatment. |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5554967A (en) * | 1994-07-08 | 1996-09-10 | Smithkline Beecham Corp. | Reminder device |
US6018289A (en) * | 1995-06-15 | 2000-01-25 | Sekura; Ronald D. | Prescription compliance device and method of using device |
ES1032714Y (en) * | 1995-12-13 | 1996-11-01 | Galvez Jose Rubio | AUTOMATIC OPERATING NOTICE AT FIXED INTERVALS. |
FR2775087B1 (en) * | 1998-02-13 | 2000-08-25 | Philippe Gaillet | ELECTRONIC TIMER IN THE FORM OF A CREDIT CARD |
NL2001365C2 (en) | 2008-03-12 | 2009-09-15 | Bart Theodoor Hogebrink | Programmable device for signaling a time-bound activity. |
JP2013244373A (en) * | 2012-05-29 | 2013-12-09 | Seki Nobuko | Medicine storage box with function for preventing failure to take medicine |
KR101428530B1 (en) | 2014-01-21 | 2014-08-11 | 주식회사 예진 | natural dyed portable medication storage device for tell you the time to take medications |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5682483A (en) * | 1979-12-11 | 1981-07-06 | Casio Comput Co Ltd | Electronic timepiece with sound recording function |
US4490711A (en) * | 1981-12-21 | 1984-12-25 | Johnston Robert W | Electronic programmable multiple alarm timing device and record |
US4504153A (en) * | 1983-08-08 | 1985-03-12 | R. Dean Seeman | Pharmacist-programmable medication prompting system and method |
EP0159306A1 (en) | 1984-03-02 | 1985-10-23 | de Prelle de la Nieppe, Cedric L. | Apparatus for supervising the taking of pills |
US4725997A (en) | 1986-08-22 | 1988-02-16 | Aprex Corporation | Contingent dosing device |
JPS63160898A (en) * | 1986-12-25 | 1988-07-04 | 株式会社東芝 | Ic card for prescribing medicine |
US4730849A (en) * | 1987-02-05 | 1988-03-15 | Seigel Family Revocable Trust | Medication dispensing identifier method |
DE3705965A1 (en) * | 1987-02-25 | 1988-09-08 | Hensch Friedrich | Programmed timer |
US4849948A (en) * | 1987-05-06 | 1989-07-18 | Medalarm Corporation | Self-contained disposable timer for use with medication |
GB2205306A (en) * | 1987-06-04 | 1988-12-07 | Susan Ellen Barham | Automatic medication dispenser |
JPH02257960A (en) * | 1989-03-31 | 1990-10-18 | Nisshin Flour Milling Co Ltd | Medicine taking time alarming device |
-
1991
- 1991-12-14 WO PCT/EP1991/002421 patent/WO1992011587A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1991-12-14 ES ES92900725T patent/ES2070624T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-12-14 DE DE69107628T patent/DE69107628T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-12-14 EP EP92900725A patent/EP0563100B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-12-14 JP JP4501656A patent/JP2964426B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL1014438C2 (en) | 2000-02-21 | 2001-08-22 | Organon Nv | Electronic timer with alarm for use during a medical treatment. |
WO2001064161A1 (en) | 2000-02-21 | 2001-09-07 | Akzo Nobel N.V. | Electronic alarm timer for use with a medical regimen |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ES2070624T3 (en) | 1995-06-01 |
EP0563100A1 (en) | 1993-10-06 |
JP2964426B2 (en) | 1999-10-18 |
WO1992011587A1 (en) | 1992-07-09 |
DE69107628D1 (en) | 1995-03-30 |
JPH06504122A (en) | 1994-05-12 |
DE69107628T2 (en) | 1995-10-05 |
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