Multiple prescription package and method for filling the package

• US 8,074,426 B2
• Filed: 04/25/2007
• Issued: 12/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Edge Medical, LLC
• Original Assignee: Edge Medical, LLC
• Inventors: Luciano, Robert A. Jr., Luciano, Lawrence
• Primary Examiner(s): HARMON, CHRISTOPHER R
• Application Number:
  US11/796,124
• Publication Number:
  US 20070267430A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,693 Days
• Field of Search: 532/46, 534/11, 534/74, 534/10, 534/43, 534/45, 53/52, 534/93, 206/467, 206/468, 206/534, 206/538, 206/539, 206/540, 206/828
• US Class Current: 53/411
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0069 Trays for holding or distributing medicines display trays A47F3/14; serving trays A47G23/06
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2577/2083 in container flange
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 75/36 one sheet or blank being recessed and the other formed of relatively stiff flat sheet material, e.g. blister packages , the recess or recesses being preformed B65D73/0057, B65D73/0092 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 75/527 Tear-lines for separating a package into individual packages B65D1/30, B65D21/0206, B65D75/34 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 75/5888 Tear-lines for removing successive sections of a package for separating package into individual packages B65D75/527
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers

Abstract

A multiple prescription package having a plurality of different medications is described. The multiple prescription package comprises a plurality of multiple prescription containers, a marking on each multiple prescription container, a detailed label, and a secondary package. The plurality of the multiple prescription containers are sequentially ordered to permit sequential dispensing of at least two medications that are different from one another. Each of the multiple prescription containers is associated with a prescribed time interval determined by a prescription, and each of the multiple prescription containers comprises the different medications that are sealed within the multiple prescription containers. The marking on each multiple prescription container indicates the prescribed interval when the medications are consumed. The detailed label provides a plurality of medical information regarding the medications. The secondary package configured to receive the sealed multiple prescription containers and the detailed label.

Claims

1. A method for filling a multiple prescription container package, comprising:

providing a plurality of containers made from a piece of moldable material wherein the containers are ordered to permit dispensing of medications;

filling at least one container, using an automated system, with a first tablet associated with a first medication, and a second tablet associated with a second medication that is different from the first medication and wherein both medications are prescribed to be consumed at approximately the same time;

performing a first automated inspection that can identify the first medication and the second medication;

sealing the containers with a plurality of lids, each of the lids configured to seal off the containers;

performing a second automated inspection that can identify the first medication and the second medication within a sealed preliminary package;

printing onto each of the lids information related to a particular individual and medical information regarding the tablets;

generating a drug interaction report that provides information about various drug interactions associated with each medication, the drug interaction information based on the particular individual;

generating a summary medication label component that describes each medication;

coupling the sealed containers with a secondary package that is configured to permit dispensing of each of the sealed containers; and

delivering the drug interaction label, the summary medication label, and the plurality of sealed filled containers to a user in the secondary package.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing frangible connections between the containers.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising placing a folded label on the secondary package, the folded label including the drug interaction report.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the secondary package includes a tab for securing the container, the tab configured to be biased for releasing the container from the secondary package.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the containers has a bottom surface having at least one ridge that is configured to help preserve the integrity of the tablets within.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

providing at least one other secondary package housing another set of sealed containers; and

interlocking the secondary package with the at least one other secondary package sleeve using an interlocking element, wherein the interlocking element is at least one notch on said sleeves.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the containers are processed in sets of sealed containers to provide for a determined period'"'"'s supply of medication.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of containers contain a flange and a collar on a top surface which are configured to allow the containers to be stackable.

9. The method of claim 4 further comprising breaking a break away tab on the containers for easier access to the medications therein.

10. The method of claim 4 wherein the tab comprises a molded loop.