WO2019020202A1

WO2019020202A1 - A package for medicines

Info

Publication number: WO2019020202A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/069243
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antoine MASSARD
Original assignee: Abbott Products Operations Ag
Priority date: 2017-07-28
Filing date: 2017-07-28
Publication date: 2019-01-31

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of pharmaceuticals and to pharmaceutical packaging in particular. The invention discloses a package for medicines with punch holes designed on the carton. The punch holes indicate the dosing frequency as prescribed by doctor. The present invention offers an alternative way of traditional prescription mode, that can vary from country to country, and help answering different challenges regarding visual disability, memory defects, and ease of use.

Description

A PACKAGE FOR MEDICINES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of pharmaceuticals, and to pharmaceutical packaging in particular. The present invention can be used to improve patient compliance and adherence.

Packages for pharmaceutical products often consist of paperboard boxes in which a container made of plastic material, such as a blister pack, is inserted. Examples of such packages having patient instructions are disclosed in, for instance, RU 2580075, which describes a package for medicines consisting of a carton-transformer on the outer side of which there is information about a duplicate of a drug leaflet label, the way to get the label out of the package and the place of a device for opening the package. The package having been opened is a pile of pieces of white paper with a text printed on them. This pile is covered by a piece of paper that has a slot with a piece of thread with tails. The package after cutting of the upper piece of paper with the thread is transformed into an open book with pages containing texts and margins (RU 2580075, published 10.04.2016). U.S. 9,610,218 describes a device for accommodating and storing blister packs and releasing a tablet or capsule from the blister pack using a means for punching the cover film of the blister.

Some disadvantages in the existing pharmaceutical packages include the bulkiness of the construction, overruns of paper for label, expense of manufacture, and the lack of visualizing features for tracking prescription by patients. This lack of visualizing features for tracking prescriptions is especially problematic for patients suffering from memory problems and can lead to poor prescription adherence or taking the wrong dose of a medicine at the wrong time, which can be harmful for patients.

Thus there is an unmet need for carefully designed packaging that provides consumers with choice among a lot of dosage units of active substance that can be administrated in any time according to the wish of a consumer. Moreover there is a need in an indicating device for helping a consumer to understand what dosage unit is appropriate for administrating at a certain time of the day and/or achieving a specific advantageous effect(s) and for guiding consumers when choosing corresponding devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new and improved pharmaceutical package, which facilitates the proper administration of a pharmaceutical product.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a package for medicines made of a piece of carton in the form of a box, sleeve, or piece of carton that can be opened from one or two sides and which contains text and pictures on its surface is disclosed. In one embodiment the package is characterized in that it includes indicators of medication-taking which are made with the possibility of punching and fixing inside of the package.

Some advantages of the present invention are the simplification of package construction, the improvement of quality of patient's treatment by means of reducing mistakes when taking medicines, the widening of technical means, the upgrade of packaging design at a low cost, and easy access to medication by way of punching indicating element on the carton. Generally, the present invention provides an alternative solution as traditional prescription details, by a simple visual way of identifying the prescription mode via clear pictures.

In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising a carton printed with pictorial representations on the surface, wherein the pictorial representations are placed within at least one indicating element.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising a carton printed with pictorial representations on the surface, wherein the pictorial representations are placed proximally to at least one indicating element.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising a carton printed with pictorial representations on the surface, wherein the pictorial representations are placed within at least one indicating element, wherein there are between one and ten indicating elements.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising a carton printed with pictorial representations on the surface, wherein the pictorial representations are placed within at least one indicating element, wherein there are between one and ten indicating elements wherein the pictorial representations can further comprise numbers.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising a carton printed with pictorial representations on the surface, wherein the pictorial representations are placed within at least one indicating element, wherein there are between one and six indicating elements. In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising a carton printed with pictorial representations on the surface, wherein the pictorial representations are placed within at least one indicating element, wherein there are between one and ten indicating elements, and further wherein the indicating elements fold back inside the package, and the folding will stay negatively folded.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein the indication elements are situated on the border of the edges of the surface of the package.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein the pictorial representation corresponds to the dosing.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein the pictorial representation comprises one, two, or three pills.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein the pictorial representation comprises one, two, or three pills, wherein the pictorial representation futher comprises the numbers 1, 2 and 3.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein the pictorial representation corresponds to the time of day.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein the pictorial representation corresponds to morning, afternoon, or evening administration.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein the pictorial representation comprises a rising sun, a full sun, and a moon.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein the pictorial representation is the days of the week.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein the pictorial representation is the number of pills in the package.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein the pictorial representation also includes numbers, words, or Braille further describing the pictorial representation.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising a box that can be opened from two sides and further comprising one to ten indicating elements situated on the border of the edges of the surface of the package and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the at least one indicating element after being punched, wherein the indicating element is between 18 mm and 30 mm wide.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising a box that can be opened from two sides and further comprising one to ten indicating elements situated on the border of the edges of the surface of the package and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the at least one indicating element after being punched, wherein the indicating element is between 18 mm and 30 mm wide, wherein the indicating elements comprise one or more pictorial representations selected from the group consisting of time of day, number of pills in a dose, number of pills in the package, and the days of the week.

In another embodiment, the present invention contemplates a package for medicines comprising a box that can be opened from two sides and further comprising one to ten indicating elements situated on the border of the edges of the surface of the package and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the at least one indicating element after being punched, wherein the indicating element is between 18 mm and 30 mm wide, wherein the indicating elements comprise one or more pictorial representations selected from the group consisting of time of day, number of pills in a dose, number of pills in the package, and the days of the week, and further comprising a blister pack containing pills, wherein the indicating elements, after being punched, allow space for the removal of the blister pack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is a package for medicines comprising a carton printed with a text and pictures on the surface. In one embodiment, the package is made with the possibility of punching though punch holes. The present invention also can include indicators for tracking prescription directions (indicating elements) that are made in such a way that users (for example, doctors, pharmacists, or consumers) can punch them. In one embodiment, a portion of the package can be separated from other parts by means of punching. In another embodiment, the punches are created through perforations along the edge of the package. In one embodiment, these indicating elements fold back inside the package, and the folding will stay negatively folded (folded inside the package). In another embodiment, the pictures represent prescription directions (pictorial representations). In one embodiment, these pictorial representations indicate a prescription direction selected from the group consisting of time of day, number of pills in a dose, number of pills in the package, and the days of the week. In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a package with indicating elements comprising pictorial representations on the surface of the package, said pictorial representations positioned within punch holes. In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a package with indicating elements comprising Braille on the surface of the package, said Braille positioned within punch holes. In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a package with indicating elements comprising Braille on the surface of the package, said Braille positioned adjacent to the punch holes. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a package with indicating elements comprising a pictorial representation of the prescription directions which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched.

In another embodiment, the pictorial representation can be punched out completely. In another embodiment, the punch is adjacent to, above, or over the pictorial representation.

In one embodiment, these indication elements can be situated on the border line of the upper or lower edges and the surface of the package. In another embodiment, the indication elements are located on any flat surface of the package.

In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a package with one or more indicating elements comprising a pictorial representation of the prescription directions which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein said one or more indicating elements are situated on the border line of the upper or lower edges of the package.

In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a package with one or more indicating elements comprising a pictorial representation of the prescription directions which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein said one or more indicating elements are situated on the border line of the upper edge of the package. In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a package with one or more indicating elements comprising a pictorial representation of the prescription directions which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein said one or more indicating elements are situated on the border line of the lower edges of the package. In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a package with two or more indicating elements comprising a pictorial representation of the prescription directions which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein one or more indicating elements are situated on the border line of the lower edges of the package and one or more indicating elements are situated on the border line of the upper edges of the package. In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a package with one or more indicating elements comprising a pictorial representation of the prescription directions which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein said one or more indicating elements are situated on the border line of the lower edges of the package. In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a package with between one to ten indicating elements comprising a pictorial representation of the prescription directions which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein said indicating elements are situated on the border line of the upper or lower edges of the package. In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a package with between one to eight indicating elements comprising a pictorial representation of the prescription directions which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched, wherein said indicating elements are situated on both the border line of the upper and lower edges of the package.

In another embodiment, the indication elements are ticks for tracking the prescribed dosing of medicine. In another embodiment, the indication elements correspond to the days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). In another embodiment, the indication elements contain the number one to the number of pills in the package.

In one embodiment the indication elements correspond to the prescribed frequency of administration of a pharmaceutical product. In one embodiment, the indication elements represent between one and eight pills. In one embodiment, the indication elements represent one, two, or three pills. In another embodiment, the indication elements represent one, two, three or four pills. In another embodiment, the indication elements represent one, two, three, four or five pills. In another embodiment, the indication elements represent one-half a pill, one pill, two pills, or three pills. The pills can be represented by pictures of tablets, pictures of capsules, or numerically, or a combination of numbers and pictures. The numbers can also be depicted in Braille.

In one embodiment, the indication elements correspond to the time of day the medicine is to be taken. In another embodiment, the indication elements respond to morning or evening administration. In another embodiment, the indication elements correspond to morning, day, or evening administration. In one embodiment, the indication element can correspond to morning, day and evening administration through the use of pictorial representations. In another embodiment, the indication element can correspond to morning, day, evening, and night administration through pictorial representations. For example, morning can be depicted from a pictorial representation selected from a rising sun, a sun with a clock as its face with hands or digital time indicating morning, the abbreviation "a.m.", a rooster, a cup of coffee, a figure rising from a bed or a figure stretching next to a bed. Other pictorial representations of morning can also be contemplated. Day administration can be depicted as a full sun, a full sun with a clock as its face with the hands or digital time indicating afternoon, a standing figure, a moving figure, or a landscape with a sun up in the sky. Other pictorial representations of day can also be contemplated. Evening administration can be depicted as a moon, a rising moon, a moon with a star or stars, a figure laying in a bed, a pillow, a clock with the hands or digital time indicating evening or night, or a dark background with or without a moon. Other pictorial representations of evening can also be contemplated. Night administration can be depicted as a moon above the horizon, a figure laying in a bed, a pillow, a clock with the hands or digital time indicating night, or a moon with a dark background.

In another embodiment, the indication elements correspond to how the medicine is to be taken. In one embodiment the indication elements can be a pictorial representation of a water glass or water glasses, a plate of food, a bottle with a circle and line through it, a martini or wine glass with a circle and line through it, a mouth, an ear, an eye, a nose, a hand rubbing an arm, or other pictures indicating how a medicine is to be taken.

In one embodiment, punching an indication element that contains a corresponding pictorial representation, the part of the package is pressed inside where it is fixed by means of crumpling the carton leaving a hollow on the surface of the package.

In one embodiment, the size of the indication element diecut is adapted to the finger dimensions of a regular consumer. The overall feature offers any dimensions. In one embodiment, the dimensions are up to 25 mm x 30 mm. In one embodiment, the indication element is between 18 mm and 30 mm wide. In one embodiment, the indication element is between 20 mm and 28 mm wide. In another embodiment, the indication element is between 21 mm and 27 mm wide. In another embodiment, the indication element is between 22 mm and 26 mm wide. In another embodiment, the indication element is between 23 mm and 26 mm wide. In another embodiment, the indication element is between 24 mm and 26 mm wide. In another embodiment, the indication element is 25 mm wide. The punches enable an easy access for the finger to push through, and allows the indicator to stay in place when folded back. Such indicator can be of any shape. The central folding line can be in any position, and not necessarily in the center of the feature itself.

In one embodiment, the shape is a rectangle designed to create a smooth folding back. A continuous-line, curved to the shape of the finger at its center, and enabling a spread of push/pressure to an even level. The folded line is positioned in the middle of the feature, and corresponds to the folding line of the overall package. By having the folding line in the middle, the indicator when pushed negatively, is using the same folding line as the original one for the negative position.

In another embodiment, the shape of indication element is an oval or rounded rectangle, potentially constructed out of curved or straight lines for the cutted line of the feature. For the crease line, that keeps the indicator attached to the box itself, variation exists. The folding line could not being positioned in the middle, and to have therefore an additional back folding line on top or bottom of this feature. In another embodiment, the shape of the indication element is a circle which can be punched out partially or in whole. The circular indication element can be on any flat portion of the package.

In such a way, achievement of results is gained: expanding functionality of the packaging to support the traditional prescription mode and details with packaging design and printed details. The present invention offers an alternative way of traditional prescription mode, that can vary from country to country, and help answering different challenges regarding visual disability, memory defects, and ease of use.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

BRI EF DESCRIPTION OF TH E DRAWINGS Figures below are using specific case example of one of our current product: Tarka. Pietograms and brand identit are solely used for illustrations purpose.

FIG la, represents an expanded view of the package features, non-punched. (Time) FIG lb is an expanded view of the package features punched. (Time)

FIG 2a is an expanded view of the package features, non-punched (Days)

FIG 2b is an expanded view of the package features punched. (Days)

FIG 3a is an expanded view of the package features, non-punched (Quantity) FIG 3b is an expanded view of the package features punched. (Quantity)

FIG 4a is an expanded view of the package features, non-punched (Tracking) FIG 4b is an expanded view of the package features punched. (Tracking)

FIG 5a is an expanded view of the package features, non-punched (Time+Quantity) FIG 5b is an expanded view of the package features punched. (Time+Quantity) FIG 6a is an expanded view of the package features TARKA®, non-punched (Time+Quantity)

FIG 6b is an expanded view of the package features TARKA® punched.

(Time+Quantity)

Claims

1. A package for medicines comprising a carton printed with pictorial representations on the surface, wherein the pictorial representations are placed within at least one indicating element.

2. A package for medicines comprising a carton printed with pictorial representations on the surface, wherein the pictorial representations are placed proximally to at least one indicating element.

3. The package of claim 1, wherein there are between one and ten indicating elements.

4. The package of claim 3, wherein the pictures can further comprise numbers.

5. The package of claim 3, wherein there are between one and six indicating elements.

6. The package of claim 3, wherein the indicating elements fold back inside the package, and the folding will stay negatively folded.

7. A package for medicines comprising indicating elements and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the indicating element after being punched.

8. The package of claim 7 wherein the indication elements are situated on the border of the edges of the surface of the package.

9. The package of claim 7, wherein the pictorial representation corresponds to the dosing.

10. The package of claim 7, wherein the pictorial representation comprises one, two, or three pills.

11. The package of claim 9, wherein the pictorial representation comprises the numbers 1, 2 and 3.

12. The package of claim 7, wherein the pictorial representation corresponds to the time of day.

13. The package of claim 7, wherein the pictorial representation corresponds to morning, afternoon, or evening administration.

14. The package of claim 7, wherein the pictorial representation comprises a rising sun, a full sun, and a moon.

15. The package of claim 7, wherein the pictorial representation is the days of the week.

16. The package of claim 7, wherein the pictorial representation is the number of pills in the package.

17. The package of claim 7, wherein the pictorial representation also includes numbers, words, or Braille further describing the pictorial representation.

18. A package for medicines comprising a box that can be opened from two sides and further comprising one to ten indicating elements situated on the border of the edges of the surface of the package and further comprising a pictorial representation of a prescription direction which remains visible within the negative folding of the at least one indicating element after being punched, wherein the indicating element is between 18 mm and 30 mm wide.

19. The package of claim 18, wherein the indicating elements comprise one or more pictorial representations selected from the group consisting of time of day, number of pills in a dose, number of pills in the package, and the days of the week.

20. The package of claim 19, further comprising a blister pack containing pills, wherein the indicating elements, after being punched, allow space for the removal of the blister pack.