JPH06504122A - drug indicating device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] “Drug instructions or similar materials” The present invention preferably provides, among other things, instructions for the use of related drugs and an acoustic and/or optical signal at a predetermined time corresponding to the time when the drug is to be used; Concerning new instructions for drugs or similar components containing means for generating signals such as .

Numerous factors and circumstances affect the activity and therapeutic properties of a drug; to determine the biological properties, on the other hand, the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties.

The pharmaceutical industry pays attention to ensuring that drugs are administered to patients in the optimal form and conditions. ing.

However, the effectiveness of drug therapy depends on the dosage and timing of drug consumption. There is. Research has shown that the drug's effectiveness is limited by the timing and timing of many patients. And because people don't pay attention to the dosage, it is said that the amount is less than about 40% of what it should be. It will be done.

When using drugs, the most important thing is to take the drug at the correct time. Ru. Taking antibiotic therapy as an example, pathogenic bacteria cannot reproduce the concentration of that antibiotic substance in the blood. The antibiotic should be taken every 6 hours to maintain a similar level of effectiveness. Ru. If you don't take the antibiotic in time or skip a dose, the pathogen will grow again. The chances of success with this therapy may then decrease sharply.

When a drug should be administered several times a day, the number of doses per day may vary; The time interval between two sequential doses may also vary during the day. Additionally, medicine Depending on the drug, the number of doses and/or the time interval between two sequential doses may vary from day to day. It may also change over time. For example, if the number of doses of medication decreases day by day, and vice versa, two The time interval between successive doses of can be increased. Furthermore, it is emphasized This is because the dosing cycle for a particular drug may depend on the patient itself. That is.

The technical term for the phenomenon of not following prescriptions is "noncompliance."

Studies show that 40% of patients do not adhere to their prescriptions at all. This percentage is , the lower the patient's perceived discomfort, the higher. Therefore, possible side effects Because of this, patients with high blood pressure are hardly aware of this and often forget to take their medication. It is known that it is.

Now, it is important to provide patients with correct and easier-to-understand information about the drugs they use. may, inter alia, simplify words in the instructions in relation to the application for the use of the drug. Attempts have been made to substantially improve this problem by simplification.

Another, often more efficient, method is to have the dispenser administering the drug The computer stores drug data for each patient in its memory, and this computer Calculate the time and if the patient comes too quickly to receive a new dose of that drug. If so, it means giving a signal.

Furthermore, experience has shown that if drugs are administered orally relatively infrequently during the day, If so, this also has clear implications for its correct use. child This may be due to the user's ability to gradually inhale it into the body through various modified medication regimens. Depending on the variety of drugs that are administered, the frequency of daily dosing should be limited to once a day if possible. There was an effect of trying to reduce it. However, this is limited to a limited number of drugs. Most drugs are used incorrectly or not at the right time. However, the problem of using it remains. Furthermore, the consequences of forgetting to take a dose once a day are , which is even more serious than when the prescribed frequency of four times a day is omitted.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,711 already proposes to overcome this problem. There is. An electronic clock is used, and this electronic clock is compatible with a programmable timer. The latter allows individual switches for each point in the 24-hour period at which the drug should be taken. It can be adjusted using the switch.

In this way, a signal is given by this timer to this clock, and this timer The master activates an alarm on this clock at each preselection time.

The operation of such devices and also the regulation of the time at which their alarms are to be activated. is very complex and, in fact, requires a certain degree of technical background and dexterity. However, users do not necessarily have these. This is commonly done by e.g. , the unskilled and the elderly or sick.

If a person consists of or uses various drugs, between each of these drugs The possibility exists that the drugs may be administered at different times. Additionally, as already mentioned above As such, daily doses for the same drug vary from day to day, and There is also a possibility that the number of cases decreases over time. All of this is important for patients. It makes it even more difficult to use such agents.

The present invention provides a solution to all of the above-mentioned situations and provides a solution to the various above-mentioned methods. Improving shortcomings not only in an economically sound manner, but also in a very simple manner, The main aim is to eliminate all possible errors in result medication.

For this purpose, according to the invention, instructions or similar elements are provided, which emit a signal or emit a signal at a predetermined period or at a time corresponding to the time when the drug is to be used. The means for generating includes an electronic timer connected to a signal generating device for activating said signal. , said timer is capable of controlling such successive cycles of one or more successive time intervals. pre-programmed to activate said signal after the next time interval; the time intervals are equal to or different from each other, said time intervals being a start reference point for said cycle; further defined, suitable for the point at which said drug must be used for the first time. A specific cycle is set by the timer at a starting reference time corresponding to A control device is provided for adjusting the cycle to the reference point in time. The end of each time interval is the point at which the next dose of said drug should be used. Equivalent to.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, these means also include a "reset" switch. This switch will probably allow you to erase points that have already been adjusted. and specify a new first point in time, and all subsequent points in time are automatically set to this new first point in time. Dependent.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the instruction sheet or similar member has a relatively low rigidity. A plate, for example made of plasticized or non-plasticized cardboard, on which This plate may be placed inside the packaging of the drug, for example. Can be placed in a removable manner.

Other details and advantages of the invention can be found below regarding specific embodiments of instructions according to the invention. It will be clear from the explanation: This explanation is provided as an example only. and are not intended to limit the invention; reference numbers used hereinafter refer to the accompanying figures of this description. See about.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an instruction sheet made of rigid rectangular card according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the same instruction sheet.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of this instruction incorporated into an electronic circuit according to the present invention. be.

FIG. 4a shows a more detailed block diagram of the electronic part of a particular embodiment of the instruction sheet according to the invention. This is the part of the diagram.

Figure 4b is another portion of the same block diagram cited in Figure 4a.

The overall concept on which the invention is based is that each time a patient has to use a drug, During this time, this fact completely eliminates the amnesia that is the cause of the patient's attention. It consists in pulling, in an active way.

In addition, this concept is practical for individual use and very simple and economical to implement. It is extremely important that this can be achieved in a practical way.

Therefore, from these criteria, the invention provides a simple way to adjust the front edge. an acoustic signal at a time corresponding to the time when the drug can be used and the relevant drug should be used. An instruction booklet (or indicator) or similar element containing means for generating .

Therefore, according to the invention, in these figures, no particular embodiment of the instructions is provided. However, it includes the following measures:

This indicator has very limited capacity to be accommodated within the drug packaging. Made of dimension cardboard. It can be, for example, a bank card or credit card. A rectangular card with standardized dimensions of It is treated in the same way as a bank card or credit card in your notebook. , the person always carries the instructions.

This is for example a length of 85.5mm, a width of 54mm and between 2 and 5mrn. Card thickness that can vary.

In the embodiment of the instructions presented in accordance with the invention, the acoustic signal is shown schematically in FIG. As shown, a piezoelectric buzzer (“ It is generated by a piezo buzzer (10).

The instructions further include a so-called "reset" switch 4, which switch is actually a small This is made by a push button that can be pushed into the upper cart layer using a sharp object. It can be operated via the small circular hole inside. In this way, accidental contact This will prevent this switch 4 from being operated.

This switch 4 stops the possible cycles of successive points in time and if necessary If so, start a new cycle at another moment.

In the middle part of the front side 1a of the instruction card 1, press the four keys or buttons 2. diaphragm switches S1, S, , S, , S, for emitting acoustic signals. Adjust the desired number of time points per day to be irradiated.

These keys or buttons are numbered 1 to 4. these switches S, to S4 are linked together and can be switched by a "reset" switch 4. If one of the switches S1 to 84 is pressed after this "reset" switch is pressed, , all buttons 2 are automatically switched off), and as a result, It is no longer possible to influence one position of switches S, to S4.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the acoustic signal is audible in connection with the use of the drug. Can be combined with short sentences. Although this particular embodiment was not shown in the figure, However, the technology itself is known, for example, for postcards of various types. Ru.

In addition to the means for generating the acoustic signal, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention this acoustic signal is Means is provided for providing an optical signal along with the signal. For this purpose, the name “LE Light-emitting diodes known as D"3 (see Figure 3) can be used advantageously. .

This is important if the patient has to use several different drugs and for this It is important if you have been distributed with several indicators according to the invention. like this The patient hears the acoustic signal and determines whether it is being emitted from the card. Therefore, should this patient be on the same drug at this point? automatically know.

All the functions described above are carried out via an embedded electronic circuit 9, as shown in FIG. It is operated through This circuit therefore forms the front side IR1a and the back side Ib. It is completely integrated into the cart between the card board layers that make up the card board.

The electronic circuit 9 includes a programmed rIII regulator or timer 11, which It is made as a so-called "customized CMOS timer". This time adjuster 11 , acoustic signals, optical signals, and various operated functions such as “reset” switches or connected in parallel. Parallel installation is possible from switch SL via 84. The time regulator 11 is further connected to the battery I2, the latter also having a "reset" switch. connected in series to switch 4.

The embodiment of the instructions shown in these accompanying figures according to the invention has four different pushbuttons. button 2, and each of these buttons corresponds to switch S+, S2, S-, S4 to be able to operate one of them. These buttons are numbered 1 to 4. ing. Buttons with the number 1 indicate that the associated drug is to be used only once a day. It is supposed to be pressed when the button is pressed. The button with number 2 can be used twice a day. related to the drug that is to be used. 3 per day for buttons with number 3 times, and in the case of the button with the number 4, four times a day.

For example, in the case of a diuretic, if a dose of 1 scoop is prescribed once a day at 0s in the morning. , for first use at 8am, first press "Reset" switch 4, then press the number It is sufficient to press the pushbutton with l. In this way, 24 hours After the interval, every time at 8 o'clock in the morning, an acoustic signal or buzzer 10 is generated, and at the same time “LED” diode 3 blinks.

The time adjuster 11 is adjusted so that the acoustic signal and the optical signal are set during a specific number of seconds. It is possible to have the call persist and then switch it off automatically. At this time An additional button may also be provided to switch off these signals within the intervening period. It is possible. For example, use this reserve button or hold these signals for 10 seconds. If you have the ability to You may also be forced to switch off, the purpose of which is to disturb your neighbors. The goal is to avoid this.

In the case of twice-daily use, these signals for one drug, e.g. (9:00 a.m.) and 9:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m.) for other drugs. (6:00 p.m.) and 6:00 p.m.

For use three times a day, sleep periods must be taken into account. If the sleep period It is possible for the average time to reach 10 hours, including the time required to go to the toilet before and after sleep. If approved, it would be possible, for example, to generate a signal every seven hours. If first If the signal is set at 8 o'clock, the signal will also be generated at 15 o'clock and 23 o'clock. 1 day In the case of 4 uses, the time interval will preferably be 5 hours, which means that the signal Means to occur at the following times = 8:00, 13:00, 18:00, and 23:00.

The advantage of the “reset” switch 4 is that it allows you to change the time for first use. It is to do so. For example, if you want to change your first dose from 8am to 9am. For example, first press the "reset" switch 4, then change the dose once, twice or three times a day. It is sufficient to press one of the four pushbuttons 2, depending on whether the Ru. Also, it is preferable to consider time changes at the start of summer time or winter time. There is.

Is there free space on both the front side 1a and back side 1b of card 1? It can be used advantageously to insert useful information. Therefore, for example, this Instructions for the use of the drug shall be printed in area 5 on the front side 1a of the card. is possible. In area 6 at the top of the back side 1b of this card, write the brand name of the drug. , and on the other hand, in the wide middle part 7 of this side 1b, its components, possibly You can print out the side effects of the drug, how to store the drug, etc. Finally, that lower part 8 For example, the drug's manufacturer's name and location can be printed on it. therefore , these instructions replace the traditional instructions that are generally attached to each drug in relief form. It is possible to completely replace it.

From the above description, the time adjuster or timer 11 has two different states: namely, the reset state and the activation state.

The drug manufacturer and/or pharmacist must provide the drug with program instructions that are in a reset state. Attach the indicator. At what point in time is the patient supposed to take the dose of the drug? According to the prescription cycle of switch S1. S2, S=, and S.

the corresponding button, i.e., by operating the operating device 2. At the moment of the first dose of the drug, the timer 11 is activated. At that moment, when the buzzer IO is activated, and perhaps at the same time the light-emitting device activates its activation. indicates the state of change and is therefore starting a cycle of successive time intervals.

In another special embodiment of the instruction sheet according to the invention, in this activated state all All operating devices 2, except for the "reset" switch 4, have no other functions, i.e. Automatically get the ability to stop the acoustic signal. In this way, like mentioned above It is possible to interrupt the alarm very easily without the need for a spare button. be. Furthermore, a far more important advantage is that programs do not require sequential time interval cycles. This means that it becomes impossible to disturb one's will.

Furthermore, in other specific embodiments of instructions according to the invention, e.g. Switches S1, S2, Sl, and S4, which are RAM switches, are connected to these switches. As long as it has the same function as the switch, replace it with a very different type of detector. I can do it.

In the embodiments of instructions shown in Figures 1 to 3, the manufacturer, pharmacist, or The patient was programmed during four different cycles of sequential time intervals according to the doctor's prescription. can make a choice. However, in reality, there are only two, generally , all the more since instructions with only one operating device 2 are sufficient. It is easy to use instructions like this.

Various methods can be found to realize the required electronic circuit 9 . One of these methods is to create devices with basic functionality, such as gate and memory circuits. It is the use of digital integrated circuits to assemble the above electronic circuits. one solution Examples are given in Figures 4a and 4b.

This circuit can be activated by switch 21. This switch is The battery is connected to an integrated oscillator and frequency divider 22. This frequency divider 22 is connected to a crystal 23. Connected. As a result, vibration occurs at a frequency determined by the crystal 23.

A method of providing a stable and reliable time reference is also the so-called "crystal clock". The second frequency divider 24 divides the output frequency of the frequency divider 22 into and divide it into the required time base. As soon as this time reference expires, the flip Flops 25 and 26 are set. The output of flip-flop 25 is an AND gate. The latter receives the enable signal from flip-flop 25 as the AND with the short repetitive pulses generated by the 1 frequency divider 22 and the differentiator network 28 Gate. The output of gate 27 excites the emitter follower, the latter being the capacitor The energy stored in the controller 30 is switched to the LED 29.

This LED will blink as long as flip-flop 25 is set. Approximately 90 After a second, the flip-flop 25 is activated by the timer/divider 24 and this LED. It will be reset and stop blinking.

Similar circuitry is built around flip-flops 26 and 31. Furi The output of the flop 26 is the 4kHz audio frequency generated by the frequency divider 22. AND gated with the signal, inverted and pulsed again by gates 32 and 33. AND gated and converted to a 4 kHz intermittent audio frequency signal. this signal generates a signal sufficient to excite the piezoelectric audio transducer 10. It is inverted by two parallel inverters 33 and 34. flip flop 26 will be reset after approximately 10 seconds, so that the audio signal will only be heard during this time. .

As long as this circuit is energized, each time the second frequency divider 24 times out, As explained, the audio and optical signals are generated. Therefore, the signal notification , repeated at very precise time intervals. The output from this divider chain is By adding and making these outputs available flip-flops 25 and and 26 to program several time intervals. I can do it. In this example circuit, this is achieved by switch 37.

These circuits are constructed using C-MDS logic circuits. This is the ultimate Guarantees low power consumption. This circuit is used in electronic watches depending on the frequency and circuit. One set of batteries will last from one month to one year of use.

This invention is, of course, not limited to the specific embodiments of the instructions set forth above. Not at all, within the framework of the invention and within the protection of the claims, inter alia, the pushbutton 2 , light emitting diode 3, “reset” switch 4, components and units within the electronic circuit 9. related to the relative placement of the components of this cart, such as in relation to knits, etc. Therefore, some changes can be envisaged.

In fact, the instructions or similar components according to the invention can be used to generate acoustic signals such as a piezoelectric buzzer 10. an optical signal generating device such as an LED3 that activates the optical signal. It also includes an electronic timer or time adjuster 11 connected to the chair. child The timer is configured to activate said signal after successive well-defined time intervals. Also, at the end of each time interval, the manufacturer, pharmacist, or physician the indicator or associated drug should be dispensed. Additionally, the front side is supposed to be programmed. The operating device 2 controls these times. automatically corresponds to the end of each interval or the point in the day when the drug is to be taken. In order to start this cycle of time intervals at such a moment of the day, to be done and to be done.

■ The time interval of the cycle is thus defined with respect to the starting reference point in time.

This starting reference point in time is at the moment of the day when the drug must be first administered. Preferably, it corresponds. The length of a particular time interval determines whether the timer is activated at the correct moment. automatically coincides with the end of each time interval or the point in the day when the drug is to be taken. As such, it shall also correspond to a corresponding time interval between two successive points in time Ru.

In fact, at this moment the "reset" switch 4 and the time interval selection in this instruction It is sufficient to operate the selection operating instrument 2 corresponding to the selection cycle.

The “reset” switch 4 is not always absolutely necessary, so such a switch If there is no such option, it is sufficient to act directly on the selected operating instrument 2.

A housing capable of emitting acoustic and possibly optical signals by means of “similar parts” A card that is compatible with the means and plays a role substantially similar to the cards described above and shown in the accompanying drawings. means any portable item. Therefore, this means that the patient is aware of the occurrence of the acoustic signal. It must be possible to carry this portable item easily and separately so that it can be easily heard when It means no. Therefore, from now on, for example, bangles, neck laces, etc. It comes when you assume that.

When the card is used, it may also be provided with a sticker or adhesive surface. This allows this card to be removable, e.g. a shirt can be worn as a blouse. It can be fixed inside clothing.

From this additional concept, the instructions or similar parts according to the invention are offers various adjustment possibilities and is therefore compatible with a very wide range of drugs. Since it is made, it is probably completely separated from the drug used before it is introduced into the market. I am led to say that I can also do it. For example, include the necessary information within the drug packaging. Attach a removable sticker to the back of the card. be able to.

This fact makes the known device of U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,711 cited above In contrast to the clock, this time interval is not determined with respect to the clock, but at the time rWIrf ! The size of the time interval can be adjusted so that one cycle of the i interval can be longer than 24 hours. It is possible to specify the time regardless of day and time.

This is important if the dose varies from day to day. If this time If the interval is connected to the clock in that device as in this US patent For example, a cycle can never be longer than 24 hours.

As for the operating device 2, instead of the push button as shown in FIG. make with a lip that is to be pulled out to put the timer in the activated state. I can do it.

FLQ, 1. Ftg, 2゜ Fil　3゜ Fig, number 4 F i g, 4 b.

June 18, 1993

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) At a predetermined time corresponding to the time when the drug should be used, an acoustic signal/or a light a pharmaceutical instruction or similar component containing means (9) for generating a signal, such as a signal; Therefore, the means (9) activates the signal generating device (3, 10). including an electronic timer (11) connected, said timer (11) successively measuring one of the time intervals. the signal may be activated in the sequential time intervals of one or more cycles; the time intervals are equal to or different from each other, and the time intervals are pre-programmed to An interval is further defined with respect to a starting reference point for said cycle, and said interval is Specified at a starting point, preferably corresponding to the point in time when it must be used for the first time. operation to set up the regular cycle by the timer (11); a device (2) is provided, each time when starting said cycle at said reference point in time; characterized in that the end of the interval corresponds to the point in time at which the next dose of said drug is to be used. drug instructions or similar materials. (2) A drug instruction sheet or similar member according to claim 1, which comprises the means ( 9) is probably a matter of switching off the already adjusted time point and defining a new first time point. characterized in that it includes a “reset” switch (4) that allows the drug instructions or similar materials. (3) A drug instruction sheet or similar member according to claim 1 or 2, Particularly, a separate operating device (2) is provided for each cycle of the selected time interval. instructions for drugs or similar materials. (4) A drug instruction sheet or similar as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3. a similar member, and after being operated by the operating instrument (2), the operating instrument is switched off. the actuator only after being turned off and actuated by the “reset” switch (4). The operating device (2) is connected so that the device can be switched on again. A drug instruction sheet or similar member, characterized in that the instructions are connected to each other. (5) A drug instruction sheet or similar as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3. A similar member that changes the function of the operating instrument (2) after being operated by the operating instrument (2). said operating instrument (2), i.e. to stop or interrupt said signal; A drug instruction sheet or similar member, characterized in that: (6) A drug instruction sheet or the like according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The means (9) includes an optical signal generating component that operates simultaneously with the acoustic signal. A drug instruction sheet or similar component, characterized in that it includes: (7) A drug instruction sheet or similar as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 6. a similar member, characterized in that the acoustic signal is formed by an audio sentence. Pharmaceutical instructions or similar materials. (8) A drug instruction sheet or similar as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 7. an electronic circuit (9) which is a similar component and is energized by a battery (12); The electronic circuit controls the emission of the acoustic signal at successive prearranged time intervals. A drug instruction sheet or similar member characterized in that it allows control. (9) A drug instruction sheet or similar member according to claim 8, wherein the acoustic signal A drug finger characterized in that it is equipped with a piezoelectric buzzer (10) for emitting a number. Instructions or similar items. (10) A drug instruction sheet or similar member according to claim 8 or 9, , the light signal is emitted by a light emitting diode (“LED”) (3); Characteristic drug instructions or similar components. (11) Instructions for medicines according to any one of claims 8 to 9. or similar components, wherein said electronic circuit (9) comprises an adjustable time adjuster, in particular a "CMOS timer" (11), said acoustic signal, said possibly optical signal; Functions that operate on the timer (11), such as the "reset" switch, are (S1, S2, S3, S4) via the parallel installation operating device (2) is connected to a battery (12), said battery being in series with said "reset" switch (4). A drug instruction sheet or similar member, characterized in that it is arranged. (12) Instructions for medicines according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A book or similar item, perhaps with a medicinal dose applied to its surface, e.g. For example, relatively rigid small plates of plasticized or non-plasticized hardboard. (1) and be removably fixed within the drug packaging. A drug instruction sheet or similar member characterized by: