JP4699015B2 - Pharmaceutical time indicator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a time indicator (means for confirming the expiration date) of pharmaceuticals such as tablets, capsules, powders, granules, fine granules, etc., in particular, prescription drugs prepared according to a doctor's prescription.

  There are two types of medicines: those belonging to over-the-counter medicines (popular drugs) that can be purchased without the need for prescriptions that are marketed in pharmacies, and those that belong to medical drugs that are dispensed by a pharmacist according to a doctor's prescription. Products belonging to over-the-counter drugs (popular drugs) are sold in a state where a certain amount of drug is placed in a packaging box or packaging container regardless of the patient's symptoms. For this reason, medicines that have not been taken are generally stored in a packaging box or packaging container, so the expiration date or expiration date of the medicine is displayed on the packaging box or packaging container. At the next dose, the patient can confirm the expiration date of the drug using these indications as time indicators.

  On the other hand, those belonging to ethical drugs dispensed by a pharmacist according to a doctor's prescription are delivered to the patient in a medicine bag displaying predetermined drug information such as the name of the user and the method of taking.

  The drugs belonging to these ethical drugs are given to the patient according to a prescription based on a doctor's examination, and it is assumed that the patient will take the given drug within the specified period, The prescription pharmacy manages the expiration date of the drug. Therefore, it was thought that there was no worry that the patient would take a medicine that had passed the expiration date even if the expiration date of the medicine was not clearly indicated in the medicine bag.

  However, there are cases where the patient forgets to take the medicine at the designated date and time or does not take all the medicines passed by suspending or stopping the taking at his / her own discretion. In such cases, patients often store surplus medicines for the purpose of taking the next symptom, depending on the symptoms at the time of diagnosis, which is preferable for emergency use. In some cases. In particular, for medicines that are always taken for chronic symptoms, etc., if the prescription is not available because the patient or doctor is not available for examination, the stored medicine may be taken.

  In addition, in the past, medicines were prescribed for about two weeks in a single examination, but patients must receive medical examinations every two weeks in order to receive prescriptions and continue taking medicines. This is a cause of a great expense for patients and health insurance, and in order to eliminate these economic burdens, for example, it is possible to prescribe for about one to two months in one examination. In recent years, there has been an increase in the availability of large quantities of pharmaceutical products.

  This reduces the reward for medical examinations, but increases the amount of medication delivered to the patient at one time, which can be wasted if the patient does not take the medication. However, if the patient is able to take medicines stored by the patient, the patient can refuse the new prescription by telling the doctor that he / she keeps the prescribed medicine at each visit. This not only reduces the economic burden, but is also desirable for the insurance administration that is in need.

  As mentioned above, it is extremely effective to use medicines stored by patients, but since medicines are prescribed according to the patient's symptoms, patients may mistake the type and usage of medicines. If taken, symptoms may not be resolved or side effects may occur.

  Therefore, when taking the stored medicine later, the patient will check the individual information such as the type and usage of the medicine listed in the medicine bag containing the medicine, For example, as disclosed in JP-A-7-81050, JP-A-2003-144063 and the like, individual information such as a pharmaceutical manufacturer name, a symbol, a manufacturing number, an identification number, and the like is included in a medicine. The details of the individual information are publicly disclosed through information disclosure means such as books and the Internet. Therefore, for example, even if the medicine is stored in a state where it is taken out from the medicine bag, the patient can easily confirm the medicine to be taken, so that the possibility of taking a different medicine by mistake is low.

  However, since it is assumed that medicines belonging to ethical drugs will be taken within the specified period as described above, the expiration date is not clearly stated on the medicine bag and the expiration date is managed by the patient. I can't. In addition, the date of the prescription (or delivered) is attached to the medicine bag used when delivering the medicine, but this is the date and time when the pharmacy delivered the medicine to the patient and does not indicate the production date and time. Absent. In other words, even though the expiry date of medicines starts from the date of manufacture, the pharmacy must deliver the prescribed medicines without delay in response to the patient's request. If there is a demand for a medicinal product with few opportunities for prescribing, a product that has passed a considerable number of days from the date of manufacture may be given to the patient.

  In addition, even if the expiration date has expired, patients often cannot be judged by appearance, and the desired efficacy of the drug does not occur if the drug has already lost its medicinal properties or has been altered Not only will you suffer health damage.

  In such a case, the patient can confirm the expiration date by contacting a doctor or pharmacist, but the confirmation procedure may become complicated, and in many cases, the remaining medicines are disposed of at an early stage. If the number of patients is taken into consideration, a great loss will occur.

  In addition, as mentioned above, pharmacies need to store a certain amount of each type of pharmaceutical, but in consideration of convenience and quickness when dispensing, the packaging on which the expiration date of the pharmaceutical is displayed It is often stored in a state where it is taken out from a box or the like. In this state, in order to manage the expiration date of the medicine, it is necessary to copy the expiration date displayed on the packaging box or the like to the storage destination. In addition, even if the same type of medicine is used, new products with different production rods may be received, so that products having different expiration dates may be mixed, and the expiration dates may not be managed collectively.

JP-A-8-712 discloses various types of information including the expiration date as a two-dimensional data code, which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-712. It is obvious that not only the drug information of the patient can be confirmed, but also a dedicated information reproducing apparatus for reading the displayed information is required, and the system is complicated and is not intended for the patient.
JP 7-81050 A JP 2003-144063 A JP-A-8-712 JP 60-151578 A JP-A-1-244743

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that the expiration date of the medicine belonging to the ethical medicine delivered by the patient can be confirmed very easily without requiring the burden on the patient, and the remaining medicine is effectively used. Furthermore, it is to provide a patient with a drug that can prevent the patient from taking a drug whose expiration date has passed in a pharmacy.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention shows an expiry date that can be visually confirmed that is discolored or disappears after a predetermined period of time has been applied to at least one of the front and back surfaces of a pharmaceutical product that is a tablet and a capsule. A pharmaceutical time indicator comprising an indication, wherein the indication is firstly using an edible substrate and an edible migration dye, and secondly an edible carrier and an edible volatile organic It is characterized in that a solvent and an edible pigment are used, and thirdly, a silicon resin containing a dye having sensitivity to ultraviolet rays is used.

  By marking the expiration date on the surface of pharmaceutical products such as tablets, capsules, powders, granules, fine granules, etc., it becomes possible to check the expiration date in pharmacies and users. It is effective when stored in.

In addition, by using a specific color to indicate the expiration date, it is possible to clearly distinguish individual information such as the type of drug that has traditionally been attached to the drug from the expiration date display. It becomes easy to check the deadline. In addition, if the display indicating the expiration date is discolored or disappears after a predetermined period of time, it is possible to check the expiration date very easily, as well as the usage displayed in fine characters. There is no need to visually recognize the deadline, and it is extremely effective for those who are unable to recognize fine characters such as amblyopia and presbyopia . In particular, the present invention is safe because the display is formed of an edible material, and can also be used for tablets and capsules.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment when the present invention is applied to a pharmaceutical product 1 comprising a tablet, and the same pharmaceutical company symbol or pharmaceutical identification number as the conventional one is provided on the surface 10 of the pharmaceutical product 1 comprising a tablet. 2 is displayed, and a code number (or lot number or the like) 3 for traceability (production history management) and an expiration date display 4 according to the present invention are respectively displayed in the lower part.

  The identification number 2, the code number 3, and the expiration date display 4 are displayed by, for example, an offset printing method or a printing method using an ink jet printer, and are disclosed in JP-A-7-81050 in particular. As described above, the printing method using an ink jet printer does not directly contact the drug in the printing process, so that a clear print can be obtained and the deformation or alteration of the drug due to the printing can be prevented.

  In addition, since the expiration date display 4 is directly attached to the medicine, it is preferable to use conventionally well-known ink centered on edible pigments as in the case of conventional individual information. For example, the identification number 2 is By using color coding such as blue, code number 3 is yellow, and expiration date display 4 is red, the expiration date display 4 can be quickly read without being confused by other displays.

  FIGS. 2 and 3 show an embodiment in which the present invention is implemented for a medicine 11 composed of a capsule 5, and FIG. 2 shows an embodiment for an integral capsule 5. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the capsule 5 formed by fitting two elongated hemispherical capsule constituent members 51 and 52 with their open portions fitted together, and FIG. 3) shows an embodiment in which the expiration date display 4 is attached to both of the two elongated hemispherical capsule constituent members 51 and 52 constituting the capsule 5 as shown in FIG. Shows an embodiment in which an expiration date display 4 is attached to each of the two capsule constituent members 51 and 52.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 (a), the expiration date display 4 can be attached over a wide range of the capsule 5, and the visibility is excellent. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, unlike the case shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. The expiration date display 4 will be added in advance. For example, even if a malfunction such as a printing error occurs in the capsule constituent members 51 and 52, the medicine is not filled, so only the capsule constituent members 51 and 52 are replaced with new ones. In addition to preventing wasteful consumption of the medicine, it is not necessary to accurately match the fitting portions 53 of the capsule constituent members 51 and 52 shown in FIG. 2, and the fitting portion 53 does not become the set position. Even in such a case, it is possible to surely visually recognize the expiration date displays 4 and 4. In addition, visibility can be improved by attaching the expiration date indications 4 and 4 to both capsule constituent members 51 and 52 in a rotationally symmetrical manner.

  FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in the case where the present invention is applied to, for example, a medicine 12 composed of powders, granules, powders, etc., and FIG. The embodiment of the case is shown.

  When the medicine 13 was heat-sealed, as shown in FIG. 5, the medicines such as tablets and capsules arranged on the aluminum sheet base material were heat-sealed with a transparent synthetic resin sheet and packaged. In general, for example, a wrapping form of a drug requiring moisture resistance such as a suppository, that is, a form in which the drug is packaged by a composite sheet of an aluminum sheet and a moisture-proof synthetic resin sheet (see FIG. Needless to say, it is included.

  Further, in the embodiment of the medicine 13 in which the tablets shown in FIG. 5 are heat-sealed, at least one of the expiration date indications 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g is displayed around each tablet. By attaching any position, it is possible to reliably recognize the expiration date even if it is cut and stored along the perforation as shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, if the expiration date display 4 is made of color and disappears or changes color when a predetermined usage period has elapsed, there is no need to visually recognize the expiration date represented by a fine number, The expiration date can be confirmed simply by visually recognizing the disappearance of the expiration date display 4 or the color change. Therefore, it is very easy to check the expiration date, and is particularly effective for those who suffer from low vision or presbyopia and who are unable to visually recognize fine letters and numbers.

  In addition, as for the display 4 of this expiration date, it is possible to use various conventionally known ones, for example, those using an indicator that causes a color change due to a chemical reaction such as a neutralization reaction or a reduction reaction, Examples include those that use indicators that change color tone by contact with oxygen or carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, those that use coloration of electron-donating color-forming organic compounds, and those that change color tone by volatilization of organic solvents. .

  As an example of what is conventionally known, for example, there is one utilizing an easy migration (migration) dye that migrates in a synthetic resin as disclosed in JP-A-60-151578, For example, easy migration dyes such as azo disperse dyes, anthoraquinone disperse dyes and oil-soluble dyes are applied to the surface of a substance that exhibits easy migration over a long period of time, such as a synthetic resin such as polyurethane. If the expiration date (date) with a predetermined color is printed on the surface of a base material made of a synthetic resin film or sheet such as transparent polyurethane, for example, with a readily migration dye, the dye Will disperse in the substrate over time and the expiration date will disappear. In addition, if the confirmation display such as “Expiration date”, “Do not take” or “Red circle symbol” is arranged on the lower surface of the base material with a color different from the expiration date printing, the expiration date printing disappears. Since the confirmation display arranged below the base material is exposed, the end of the expiration date can be confirmed more reliably.

  In addition, there is no safety problem because the expiration date display 4 is not taken when the expiration date display 4 is applied to the medicines 12 and 13 shown in FIGS. When it is applied to the tablets and capsules shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, it is taken together with pharmaceuticals. Therefore, an edible resin film made of a natural material such as starch or cellulose is used as a base material. The sheet | seat is used and what is necessary is just to use the foodstuff dye used for a foodstuff as a dye.

  Further, the display 4 of the present expiration date can also be indicated by a symbol such as a circle or a square, for example, without indicating the expiration date with the year, month and day numbers as in the embodiment shown in FIG. This not only facilitates the process of attaching the expiration date display 4 to the drug, but also makes it easier and more reliable to check the expiration date. In addition, when the display 4 of this expiration date shall consist of the said symbol, and this is implemented to the pharmaceutical 12 which consists of a powder, a granule, a powder etc. which were shown in the said FIG. These embodiments are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively.

  In addition, the display 4 of the expiration date is applied, impregnated or dripped onto a substrate with a volatile organic solvent solution such as alcohol, for example, as disclosed in JP-A-1-244743. The expiration date indication 4 may be retained on the base material and the expiration date indication 4 may be changed in color by volatilization of the organic solvent solution. However, as the organic solvent evaporates over time, coloring of the dye in the expiration date display 4 proceeds, and the original color tone of the dye appears at or near the end of volatilization of the organic solvent. It indicates the end.

  The display 4 of this expiration date is the same as that utilizing the property that the easily migrating dye migrates in the synthetic resin, and the drug 12 enclosed in the medicine package shown in FIG. 4 or the heat shown in FIG. When it is applied to the sealed medicine 13, there is no safety problem because the expiration date display 4 itself is not taken. However, in the case of the tablets and capsules shown in FIGS. As a volatile organic solvent, edible substances such as nutmeg oil, peppermint oil, and lime oil are used, and edible substances such as food red are used as pigments. By using the raw material, the tablet and capsule shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 can be applied.

  Furthermore, paints that cause irreversible changes in the visual properties of active ingredients when used for long periods of time, such as silicone resin paints that contain UV sensitive dyes as active ingredients, should be used as an expiration date indicator. You can also.

  In addition, the display of each said expiration date is not restricted to an illustration, It can be used if it is a thing with a color change with time over a comparatively long time known conventionally. In addition, the setting of the expiration date depends on the storage condition, but it should be adjusted in consideration of the standard storage condition in a pharmacy, for example. There is no hindrance.

  Although the above embodiment shows the case where the expiration date display 4 is attached to either the front surface or the back surface, it goes without saying that it may be attached to both the front surface and the back surface. It is more preferable because the expiration date display 4 can be confirmed from both the back side.

Explanatory drawing which shows preferable embodiment at the time of implementing this invention about the pharmaceutical which consists of a tablet. Explanatory drawing which shows preferable embodiment at the time of implementing this invention about the pharmaceutical which consists of capsules. Explanatory drawing which shows different embodiment at the time of implementing this invention about the pharmaceutical which consists of capsules. Explanatory drawing which shows preferable embodiment at the time of implementing this invention about the pharmaceutical enclosed with the medicine package. Explanatory drawing which shows preferable embodiment at the time of implementing this invention about the pharmaceutical which heat-sealed the tablet etc. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which cut off the pharmaceutical which heat-sealed the tablet etc. which were shown in FIG. 5 along the perforation. Explanatory drawing which shows different embodiment at the time of implementing this invention about the pharmaceutical which enclosed the medicine package. Explanatory drawing which shows different embodiment at the time of implementing this invention about the pharmaceutical which heat-sealed the tablet etc.

Explanation of symbols

1 Drug, 2 Identification number, 3 Code number, 4 Expiration date

Claims (4)

A pharmaceutical time indicator comprising a display showing an expiry date that can be visually confirmed and attached to at least one of the front or back surface of a pharmaceutical product that is a tablet or capsule and discolors or disappears after a predetermined period of time, A pharmaceutical time indicator characterized by using an edible substrate and an edible migration dye. A pharmaceutical time indicator comprising a display showing an expiry date that can be visually confirmed and attached to at least one of the front or back surface of a pharmaceutical product that is a tablet or capsule and discolors or disappears after a predetermined period of time, A pharmaceutical time indicator characterized by using an edible carrier, an edible volatile organic solvent, and an edible dye. A pharmaceutical time indicator comprising a display showing an expiry date that can be visually confirmed and attached to at least one of the front and back surfaces of a pharmaceutical product that is a tablet or capsule and discolors or disappears after a predetermined period of time, A pharmaceutical time indicator characterized by using a silicone resin containing a dye whose display is sensitive to ultraviolet rays.   The pharmaceutical time indicator according to claim 3, wherein the silicon resin and the dye are edible.

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