Method, pharmacy, dispensing device, medicament dispensing container and computer program product for dispensing discrete medicaments

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, a pharmacy, a dispensing device, a medicament dispensing container and a computer program product for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - acquiring a value of a parameter indicative of a climatic condition or a state of a discrete medicament due to said climatic condition; - determining whether the value of the parameter is in a first range or in a second range different from the first range; and - selecting, for the same discrete medicament for which hygroscopic swelling can occur, between a first medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is in the first range and a second medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is in the second range, wherein the second medicament dispensing container has a different size than the first medicament dispensing container.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a pharmacy, a dispensing device, a medicament dispensing container and a computer program product for dispensing discrete medicaments, such as pharmaceuticals, medicaments, pills, tablets or capsules for medical use.

[0002] US 10,173,830 B1 discloses a system that accommodates a series of medicament dispensing containers (also referred to as ‘feed units’ or ‘cans’) for selectively dispensing an amount of said solid medicaments from one or more medicament dispensing containers and for packaging said dispensed amount. Each medicament dispensing container accommodates an amount of solid substance specific to that respective medicament dispensing container. Thus, together these medicament dispensing containers can dispense a wide variety of solid substances.

[0003] The medicament dispensing container comprises an arrangement of passages having a size that is precisely designed to accommodate said solid medicaments in a single row per passage. SUMMARY

[0004] In order to accurately count the dispensed medicaments, it is important that the solid medicaments are reliably singulated and dispensed one by one. In the system of US 10,173,830 B1 each medicament has a dedicated medicament dispensing container with precisely sized passages specific for said medicament. This dedicated medicament dispensing container can effectively prevent dispensing errors, such as double dispensing.

[0005] While increasing the precision of the size design of the passages, it was found that some solid medicaments are repeatedly perfectly dispensed without any problems, while other solid medicaments occasionally fail to be dispensed. The cause of the occasional dispensing failure under seemingly constant and climate-controlled conditions remains a mystery. The occasional failure to dispense certain solid medicaments has been regarded by the industry as a problem that cannot be outweighed by the benefits of precise size design and increased reliability of singulating solid medicaments.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method, a pharmacy, a dispensing device, a medicament dispensing container and a computer program product for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the reliability of the dispensing can be improved in terms of singulation and / or dispensing capacity.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a method for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

[0008] - obtaining, by a control unit, a value of a parameter indicative of a climate condition or a change in size and / or volume of the discrete medicaments due to said climate condition, wherein the climate condition relates to a humidity and / or temperature in an environment in which the discrete medicaments are stored, filled or dispensed;

[0009] - determining, by the control unit, whether the value of the parameter is in a first range or in a second range different from the first range; and

[0010] - for the same discrete medicaments that are subject to hygroscopic swelling, selecting, by the control unit, between using a first medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is in the first range and using a second medicament dispensing container when the value (V) of the parameter is in the second range, to dispense the same discrete medicaments, wherein the second medicament dispensing container has a different size than the first medicament dispensing container.

[0011] The same discrete medicaments contain a hygroscopic swellable substance. In particular, the same discrete medicaments are compressed pellets or tablets. In the context of the present invention, the term 'discrete medicaments' will be interpreted as medicaments that are dispensed one by one, individually, separately or in dosage units.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, the term'same discrete medicaments' will be interpreted as discrete medicaments that have the same brand, type and specification, composition and / or shape. The same discrete medicaments are still considered 'the same' when they are subject to a change in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic swelling.

[0013] Furthermore, it is considered that, in the context of the present invention, determining whether the value of the parameter is in a first range or in a second range is considered equivalent to or equal to determining whether the value of the parameter is above or below a threshold value.

[0014] The Applicant has found that, despite discrete medicaments are typically stored and / or dispensed in a climate-controlled environment, small variations in the climatic conditions can affect the size of the discrete medicaments. In particular, it has been observed that discrete medicaments containing hygroscopic substances, such as compressed pellets or tablets, are subject to a change in volume and / or size when the absolute humidity of the environment changes. Despite the efforts of pharmacies to keep their environment stable in terms of temperature and relative humidity, changes in absolute humidity can still occur, in particular in different seasons of the year.

[0015] The method according to the present application takes into account at least one parameter of the climatic conditions in the environment in which the discrete medicaments are stored, filled or dispensed, and based on said at least one parameter, provides a selection or a recommendation of using the first or the second medicament dispensing container. The method can for example provide a selection of using the first medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is high and the second medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is low. The sizes of the above-mentioned medicament dispensing containers are designed to reliably dispense the same discrete medicament at different values, in particular in different ranges, or above and below a selected threshold value of the parameter. In this way, the medicament dispensing containers can be specifically selected to closely match the size and / or volume of the same discrete medicament with minimal tolerance in a particular range, so that the same discrete medicament can be more reliably dispensed in terms of individual dispensing and / or dispensing capacity despite small changes in size and / or volume due to moisture absorption.

[0016] By providing two different medicament dispensing containers for the same discrete medicament, the dispensing container itself does not need complex mechanisms or moisture-absorbable materials to change the size of the dispensing container and thereby provide more reliable dispensing in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0018] - filling the selected medicament dispensing container of the first and the second medicament dispensing container with the same discrete medicament; and / or

[0019] - dispensing the same discrete medicament by the dispensing device by using the selected medicament dispensing container.

[0020] In one embodiment, the parameter is humidity, in particular absolute humidity. The value of the parameter can thus be used as an indicator of the amount of moisture in the environment and of the selection made taking into account the moisture absorption behavior of the same discrete medicament at said value.

[0021] In one embodiment, the parameter is relative humidity. The value of the absolute humidity can be obtained in at least two ways: by directly measuring the absolute humidity by a sensor or by calculating the absolute humidity based on the relative humidity and the temperature associated with said relative humidity, wherein the relative humidity is directly measured by a sensor.

[0022] In one embodiment, the value of the parameter is measured in the dispensing environment in which the same discrete medicament is dispensed. Depending on the time the same discrete medicament stays in the dispensing environment, it can be useful to measure the parameter in said dispensing environment so that the selected medicament dispensing container is optimized for reliable dispensing under the climatic conditions of the dispensing environment when the same discrete medicament is finally dispensed.

[0023] Alternatively, the value of the parameter is measured in a storage environment and / or a filling environment in which the same discrete medicaments are respectively stored or filled. The same discrete medicaments can be aged in the storage environment and / or the filling environment for a considerable period of time. Thus, the climatic conditions of the storage environment or the filling environment can have a significant impact on the hygroscopic swelling compared to the relatively short time aged in the dispensing environment. Therefore, taking the climatic conditions in the storage environment and / or the filling environment into account can better select which medicament dispensing container to use.

[0024] In further alternative embodiments, the value of the parameter is based on or derived from meteorological data in a meteorological database. The meteorological data can be used as an indirect indicator of the climatic conditions to which the same discrete medicaments are exposed during storage, filling or dispensing. In particular, weather models and / or weather forecasts related to the geographical location of the pharmacy can be used to predict changes in the climatic conditions within the controlled environment of the pharmacy.

[0025] In further alternative embodiments, the value of the parameter is a calendar time, in particular a calendar date, a calendar month, a calendar quarter or any other calendar-related time period. These calendar times can be used as an indirect indicator of the climatic conditions to which the same discrete medicaments are exposed during storage, filling or dispensing. The medicament dispensing container can for example be adapted or optimized for a specific date range, a specific month, a quarter or a season.

[0026] In further alternative embodiments, the value of the parameter is the time the same discrete medicaments are aged in a storage environment, a filling environment or a dispensing environment. The longer the same discrete medicaments are aged in a particular environment, the more time they are exposed to the climatic conditions in said environment. In particular, the same discrete medicaments can hygroscopically swell as a function of the time aged in a particular environment. Therefore, the value of the time aged in said particular environment can be used to predict or estimate whether the size and / or volume of the same discrete medicaments changes due to said climatic conditions and which medicament dispensing container is best suited for reliably dispensing the same discrete medicaments.

[0027] In another embodiment, the method comprises the following step before the step of selecting between the first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container: assigning, by the control unit, the first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container to the same discrete medicament. Each brand, type or specification of discrete medicament typically requires a custom-made medicament dispensing container having a geometry specifically adapted for reliable dispensing of the particular discrete medicament. Thus, when the climatic conditions change, both medicament dispensing containers can be custom-made, specifically designed and / or optimized for use with the same discrete medicament within a specific range of parameters. By assigning the medicament dispensing containers to the same discrete medicament, a selection can be made between the medicament dispensing containers available for the particular same discrete medicament. Optionally, the same discrete medicament can be part of a group of medicaments having the same shape but different composition. The first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container can not only be assigned to the same discrete medicament as described above, but also to a group of medicaments having the same shape. In this way, the assigned medicament dispensing containers can not only be used for the particular same discrete medicament, but also for other medicaments in the group of medicaments of the same shape.

[0028] In another embodiment, the selection made in the step of selecting between the first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container is used to control an automated process of exchanging and filling the selected medicament dispensing container in the dispensing device or in the pharmacy premises. Alternatively, the selection can be displayed as an instruction to the operator, e.g. via a human-machine interface, to exchange and fill the selected medicament dispensing container with the same discrete medicament.

[0029] In another embodiment, the first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container each comprise a dispensing mechanism having one or more guide bodies defining a size of at least a portion of a dispensing path of the same discrete medicament through said dispensing mechanism, wherein the size of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guide bodies of the second medicament dispensing container is different from the size of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guide bodies of the first medicament dispensing container. Thus, the dispensing path of the respective medicament dispensing container can be custom-made, specifically adapted and / or optimized for reliable dispensing of the same discrete medicament at the respective parameter values for which the respective medicament dispensing container is designed for.

[0030] In one embodiment thereof, the size of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guide bodies is fixed for the first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container. Thus, the dispensing containers themselves do not require complex mechanisms or moisture-absorbing expandable materials to change the size of the dispensing containers. Rather, these dispensing containers can be formed with a rigid or substantially rigid geometry, are less susceptible to wear or failure and can be easier and / or less costly to produce.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

[0032] - obtaining, by the control unit, a value of a parameter indicative of a climatic condition, wherein the climatic condition relates to a humidity and / or a temperature in an environment in which the discrete medicaments are stored, filled or dispensed;

[0033] - determining whether the value of the parameter is in a first range or in a second range different from the first range; and

[0034] - generating, by the control unit, an instruction for adjusting a size of the adjustable medicament dispensing container for the same discrete medicament for which hygroscopic swelling occurs, wherein the adjustable medicament dispensing container is adjusted to a first configuration state having a first size when the value of the parameter is in the first range and to a second configuration state having a second size different from the first size when the value of the parameter is in the second range.

[0035] The method according to the second aspect of the invention differs from the method according to the first aspect of the invention in that a single adjustable medicament dispensing container is used instead of two medicament dispensing containers of different sizes. In this way, fewer medicament dispensing containers are needed to adapt to climatic conditions, but at the expense of simplicity. The size can be adjusted automatically or manually by an operator, for example based on an instruction from the control unit. In both cases, the adjustment is made in response to the determination being made. In addition to this, the method has the same technical advantages as the method according to the first aspect of the invention. Different embodiments of the method according to the first aspect of the invention can also be applied to the method according to the second aspect of the invention mutatis mutandis.

[0036] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0037] - dispensing, by the dispensing device, the same discrete medicament by using the adjustable medicament dispensing container.

[0038] In one embodiment, the adjustable medicament dispensing container comprises a dispensing mechanism having one or more guide bodies defining a size of at least a part of a dispensing path of the same discrete medicament through said dispensing mechanism, wherein the one or more guide bodies are mechanically adjustable to change the size of the dispensing path defined by said one or more guide bodies between the first configuration state and the second configuration state. The mechanical adjustment can be controlled automatically by an actuator or driver or manually by an operator.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the adjustable medicament dispensing container comprises an actuator element for mechanically adjusting the one or more guiding bodies, wherein the actuator element comprises a moisture-swellable material. Thus, the actuator element can respond to changes in humidity in the same or similar way as the discrete medicament. Thus, the mechanical adjustment can be changed automatically.

[0040] According to a third aspect, the application provides a pharmacy comprising a dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the pharmacy comprises a set of first medicament dispensing containers and second medicament dispensing containers having a different size than the first medicament dispensing containers, wherein the pharmacy further comprises a control unit configured to:

[0041] - obtain a value of a parameter indicative of a climate condition, wherein the climate condition relates to a humidity and / or a temperature in an environment in which the discrete medicaments are stored, filled or dispensed;

[0042] - determine whether the value of the parameter is in a first range or in a second range different from the first range; and

[0043] - for the same discrete medicament for which moisture-swellable expansion occurs, select between using the first medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is in the first range and using the second medicament dispensing container when the value of the parameter is in the second range for dispensing the same discrete medicament.

[0044] The control unit of the pharmacy according to the third aspect of the application is configured to perform similar steps as the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the application and thus has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated hereinafter.

[0045] In an embodiment, after the selected medicament dispensing container of the first medicament dispensing containers and the second medicament dispensing containers has been filled with the same discrete medicament, the control unit is configured to:

[0046] - control the dispensing device to dispense the same discrete medicament by using the selected medicament dispensing container.

[0047] In an embodiment, the parameter is an absolute humidity. The value of the absolute humidity can be obtained in at least two ways: the value of the parameter can be obtained by directly measuring the absolute humidity by a sensor or by calculating the absolute humidity based on a relative humidity and a temperature associated with said relative humidity, wherein the relative humidity is directly measured by a sensor.

[0048] In an embodiment, the pharmacy comprises a first sensor for measuring the value of the parameter in a dispensing environment in which the same discrete medicament is dispensed.

[0049] Alternatively, the control unit can be connected to a second sensor for measuring the value of the parameter in a storage or filling environment, respectively, in which the same discrete medicament is stored or filled.

[0050] In a further alternative embodiment, the control unit can be connected to a source of weather data, such as a weather database, wherein the value of the parameter is based on or derived from the weather data.

[0051] In a further alternative embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine a calendar time, wherein the value of the parameter is the calendar time, in particular a calendar date, a calendar month or a calendar quarter derived from said calendar time.

[0052] In a further alternative embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine a time at which the same discrete medicament is due in a particular environment.

[0053] In another embodiment, the control unit comprises a memory, wherein the control unit is configured to identify the first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container as candidates for the selection to be made and to assign said first medicament dispensing container and said second medicament dispensing container to the same discrete medicament in the memory.

[0054] In another embodiment, the pharmacy comprises a human-machine interface, wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the human-machine interface to display the selection on the human-machine interface as an instruction to an operator to fill the selected medicament dispensing container with the same discrete medicament.

[0055] In another embodiment, the first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container each comprise a dispensing mechanism having one or more guide bodies defining a size of at least a portion of a dispensing path of the same discrete medicament through said dispensing mechanism, wherein the size of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guide bodies of the second medicament dispensing container is different from the size of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guide bodies of the first medicament dispensing container.

[0056] In embodiments thereof, the size of the dispensing path defined by the one or more guide bodies is fixed for the first medicament dispensing container and the second medicament dispensing container.

[0057] According to a fourth aspect, the application provides a pharmacy comprising a dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments, wherein the pharmacy comprises an adjustable medicament dispensing container adjustable between a first configuration state having a first size and a second configuration state having a second size different from the first size, wherein the pharmacy further comprises a control unit configured to:

[0058] - obtaining a value of a parameter indicative of a climatic condition, wherein the climatic condition relates to a humidity and / or a temperature in an environment in which the discrete medicaments are stored, filled or dispensed;

[0059] - determining whether the value of the parameter is in a first range or in a second range different from the first range; and

[0060] - generating an instruction to adjust the adjustable medicament dispensing container for the same discrete medicament for which hygroscopic swelling occurs, wherein the adjustable medicament dispensing container is adjusted to a first configuration state when the value of the parameter is in the first range and to a second configuration state when the value of the parameter is in the second range.

[0061] The control unit of the pharmacy according to the fourth aspect of the application is configured to perform similar steps as the steps of the method according to the second aspect of the application and thus has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated hereinafter.

[0062] In one embodiment, after adjusting the adjustable medicament dispensing container, the control unit is configured to:

[0063] - control the dispensing device to dispense the same discrete medicament by using the adjustable medicament dispensing container.

[0064] In one embodiment, the adjustable medicament dispensing container comprises a dispensing mechanism having one or more guide bodies defining a size of at least a part of a dispensing path of the same discrete medicament through said dispensing mechanism, wherein the one or more guide bodies are mechanically adjustable to change the size of the dispensing path defined by said one or more guide bodies between the first configuration state and the second configuration state.

[0065] According to a fifth aspect, the application provides an adjustable medicament dispensing container for use in a pharmacy, wherein the medicament dispensing container comprises a dispensing mechanism having one or more guide bodies adjustable between a first configuration state having a first size and a second configuration state having a second size different from the first size, wherein the medicament dispensing container comprises an actuator element for mechanically adjusting the one or more guide bodies, wherein the actuator element comprises a hygroscopically swellable material. This is the same as the medicament dispensing container used in the method according to the second aspect of the application and thus has the same technical advantages in use. In particular, the actuator element can respond to a change in humidity in the same or similar way as the discrete medicaments. Thus, the mechanical adjustment can change automatically.

[0066] According to a sixth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a pharmacy according to any one of the embodiments of the third or fourth aspect of the present application to perform the steps of the method according to any one of the embodiments of the first or second aspect of the present application. The computer program product may, for example, be implemented or loaded onto the control unit of the above-mentioned pharmacy to perform one of the above-mentioned methods, with the aforementioned technical effects.

[0067] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in the present specification can be applied individually, where possible. For example, the dispensing device and the control unit of the pharmacy according to the third or fourth aspect of the present application can be applied independently of the pharmacy. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be the subject of a divisional patent application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0068] The present application will be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0069] Figure 1 A pharmacy with a dispensing environment having a dispensing device, a storage environment, a filling environment, as well as various elements outside of the pharmacy are shown.

[0070] Figure 2 A flowchart of a method of dispensing discrete medicaments using two medicament dispensing containers according to a first embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0071] Figure 3 A cross-section of a dispensing mechanism of a first medicament dispensing container of Figure 2 is shown, superimposed with a dispensing mechanism of a second medicament dispensing container having different dimensions;

[0072] Figure 4 A cross-section of an alternative adjustable medicament dispensing container according to a second embodiment of the present application is shown; and

[0073] Figure 5 A top view of an alternative adjustable medicament dispensing container according to Figure 4 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Figure 1 A pharmacy 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. In the pharmacy 1, tablets or other solid substances for medical use, in particular pills or tablets, are prepared for dispensing to patients.

[0075] As Figure 1As shown, in this example, the pharmacy 1 comprises at least one of a dispensing environment 2, a storage environment 3, and a filling environment 4. In this example, the dispensing environment 2, the storage environment 3, and / or the filling environment 4 are different environments within the same building (e.g., at one geographic location). Alternatively, the environments 2, 3, 4 can be in different or separate buildings and / or at different or separate geographic locations. The environments 2, 3, 4 can be distinct or separate from each other (e.g., separated by walls), or they can be only virtually separated or not separated at all (e.g., when two or more of the environments 2, 3, 4 are part of the same contiguous space or within the same room).

[0076] The dispensing environment 2 comprises at least one dispensing device 21 for dispensing and / or packaging medicaments. The dispensing device 21 can be a highly automated system, e.g., corresponding to the system known from US 10,173,830 B1. The dispensing device 21 is configured to receive medicament dispensing containers Al, A2 (also referred to as “cans”). As shown, each medicament dispensing container Al, A2 has a supply chamber for containing a stock of discrete medicaments, an outlet 97, and a dispensing mechanism 9, 9’ for dispensing the discrete medicaments into a collection and / or packaging unit of the dispensing device 21. The medicaments are discrete in the sense that they can be dispensed one by one, individually, separately, or in dosage units. Figure 3

[0077] The dispensing device 21 is provided with an exchange station 22 for exchanging the medicament dispensing containers Al, A2, e.g., by replacing an empty medicament dispensing container with a full medicament dispensing container. In this example, the exchange station 22 is provided with an exchange drawer 23 which can be conveniently pulled out of the housing of the dispensing device 21 to facilitate the exchange.

[0078] The storage environment 3 is configured to store stock containers 31-36 with discrete medicaments. The storage environment 3 can be configured to store the discrete medicaments under optimal storage conditions, but using the current system can allow some medicaments to be stored under conditions that were previously not possible and / or with medicaments that previously required other storage conditions.

[0079] The filling environment 4 is provided with a filling station 41 for filling the medicament dispensing containers Al, A2 with discrete medicaments from the stock containers 31-36 of the storage environment 3.

[0080] Figure 1 Further shown is an external environment 5 outside or external to the pharmacy 1. The external environment 5 is exposed to weather and / or climate.

[0081] ​The dispensing environment 2, the storage environment 3 and / or the filling environment 4 are provided with climate control, in particular air conditioning, to control the climate conditions, such as temperature and relative humidity. The climate conditions in the dispensing environment 2, the storage environment 3 and / or the filling environment 4 can be controlled in dependence or independently for each environment 2, 3, 4.

[0082] The pharmacy 1 is further provided with a control unit 6 that controls at least part of the operation of the pharmacy. In this example, the control unit 6 is part of or associated with the dispensing device 1 in the dispensing environment 2. Alternatively, the control unit 6 can be in one of the environments 3, 4 or in a dedicated control environment. The control unit 6 comprises a processor 61 and a memory 62, in particular a tangible or non-transitory computer readable medium, for example a physical data carrier such as a hard drive, USB drive, RAM memory, etc. The memory 62 is configured to store computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor 61, cause the control unit 6 to control the operation of the pharmacy 1, in particular of the dispensing device 21. The memory 62 is further configured to store data related to the above operation.

[0083] The pharmacy 1 is additionally provided with one or more sensors 71-75 for sensing or measuring values of parameters indicative, representative or usable to calculate or derive climate conditions in one or more of the environments 2, 3, 4, 5. The one or more sensors 71-75 can for example be sensors of a group comprising: a humidity sensor, a relative humidity sensor, an absolute humidity sensor, a temperature sensor or a combination thereof. Each sensor 71-75 is configured to generate and / or output a signal indicative or representative of the value of the climate parameter measured by the respective sensor 71-75.

[0084] In particular, the one or more sensors 71-75 comprise a first sensor 71 located in the dispensing environment 2 within the dispensing device 1, i.e. in the same space in which the medicament dispensing containers A1, A2 are when they are operable to dispense discrete medicaments. A second sensor 72 is located in the dispensing environment 2 outside the dispensing device 21. A third sensor 73 is located in the storage environment 3. A fourth sensor 74 is located in the filling environment 4. A fifth sensor 75 is positioned in the external environment 5 outside the pharmacy 1.

[0085] The control unit 6 is electronically and / or operatively connected to each of the one or more sensors 71-75 to acquire and process the signals from said sensors 71-75. The values contained in said signals can be stored in the memory 62 intermittently or continuously.

[0086] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 6 may be electronically and / or operatively connected to a meteorological data source, such as a meteorological database 76. The meteorological database 76 may provide information on climatic conditions related to the geographical location and / or weather season of the pharmacy 1, based on real-time or historical data. The meteorological database 76 may be located in, at, or near the pharmacy 1, or the meteorological database may be remotely accessible (e.g., via the Internet).

[0087] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 6 may be configured to obtain calendar time values, such as calendar date, calendar month, and / or calendar quarter, for example, from an internal clock or via a network time protocol.

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, pharmacy 1 further includes one or more human-machine interfaces 81, 82 (e.g., displays or screens) that are electronically or operatively connected to control unit 6 for feeding back information processed by processor 61 to operators (e.g., pharmacists) in pharmacy 1. In this example, the first human-machine interface 81 of the one or more human-machine interfaces 81, 82 is located in or associated with dispensing environment 2, particularly at dispensing device 21, and the second human-machine interface 82 of the one or more human-machine interfaces 81, 82 is located in filling environment 2, particularly at or associated with filling station 41.

[0089] Figure 2 It shows the use of according to Figure 1 The flowchart shows the steps of the method for dispensing discrete drugs M1 and M2 in pharmacy 1.

[0090] Figure 2 Two distinct discrete agents, M1 and M2, are shown. These discrete agents undergo hygroscopic swelling, specifically changes in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic swelling, meaning that these discrete agents increase in size and / or volume when absorbing moisture. More specifically, the first discrete agent M1 shown represents the same discrete agent M1 that is “identical” to each other in the sense of having the same brand, type, specification, composition, and / or shape. The same first discrete agent M1 is still considered “identical” when it undergoes changes in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic swelling. Similarly, the second discrete agent M2 shown represents the same discrete agent M2 that is different from the first discrete agent M1 but is “identical” to each other except for changes in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic swelling.

[0091] When the method begins (step S1), by Figure 1 The one or more sensors 71-75 and / or meteorological database 76 transmit and / or measure information, data, or signals, and are... Figure 1The control unit 6 of the system 1 acquires and processes information, data or signals (step S2). Then, the signals are converted into a value V of a parameter P indicative of a climatic condition (step S3). The signals can be directly converted into said value V, or the signals can be used to indirectly calculate or derive said value V of the parameter P.

[0092] The parameter P can for example be related to the humidity H1, in particular the absolute humidity H1. The value V of the absolute humidity H1 can be acquired by directly measuring the absolute humidity H1. Alternatively, the value V of the absolute humidity H1 can be indirectly acquired by calculating the absolute humidity H1 based on the relative humidity H2 and a temperature T associated with said relative humidity H2, for example using the ideal gas equation.

[0093] The parameter P can alternatively be the calendar time D, in which case the value V can for example be the calendar date, the calendar month, the calendar quarter or another calendar-related time period.

[0094] The parameter P can alternatively be the value of the time at which the discrete medicaments M1, M2 are consumed in a particular environment, for example in the dispensing environment 2, the storage environment 3 and / or the filling environment 4.

[0095] The parameter P can also be weather data W acquired from a weather database, in which case the value V can be a weather season or a weather parameter. The value V of the weather data W can be indicative of real-time climatic conditions or it can be based on historical data. The weather data W for example comprises the absolute humidity H1, the relative humidity H2 and / or the temperature T for the relevant geographical location of the pharmacy 1 and / or for the relevant calendar time D or weather season.

[0096] In a next step (step S4), it is determined whether the value V of the parameter P is within a first range R1 or a second range R2 different from the first range R1. In particular, it is determined whether the value V of the parameter P is above or below a threshold value separating the two ranges R1, R2. The ranges R1, R2 and / or the threshold value are stored in the memory 62 of the control unit 6 of the system 1. Figure 1 In practice, each range R1, R2 is indicative of whether a change in size and / or volume of the discrete medicaments M1, M2 due to moisture-induced swelling is expected or not. For example, if the value V of the parameter P is within the second range R2 and the range R2 is indicative of an increase in volume of the discrete medicaments, a dispensing container with a larger size will be selected.

[0097] In case the parameter P is the absolute humidity H1, the two ranges R1, R2 can be selected to correspond to different ranges of said absolute humidity H1, or a particular threshold value (for example sixty percent) can be selected for said absolute humidity H1.

[0098] In case the parameter P is a calendar time D, each range can be selected to correspond to a selected calendar range (e.g. a date range, a month range or a quarter range), or the threshold can be a selected date, a selected month or a selected quarter (e.g. September or the third quarter). The calendar time D is considered as an indication of the climate condition, since the calendar time can be used to determine which part of the annual climate cycle is currently. Based on historical data of the annual climate cycle, it can be determined which climate conditions are typically applicable without direct or real-time knowledge or measurement of the climate condition.

[0099] In case the parameter P is a time of desiccation in a certain environment, the ranges R1, R2 can be separated by a threshold of the time of desiccation. For example, a number of hours, days, weeks or months in a certain environment. The threshold can be selected based on how the climate conditions of the particular environment change over time the size and / or volume of the discrete agents M1, M2. For example, if the absolute humidity H1 is relatively high, the threshold will be selected as a lower value compared to a situation in which the absolute humidity H1 is relatively low.

[0100] In case the parameter P is derived from weather data W, each range R1, R2 can be selected to correspond to a range of a weather parameter (such as the absolute humidity H1, the relative humidity H2 and / or the temperature T), or to a selected weather season (e.g. summer or winter), or the threshold can be a transition between weather seasons. Again, just knowing the current weather season is sufficient to determine which climate conditions apply to each range R1, R2 without direct or real-time knowledge or measurement of the climate condition.

[0101] The next step (step S5) is optional and serves to determine whether the determined ranges R1, R2 are different from the ranges R1, R2 determined during a previous cycle (if any) of the method. If ‘yes’ (Y), the method continues to the next step (step S6). If ‘no’ (N), the method returns to the start of the method (step S1 ) and the steps (S1 to S4) are repeated.

[0102] Subsequently, the method comprises a step of finding and / or selecting the agent dispensing container A1, A1, B1, B2 that is most suitable for the particular discrete agent M1, M2 in the previously determined range R1, R2 (step S6). To this end, for certain discrete agents M1, M2, at least two different agent dispensing containers A1, A2, B1, B2 are assigned to each range R1, R2 for each discrete agent M1, M2 and are dispatched in the memory 62.

[0103] More particularly, as Figure 2As shown, the drug dispensing containers A1, A2, B1, and B2 can be listed in a table, for example, as two columns representing ranges R1 and R2, and as rows associated with discrete drugs M1 and M2 for which drug dispensing containers A1, A2, B1, and B2 have been assigned by the control unit 6. In this example, the first discrete drug M1 has been assigned a first drug dispensing container A1 and a second drug dispensing container A2 for the first range R1 and the second range R2, respectively. Similarly, the second discrete drug M2, different from the first discrete drug M1, has been assigned an alternative first drug dispensing container B1 and an alternative second drug dispensing container B2 for the first range R1 and the second range R2, respectively.

[0104] Figure 2 The circle C schematically highlights the most suitable dispensing containers A1, A2, B1, B2 for specific discrete drugs M1, M2. Selection C can be shown to the pharmacist as a preference or recommendation, and the pharmacist makes or confirms the final selection.

[0105] In the final step of the method (step S7), option C can be displayed to the pharmacist, who then makes or confirms the final selection. Alternatively, the selection is converted into an instruction and displayed to the pharmacist to indicate the current selection. Figure 1 The medication dispensing container A1 in the dispensing device 21 is exchanged with the selected medication dispensing container A2, and / or the selected medication dispensing container A2 is filled with the same first discrete medication M1. Selection C can be output and / or displayed on one of the human-machine interfaces 81, 82, for example at the dispensing device 21 or the filling station 41. Alternatively, when the exchange and / or filling of medication dispensing containers A1, A2, B1, B2 can be at least partially automated, for example, the instruction can be directly fed to the corresponding automated machine to perform the exchange or filling operation.

[0106] In summary, the method involves selecting between a first agent dispensing container A1 when the value of parameter P V is within a first range R1 and a second agent dispensing container A2 when the value of parameter P V is within a second range R2 for the same discrete agent M1 that undergoes size and / or volume changes due to hygroscopic expansion.

[0107] like Figure 3 As shown, the geometry of the second dispensing container A2 (shown in dashed lines) differs from the geometry of the first dispensing container A1 (shown in solid lines). In particular, the second dispensing container A2 has different dimensions than the first dispensing container A1.

[0108] The first pharmaceutical dispensing container A1 is provided with a dispensing mechanism 9, the operation of which has been described in detail in US10,173,830B1, which is incorporated herein by reference, and is only briefly described below.

[0109] The dispensing mechanism 9 comprises a first guide 91 in the form of a supply body that prepares identical first discrete doses Ml in one or more supply channels 92. The dispensing mechanism 9 further comprises a second guide 93 in the form of a singulation body having one or more singulation chambers 94 for receiving a single first discrete dose Ml or a dose of identical first discrete doses Ml from the one or more supply channels 92. The dispensing mechanism 9 further comprises a third guide 95 in the form of a dispensing body having one or more waiting chambers 96. One or more of the guides 91, 93, 95 are configured to be rotatable for supplying, singulating and dispensing the first discrete doses Ml.

[0110] In this example, the dispensing mechanism 9 further comprises a circumferential recess 98 between the first guide 91 and the second guide 93 for receiving a separation member 99 (e.g. a separation plate or brush) that separates the supply channels 92 from the singulation chambers 94 at a location where the first discrete doses Ml are transferred from the singulation chambers 94 to the waiting chambers 96.

[0111] The guides 91, 93, 95 and the brush recess 98 define dimensions X, Y and Z of at least a portion of a dispensing path 90 of the identical first discrete doses Ml through said dispensing mechanism 9. In particular, the first guide 91 and the second guide 92 define a width X and a depth Y of the one or more supply channels 92 and / or the one or more singulation chambers 94. The circumferential recess 98 defines a depth Z of the circumferential recess and determines dimensions of the separation member 99 received therein.

[0112] Other dimensions can also be defined by portions of the dispensing mechanism 9 including, but not limited to, a height of the one or more singulation chambers 94, a width, a depth and / or a height of the one or more waiting chambers 96, and an angle of inclination of a tapered upper surface of the first guide 91.

[0113] The second dose dispensing container A2 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 3 has an alternative dispensing mechanism 9’ having one or more alternative guides 91’, 93’ and / or an alternative circumferential recess 98’ having dimensions resulting in different dimensions X’, Y’, Z’ of the one or more supply channels 92’, the one or more singulation chambers 94’, and / or the circumferential recess 98’.

[0114] In this way, the selected medicament dispensing container A1, A2 can specifically be adapted to closely match the size and / or volume of the same first discrete medicament M1 within the specific range R1, R2 (i.e. with minimal tolerance), so that the same first discrete medicament M1 can be more reliably dispensed in terms of individual dispensing and / or dispensing capacity, despite small variations due to moisture-induced swelling.

[0115] Figure 4 An alternative adjustable medicament dispensing container A101 is shown, which differs from the aforementioned first medicament dispensing container A1 in that it comprises an alternative dispensing mechanism 109 having one or more guide bodies 191, 193 and a circumferential recess 198, which are mechanically adjustable to change the dimensions X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z' of the dispensing path 190 between a first configuration state and a second configuration state.

[0116] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, in this example, both the first guide body 191 and the second guide body 193 are formed by a plurality of circumferentially distributed and radially expandable segments 196, 197, wherein the one or more passages 192 and / or the one or more singulation chambers 194 are formed at the transitions between said segments 196, 197. Thus, when the segments 196, 197 are radially expanded, the size of the one or more passages 192 and / or the one or more singulation chambers 194 formed therebetween is enlarged.

[0117] The radial expansion of the segments 196, 197 can be automatically changed with an actuator element 199, which responds to changes in the value V of the parameter P in the same or similar manner as the same first discrete medicament M1. In particular, as Figure 5 shown, the actuator element 199 can be centrally positioned between the segments 196, and it can comprise a moisture-swellable material that swells (see actuator element 199' in dotted line, which is swollen) when subjected to a relatively high humidity and drives these segments 196 radially outward, thereby increasing the dimensions of the supply passage 192 defined by said segments 196.

[0118] Alternatively, the mechanical adjustment can be automatically controlled by a suitable actuator and / or manually performed by the pharmacist based on instructions generated by the control unit 6 (e.g. displayed via one of the human-machine interfaces 81, 82).

[0119] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. Many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above discussion, which variations will still be encompassed by the scope of the application.

[0120] List of Reference Signs

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Claims

1. A pharmacy (1) comprising a dispensing device (21) for dispensing discrete medications (M1, M2), a set of first medication dispensing containers (A1) and second medication dispensing containers (A2), and at least one sensor (71-75), the second medication dispensing container having dimensions (X', Y') different from the first medication dispensing container (A1), wherein, The pharmacy (1) further includes a control unit (6), which is configured to: - Obtain the value (V) of a parameter (P) indicating climatic conditions or changes in the size and / or volume of the discrete pharmaceutical agents (M1, M2) caused by said climatic conditions, wherein said climatic conditions are related to the humidity and / or temperature in the environment (2, 3, 4) where the discrete pharmaceutical agents (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed, wherein said parameter is absolute humidity (H1) or relative humidity (H2); and wherein said parameter (P) value (V) is obtained by one of the following methods: directly measuring absolute humidity (H1) by sensors (71-75), directly measuring relative humidity (H2) by sensors (71-75) and calculating absolute humidity (H1) based on the measured value (V) of relative humidity (H2) and the temperature (T) associated with said relative humidity (H2), or based on or derived from meteorological data (W) from a meteorological database (76) that can be connected to the control unit (6); - Determine whether the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within a first range (R1) or within a second range (R2) different from the first range (R1); and - For the same discrete agent (M1) that will undergo hygroscopic expansion, the control unit (6) is configured to dispense these same discrete agents (M1) by selecting between a first agent dispensing container (A1) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1) and a second agent dispensing container (A2) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2), wherein after the selected agent dispensing container (A2) of the first agent dispensing container (A1) and the second agent dispensing container (A2) has been filled with these same discrete agents (M1), the control unit (6) is configured to: - Control the dispensing device (21) to dispense these identical discrete drugs (M1) by using the selected drug dispensing container (A2).

2. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one sensor includes a first sensor (71, 72) for measuring the value (V) of the parameter (P) in the dispensing environment (2) in which these identical discrete agents (M1) are dispensed.

3. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one sensor includes a second sensor (73, 74) that can be connected to the control unit, the second sensor being used to measure the value (V) of the parameter (P) in a storage environment (3) and / or filling environment (4) where the same discrete pharmaceutical agent (M1) is stored or filled respectively.

4. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (6) is configured to determine a calendar time (D), wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is the calendar time (D), which is a calendar date, calendar month, calendar quarter, calendar season, or another calendar-related time period.

5. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (6) is configured to determine the time it takes for these identical discrete agents (M1, M2) to dissipate in the environment (2, 3, 4) where they are stored, filled or dispensed.

6. The pharmacy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The control unit (6) includes a memory (62) wherein the control unit (6) is configured to identify the first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2) as candidates for the selection (C) to be made, and to assign the first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2) to these identical discrete drugs (M1) in the memory (62).

7. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The control unit (6) is operatively connected to a human-machine interface (81, 82) for displaying the selection (C) as an instruction to the operator to fill the selected drug dispensing container (A2) with these same discrete drugs (M1).

8. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2) each include a dispensing mechanism (9, 9') having one or more guides (91, 93, 98). 91', 93', 98'), the one or more guides define the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of at least a portion of the dispensing path (90, 90') through the dispensing mechanism (9, 9'), wherein the dimensions (X', Y', Z') of the dispensing path (90') defined by the one or more guides (91', 93', 98') of the second drug dispensing container (A2) are different from the dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the dispensing path (90) defined by the one or more guides (91, 93, 98) of the first drug dispensing container (A1).

9. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 8, wherein, For the first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2), the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the dispensing path (90, 90') defined by the one or more guides (91, 93, 98; 91', 93', 98') are fixed.

10. A pharmacy (1) comprising a dispensing device (21) for dispensing discrete pharmaceutical preparations (M1), wherein, The pharmacy (1) includes an adjustable dispensing container (A101) and at least one sensor (71-75), the adjustable dispensing container being adjustable between a first configuration having a first size (X, Y, Z) and a second configuration having a second size (X', Y', Z') different from the first size (X, Y, Z), wherein the pharmacy (1) further includes a control unit (6) configured to: - Obtain the value (V) of a parameter (P) indicating climatic conditions or changes in the size and / or volume of the discrete pharmaceutical agents (M1, M2) caused by said climatic conditions, wherein said climatic conditions are related to the humidity and / or temperature in the environment (2, 3, 4) where the discrete pharmaceutical agents (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed, wherein said parameter is absolute humidity (H1) or relative humidity (H2); and wherein said parameter (P) value (V) is obtained by one of the following methods: directly measuring absolute humidity (H1) by sensors (71-75), directly measuring relative humidity (H2) by sensors (71-75) and calculating absolute humidity (H1) based on the measured value (V) of relative humidity (H2) and the temperature (T) associated with said relative humidity (H2), or based on or derived from meteorological data (W) from a meteorological database (76) that can be connected to the control unit (6); - Determine whether the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within a first range (R1) or within a second range (R2) different from the first range (R1); and - Generate instructions for adjusting the adjustable agent dispensing container (A101) for the same discrete agent (M1) that will undergo hygroscopic expansion, wherein the adjustable agent dispensing container (A101) is adjusted to a first configuration state when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1), and to a second configuration state when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2), wherein after adjusting the adjustable agent dispensing container (A101), the control unit (6) is configured to: - The dispensing device (21) is controlled to dispense these identical discrete drugs (M1) by using the adjustable drug dispensing container (A101).

11. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The adjustable drug dispensing container (A101) includes a dispensing mechanism (109) having one or more guides (191, 193, 198) that define the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of at least a portion of a dispensing path (190) through the dispensing mechanism (109) for the same discrete drugs (M1), wherein the one or more guides (191, 193, 198) are mechanically adjustable to change the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the dispensing path (190) defined by the one or more guides (191, 193, 198) between a first configuration state and a second configuration state.

12. A method for dispensing discrete pharmaceutical agents (M1, M2), wherein, The method includes the following steps: - A control unit (6) connectable to at least one sensor (71-75) acquires the value (V) of a parameter (P) indicating climatic conditions or changes in the size and / or volume of the discrete pharmaceutical agents (M1, M2) caused by said climatic conditions, wherein said climatic conditions are related to the humidity and / or temperature in the environment in which the discrete pharmaceutical agents (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed (2, 3, 4), wherein said parameter is absolute humidity (H1) or relative humidity (H2); and wherein said parameter (P) value (V) is acquired by one of the following methods: by directly measuring absolute humidity (H1) by the sensor (71-75), by directly measuring relative humidity (H2) by the sensor (71-75) and calculating absolute humidity (H1) based on the measured value (V) of relative humidity (H2) and the temperature (T) associated with said relative humidity (H2), or by deriving from or based on meteorological data (W) from a meteorological database (76) connectable to the control unit (6); - The control unit (6) determines whether the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within a first range (R1) or within a second range (R2) different from the first range (R1); and - For the same discrete agent (M1) that will undergo hygroscopic expansion, the control unit (6) selects between using a first agent dispensing container (A1) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1) and using a second agent dispensing container (A2) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2) to dispense these same discrete agents (M1), wherein the second agent dispensing container (A2) has a different size than the first agent dispensing container (A1); - Fill the selected dispensing container (A2) in the first dispensing container (A1) and the second dispensing container (A2) with these identical discrete reagents (M1); and - The same discrete drugs (M1) are dispensed by the dispensing device (21) using the selected drug dispensing container (A2).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The value (V) of the parameter (P) is measured by the at least one sensor (72) in the dispensing environment (2) where these identical discrete agents (M1) are dispensed.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The value (V) of the parameter (P) is measured by the at least one sensor (73, 74) in a storage environment (3) and / or filling environment (4) where the same discrete pharmaceutical agent (M1) is stored and / or filled respectively.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The value (V) of this parameter (P) is the calendar time (D), which is a calendar date, calendar month, calendar quarter, or another calendar-related time period.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The value (V) of parameter (P) is the time it takes for these identical discrete reagents (M1, M2) to decay in the environments (2, 3, 4) where they are stored, filled, or dispensed.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein, The method includes the following steps prior to the step of selecting between the first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2): the control unit (6) assigns the first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2) to the same discrete drugs (M1).

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The method further includes a step of selecting a dispensing container, which is displayed by a human-machine interface (81, 82) as a step of selecting between the first dispensing container (A1) and the second dispensing container (A2).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The selection shown is an instruction to the operator to fill the selected drug dispensing container (A2) with these same discrete drugs (M1).

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2) each include a dispensing mechanism (9, 9') having one or more guides (91, 93, 95). The one or more guides (91', 93', 95') define the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of at least a portion of the dispensing path (90, 90') through the dispensing mechanism (9, 9'), wherein the dimensions (X', Y', Z') of the dispensing path (90') defined by the one or more guides (91', 93', 95') of the second drug dispensing container (A2) are different from the dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the dispensing path (90) defined by the one or more guides (91, 93, 95) of the first drug dispensing container (A1).

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, For the first drug dispensing container (A1) and the second drug dispensing container (A2), there are one or more guides (91, 93, 95); The dimensions of the allocation path (90, 90') defined by 91', 93', 95' are fixed.

22. A method for dispensing discrete pharmaceutical agents (M1, M2), wherein, The method includes the following steps: - The control unit (6) acquires the value (V) of a parameter (P) indicating climatic conditions or changes in the size and / or volume of the discrete agents (M1, M2) caused by said climatic conditions, wherein said climatic conditions are related to the humidity and / or temperature in the environment in which the discrete agents (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed (2, 3, 4), wherein said parameter is absolute humidity (H1) or relative humidity (H2); and wherein said parameter (P) value (V) is acquired by one of the following methods: by directly measuring absolute humidity (H1) by sensors (71-75), by directly measuring relative humidity (H2) by sensors (71-75) and calculating absolute humidity (H1) based on the measured value (V) of relative humidity (H2) and the temperature (T) associated with said relative humidity (H2), or based on or derived from meteorological data (W) from a meteorological database (76) that can be connected to the control unit (6); - The control unit (6) determines whether the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within a first range (R1) or within a second range (R2) different from the first range (R1); - The control unit (6) generates instructions for adjusting the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the adjustable agent dispensing container (A101) for the same discrete agent (M1) that will undergo hygroscopic expansion, wherein the adjustable agent dispensing container (A101) is adjusted to a first configuration state having a first dimension (X, Y, Z) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1), and is adjusted to a second configuration state having a second dimension (X', Y', Z') different from the first dimension (X, Y, Z) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2); - The same discrete drugs (M1) are dispensed by the dispensing device (21) using the adjustable drug dispensing container (A101).

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The adjustable drug dispensing container (A101) includes a dispensing mechanism (109) having one or more guides (191, 193, 198) that define the dimensions of at least a portion of a dispensing path (190) through which the same discrete drugs (M1) pass through the dispensing mechanism (109), wherein the one or more guides (191, 193, 198) are mechanically adjustable to change the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the dispensing path (190) defined by the one or more guides (191, 193, 198) between a first configuration state and a second configuration state.

24. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein, The adjustable dispensing container (A101) includes an actuator element (199) for mechanically adjusting the one or more guides (191, 193, 198), wherein the actuator element (199) comprises a moisture-absorbing and expandable material.

25. A medicine dispensing container (A101) for use in a pharmacy (1), wherein, The dispensing container (A101) includes a dispensing mechanism (109) having one or more guides (191, 193, 198) adjustable between a first configuration having a first dimension (X, Y, Z) and a second configuration having a second dimension (X', Y', Z') different from the first dimension (X, Y, Z), wherein the dispensing container (A101) includes an actuator element (199) for mechanically adjusting the one or more guides (191, 193, 198), wherein the actuator element (199) comprises a moisture-absorbing and expandable material.

26. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium (62) having instructions which, when executed by a processor (61), cause a pharmacy (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 12 to 24.

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