Method, pharmacy, dispensing device, drug dispensing container, and computer program product for dispensing individual drugs - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, a pharmacy, an ejection device, an ejection container, and a computer program product for ejecting individual medications, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a value of a parameter indicative of a climatic condition or a state of the individual medication due to said climatic condition; determining whether the value of the parameter is within a first range or within a second range different from the first range; and for the same individual medication that has undergone hygroscopic expansion, selecting to use a first medication ejection container when the value of the parameter is within the first range and selecting to use a second medication ejection container when the value of the parameter is within the second range, wherein the second medication ejection container has different dimensions from the first medication ejection container.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a pharmacy, a dispensing device, a drug dispensing container, and a computer program product for dispensing individual drugs, such as medical drugs, medicines, pills, tablets, or capsules. [Background technology]

[0002] US Patent No. 10,173,830 B1 discloses a system containing a series of drug outlet containers (also called "feeder units" or "canisters") for selectively dispensing a quantity of said solid drug from one or more drug outlet containers and packaging said dispensed quantities. Each drug outlet container holds a quantity of solid material specific to the respective drug outlet container. Thus, drug outlet containers together can dispense a variety of solid materials.

[0003] The drug supply container includes an array having a plurality of passages, each passage being precisely sized to accommodate a single row of the solid drug.

[0004] In order to accurately count the dispensed medications, it is important to ensure that the solid medications are individually dispensed. In the system of U.S. Pat. No. 10,173,830 B1, each medication has a dedicated medication dispenser with a precisely dimensioned passageway specific to that medication. Such a dedicated medication dispenser can effectively prevent dispense errors such as duplicate dispenses.

[0005] As the aisle sizing became more accurate, it was discovered that while some solids dispensed flawlessly and repeatedly without issue, other solids would occasionally fail to dispense. The cause of the occasional failure to dispense even in seemingly consistent, climate-controlled conditions remains a mystery. The occasional inability to dispense certain solids is accepted by the industry as a less important issue than the benefits of accurate sizing and improved reliability of individual dispense of solids. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method, a pharmacy, a dispensing device, a drug dispensing container, and a computer program product for dispensing individual medications that can improve the reliability of dispensing in terms of one-by-one dispensing and / or dispensing capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for dispensing individual medications, comprising: - obtaining, by the control unit, values ​​of parameters indicative of climatic conditions or of changes in the size and / or volume of the individual medications due to said climatic conditions, the climatic conditions relating to humidity and / or temperature in the environment in which the individual medications are stored, filled or dispensed; - determining by the control unit whether the value of the parameter is within a first range or within a second range different from the first range; - selecting, by the control unit, for an identical individual medication that has undergone hygroscopic expansion, to use a first medication outlet container when the value of the parameter (V) is within a first range, and selecting to use a second medication outlet container when the value of the parameter (V) is within a second range, the second medication outlet container having different dimensions than the first medication outlet container; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0008] The individual identical medicaments include a hygroscopic swelling material. In particular, the individual identical medicaments are compressed pills or tablets. In the context of the present invention, the term "individual medicaments" can be interpreted as medicaments that can be dispensed one by one, individually, separately, or in dose units.

[0009] In the present invention, the term "same individual drug" may be interpreted as an individual drug being of the same brand, type and specification, composition, and / or shape. An identical individual drug is still considered to be "same" even when it has undergone a change in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic expansion.

[0010] Furthermore, it can be said that, in the context of the present invention, determining whether the value of a parameter is within a first range or within a second range can be considered equivalent or the same as determining whether the value of a parameter is above or below a threshold value.

[0011] The applicant has found that, despite the climate-controlled environment in which individual medications are typically stored and / or dispensed, there are small changes in climatic conditions that can affect the dimensions of the individual medications. In particular, it has been observed that individual medications that contain hygroscopic materials, such as compressed pills or tablets, are prone to changes in volume and / or size when the absolute humidity of the environment changes. Despite efforts made in pharmacies to stabilize the environment in terms of temperature and relative humidity, changes in absolute humidity can still occur, especially during different seasons throughout the year.

[0012] The method according to the invention considers at least one parameter of the climatic conditions in the environment in which the individual medications are stored, filled or delivered, and provides a selection or suggestion to use a first medication delivery container or a second medication delivery container based on said at least one parameter. The method can provide, for example, to select the use of the first medication delivery container when the value of the parameter is high, and to select the use of the second medication delivery container when the value of the parameter is low. The aforementioned medication delivery container is dimensioned to ensure delivery of the same individual medication at different values ​​of the parameter, in particular within different ranges, or above and below a selected threshold value. In this way, the medication delivery container can be specifically selected to closely match, i.e. with a minimum tolerance, the size and / or volume of the same individual medication within a certain range, and thus to ensure delivery of the same individual medication in terms of one-by-one delivery and / or delivery capacity, despite small changes in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic expansion.

[0013] By providing two different drug delivery containers for the same individual drug, the delivery container itself does not require complex mechanisms or hygroscopically expandable materials to change the dimensions of the delivery container, thereby allowing for more reliable delivery in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method comprises: - filling selected ones of the first and second drug outlet containers with the same individual drug (M1); and / or - dispensing, by a dispensing device, the same individual medication using the selected medication dispensing container. Further includes:

[0015] In one embodiment, the parameter is humidity, in particular absolute humidity, so that the value of the parameter can be used as an indicator of the amount of moisture in the environment and a selection can be made taking into account the hygroscopic behavior of the same individual drug at said value.

[0016] In one embodiment, the parameter is relative humidity. A value for 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 a temperature associated with said relative humidity, where the relative humidity is directly measured by a sensor.

[0017] In one embodiment, the value of the parameter is measured in a delivery environment from which the same individual medication is delivered. Depending on the time the same individual medication remains in the delivery environment, it may be useful to measure the parameter in said delivery environment so that when the same individual medication is eventually delivered, the selected medication delivery container is optimized for reliable delivery in the climatic conditions of the delivery environment.

[0018] Alternatively, the parameter values ​​are measured in a storage environment and / or a filling environment in which the same individual drug is stored and / or filled, respectively. The same individual drug may spend a significant period of time in the storage environment and / or the filling environment. Thus, the climatic conditions of the storage environment or the filling environment may have a greater impact on the hygroscopic expansion than the relatively short time spent in the delivery environment. Thus, consideration of the climatic conditions in the storage environment and / or the filling environment may lead to a better selection of which drug delivery container to use.

[0019] In a further alternative embodiment, the value of the parameter is based on or derived from weather data in a weather database. The weather data can be used as an indirect indicator of the climatic conditions to which the same individual medication will be exposed during storage, filling or dispensing. In particular, weather models and / or weather forecasts related to the geographic location of the pharmacy can be used to predict changes in climatic conditions within the controlled environment of the pharmacy.

[0020] In a further alternative embodiment, the value of the parameter is a calendar time, in particular a calendar day, a calendar month, a calendar quarter, or any other calendar-related period. These calendar times can be used as an indirect indicator of the climatic conditions to which the same individual pharmaceutical product is exposed during storage, filling, or dispensing. For example, a pharmaceutical dispensing container may be adapted or optimized for use during a particular range of days, a particular month, quarter, or season.

[0021] In a further alternative embodiment, the parameter value is the time spent by the same individual medication in a storage environment, a filling environment, or a dispensing environment. The longer the time the same individual medication spends in a particular environment, the longer it is exposed to the climatic conditions in said environment. In particular, the same individual medication may hygroscopically expand as a function of the time spent in a particular environment. Thus, a value for the time spent in said particular environment can be used to predict or estimate whether the size and / or volume of the same individual medication has changed due to the climatic conditions, and which medication dispensing container is best suited to reliably dispense the same individual medication.

[0022] In another embodiment, the method includes, prior to the step of selecting between the first drug outlet container and the second drug outlet container, allocating by the control unit the first drug outlet container and the second drug outlet container to the same individual drug. Typically, each brand, type, or specification of the individual drug requires a custom-made drug outlet container with a geometry that is specifically adapted to reliably deliver the specific individual drug. Thus, when climatic conditions change, the two drug outlet containers may be custom-made and specifically designed and / or optimized for use with the same individual drug within a specified parameter range. By allocating those drug outlet containers to the same individual drug, a selection may be made among the drug outlet containers available for the specific, same individual drug. Optionally, the same individual drug may be part of a group of drugs having the same shape but different compositions. The first drug outlet container and the second drug outlet container may be allocated not only to the aforementioned same individual drug, but also to a group of drugs having the same shape. In this way, the allocated drug outlet container may be used not only for the specific, same individual drug, but also for other drugs in the group of drugs having the same shape.

[0023] In another embodiment, the selection made in the step of selecting between the first and second drug outlet containers is used to control an automated process in the outlet device or pharmacy housing to replace and fill the selected drug outlet container. Alternatively, the selection can be displayed, for example via a human machine interface, as an instruction to an operator to replace the selected drug outlet container and fill it with the same individual drug.

[0024] In another embodiment, the first drug outlet container and the second drug outlet container each comprise an outlet mechanism having one or more guides that define dimensions of at least a portion of an outlet path of the same individual drug through said outlet mechanism, and the dimensions of the outlet path defined by said one or more guides of the second drug outlet container are different from the dimensions of the outlet path defined by said one or more guides of the first drug outlet container. Thus, the outlet path of each drug outlet container can be custom-made, specifically adapted and / or optimized to ensure that each drug outlet container delivers the same individual drug at each value of the parameter for which it is intended.

[0025] In one embodiment, the dimensions of the outlet path defined by the one or more guides are fixed with respect to the first drug outlet container and the second drug outlet container. Thus, the outlet container itself does not require complex mechanisms or hygroscopically expanding materials to change the dimensions of the outlet container. Instead, it can be formed with a rigid or substantially rigid geometry that is less susceptible to wear and failure and may be easier and / or less expensive to manufacture.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for dispensing individual medications, comprising: - obtaining, by the control unit, values ​​of parameters indicative of climatic conditions, the climatic conditions relating to humidity and / or temperature in an environment in which the individual medicaments are stored, filled or dispensed; - determining whether the value of the parameter is within a first range or within a second range different from the first range; - generating, by the control unit, instructions for adjusting dimensions of the adjustable drug outlet container for the same individual drug that has undergone hygroscopic expansion, the adjustable drug outlet container being adjusted to a first configuration state having a first dimension when the value of the parameter is within a first range, and to a second configuration state having a second dimension different from the first dimension when the value of the parameter is within a second range; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0027] The method according to the second aspect of the invention differs from the method according to the first aspect of the invention in that instead of two differently sized drug outlet containers, a single adjustable drug outlet container is used. In this way, fewer drug outlet containers are required to adapt to climatic conditions, at the expense of simplicity. The dimensions may be adjusted automatically, for example based on commands from a control unit, or manually by an operator. In both cases, the adjustment is made depending on the decision made. Otherwise, the method has the same technical advantages as the method according to the first aspect of the invention. The various embodiments of the method according to the first aspect of the invention can be applied mutatis mutandis to the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method comprises: - dispensing the same individual medication using an adjustable medication dispenser by a dispense device. Further includes:

[0029] In one embodiment, an adjustable drug outlet container comprises an outlet mechanism having one or more guides defining a dimension of at least a portion of an outlet path of a same individual drug through said outlet mechanism, said one or more guides being mechanically adjustable to vary a dimension of the outlet path defined by said one or more guides between a first configuration and a second configuration, the mechanical adjustment being controlled automatically by an actuator or drive mechanism or manually by an operator.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the adjustable drug delivery container comprises an actuator element for mechanically adjusting one or more guides, the actuator element comprising a hygroscopically expanding material. Thus, the actuator element can respond to changes in humidity in the same or similar manner as the individual drugs. Thus, the mechanical adjustment can be changed automatically.

[0031] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a pharmacy comprising a dispensing device for dispensing individual medications, the dispensing device comprising a first medication dispensing container and a set of second medication dispensing containers having different dimensions than the first medication dispensing container, the pharmacy further comprising a control unit, the control unit being configured to: - obtaining values ​​of parameters indicative of climatic conditions, the climatic conditions relating to humidity and / or temperature in an environment in which the individual medications are stored, filled or dispensed; determining whether a value of the parameter is within a first range or within a second range different from the first range; - selecting to use a first drug delivery container to deliver the same individual drug when the parameter value is within a first range and selecting to use a second drug delivery container to deliver the same individual drug when the parameter value is within a second range for the same individual drug that has undergone hygroscopic expansion. The present invention provides a pharmacy configured to:

[0032] The pharmacy control unit according to the third aspect of the present invention is configured to perform similar steps to the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention and therefore has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated below.

[0033] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to, after a selected one of the first and second drug outlet containers are filled with the same individual drug, - controlling a dispense device to dispense the same individual medication using a selected medication dispense container; It is configured as follows.

[0034] In one embodiment, the parameter is absolute humidity. A value for absolute humidity can be obtained in at least two ways: by directly measuring the absolute humidity by a sensor, or the value of the parameter can be obtained by calculating the absolute humidity based on the relative humidity and a temperature associated with said relative humidity, where the relative humidity is directly measured by a sensor.

[0035] In one embodiment, the pharmacy comprises a first sensor for measuring a value of a parameter within a dispensing environment in which the same individual medication is dispensed.

[0036] Alternatively, the control unit can be connected to a second sensor for measuring the value of a parameter within a storage or filling environment in which the same individual medicament is stored or filled, respectively.

[0037] In a further alternative embodiment, the control unit is connectable to a source of weather data, for example a weather database, and the value of the parameter is based on or derived from the weather data.

[0038] In a further alternative embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine a calendar time, and the value of the parameter is a calendar time, in particular a calendar day, a calendar month or a calendar quarter derived from said calendar time.

[0039] In a further alternative embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine the time spent by the same individual medicament within a particular environment.

[0040] In another embodiment, the control unit comprises a memory, and the control unit is configured to identify a first drug output container and a second drug output container as candidates for which a selection is to be made, and to allocate, in the memory, the first drug output container and the second drug output container for the same individual drug.

[0041] In another embodiment, the pharmacy includes a human machine interface and the control unit is operatively connected to the human machine interface for displaying the selection on the human machine interface as an instruction to the operator to fill the selected drug outlet container with the same individual drug.

[0042] In another embodiment, the first drug output container and the second drug output container each include an output mechanism having one or more guides that define dimensions of at least a portion of an output path of the same individual drug through the output mechanism, and the dimensions of the output path defined by the one or more guides of the second drug output container are different from the dimensions of the output path defined by the one or more guides of the first drug output container.

[0043] In one embodiment thereof, a dimension of the outlet path defined by said one or more guides is fixed with respect to the first drug outlet container and the second drug outlet container.

[0044] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a pharmacy comprising a dispensing device for dispensing individual medicaments, the dispensing device comprising an adjustable medicament dispensing container, the medicament dispensing container being adjustable between a first configuration having a first dimension and a second configuration having a second dimension different from the first dimension, the pharmacy further comprising a control unit, the control unit being adapted to: - obtaining values ​​of parameters indicative of climatic conditions, the climatic conditions relating to humidity and / or temperature in an environment in which the individual medications are stored, filled or dispensed; determining whether a value of the parameter is within a first range or within a second range different from the first range; - generating instructions for adjusting the adjustable drug delivery container for the same individual drug that has undergone hygroscopic expansion, the adjustable drug delivery container being adjusted to a first configuration state when the value of the parameter is within a first range and to a second configuration state when the value of the parameter is within a second range. The present invention provides a pharmacy configured to:

[0045] The pharmacy control unit according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is configured to perform similar steps to the steps of the method according to the second aspect of the present invention and therefore has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated below.

[0046] In one embodiment, the control unit, after adjusting the adjustable medication outlet container, -Controlling the dispensing device to dispense identical individual medications using adjustable medication dispense containers It is configured as follows.

[0047] In one embodiment, an adjustable drug outlet container comprises an outlet mechanism having one or more guides defining dimensions of at least a portion of an outlet path of the same individual drug through said outlet mechanism, the one or more guides being mechanically adjustable to vary the dimensions of the outlet path defined by the one or more guides between a first configuration state and a second configuration state.

[0048] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a drug delivery container for use in a pharmacy, comprising a delivery mechanism having one or more guide bodies, the guide bodies being mechanically adjustable between a first configuration state having a first dimension and a second configuration state having a second dimension different from the first dimension, the drug delivery container comprising an actuator element for mechanically adjusting the one or more guide bodies, the actuator element comprising a hygroscopically expanding material. This is the same drug delivery container as used in the method according to the second aspect of the present invention, and therefore has the same technical advantages in use. In particular, the actuator element can respond to changes in humidity in the same or similar manner as the individual drugs. Thus, the mechanical adjustment can be changed automatically.

[0049] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium carrying 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 invention to perform the steps of the method according to any one of the embodiments of the first or second aspect of the invention. The computer program product can for example be implemented or loaded into a control unit of the aforementioned pharmacy and is capable of performing one of the aforementioned methods with the aforementioned technical effect.

[0050] The various aspects and features described and illustrated herein may be applied individually where possible. For example, a pharmacy dispensing device and control unit according to the third or fourth aspect of the invention may be applied independently of the pharmacy. These individual aspects, in particular those aspects and features described in the accompanying dependent claims, may be the subject of divisional patent applications.

[0051] The invention will now be explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a pharmacy with a shipping environment with a shipping device, a storage environment, a filling environment, and various elements external to the pharmacy. [Diagram 2] 1 is a flow diagram of a method for dispensing individual medications using two medication dispensing containers according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a delivery mechanism of a first drug delivery container of FIG. 2 superimposed with a delivery mechanism of a second drug delivery container having different dimensions. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative adjustable medication dispenser container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternative adjustable drug dispenser container according to FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] 1 shows a pharmacy 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which medicines, drugs, medications, pharmaceuticals or other medical solid substances, in particular pills or tablets, are prepared for distribution to patients.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1 , in this example, pharmacy 1 includes at least one of an output environment 2, a storage environment 3, and a filling environment 4. In this example, output environment 2, storage environment 3, and / or filling environment 4 are different environments in the same building, e.g., in one geographic location. Alternatively, environments 2, 3, 4 may be in different or separate buildings and / or in different or separate geographic locations. Environments 2, 3, 4 may be distinct or separated from one another, such as separated by a wall, or may be only virtually separated or not separated at all, e.g., when two or more of environments 2, 3, 4 are part of the same contiguous space or in the same room.

[0055] The output environment 2 comprises at least one output device 21 for outputting and / or packaging medicaments. The output device 21 may be a mostly automated system, for example corresponding to the system known from US Pat. No. 10,173,830 B1. The output device 21 is configured to receive medicament output containers A1, A2, also called "canisters". As shown in Fig. 3, each medicament output container A1, A2 has a supply chamber for holding an inventory of individual medicaments and an outlet 97 and an output mechanism 9, 9' for outputting the individual medicaments to a collecting and / or packaging unit of the output device 21. The medicaments are individual in the sense that they can be output one by one, individually, separately or in dose units.

[0056] The delivery device 21 is provided with an exchange station 22 for exchanging the drug delivery containers A1, A2, for example by exchanging an empty drug delivery container with a full drug delivery container. In this example, the exchange station 22 is provided with an exchange drawer 23 that can be conveniently pulled out of the housing of the delivery device 21 to facilitate the exchange.

[0057] The storage environment 3 is configured to store stock containers 31-36 containing individual medications. The storage environment 3 may be configured to store the individual medications in optimal storage conditions, however, use of the system according to the invention may enable some medications to be stored in conditions that were not previously possible and / or together with medications that previously required other storage conditions.

[0058] In the filling environment 4, a filling station 41 is provided for filling individual medicines from the stock containers 31 to 36 in the storage environment 3 into the medicine delivery containers A1, A2.

[0059] Figure 1 further shows an external environment 5 outside or external to the pharmacy 1. The external environment 5 is exposed to the effects of weather and / or climate.

[0060] The output environment 2, the storage environment 3 and / or the filling environment 4 are provided with climate control functions, in particular air conditioning functions, for controlling climatic conditions such as temperature and relative humidity. The climatic conditions in the output environment 2, the storage environment 3 and / or the filling environment 4 can be controlled dependently or independently for each environment 2, 3, 4.

[0061] The pharmacy 1 is further provided with a control unit 6 that controls at least a part of the operation of the pharmacy. In this example, the control unit 6 is part of or associated with the output device 1 in the output environment 2. Alternatively, the control unit 6 may be within 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, a USB drive or a RAM memory. 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 the operation of the output device 21. The memory 62 is further configured to store data related to the aforementioned operations.

[0062] The pharmacy 1 is further provided with one or more sensors 71-75 for sensing or measuring values ​​indicative of, representative of, or useful in calculating or deriving a parameter of the climatic conditions in one or more of the environments 2, 3, 4, 5. The one or more sensors 71-75 may for example be a humidity sensor, a relative humidity sensor, an absolute humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, or a group of sensors including combinations thereof. Each sensor 71-75 is configured to generate and / or output a signal indicative of or representative of the value of the climatic parameter measured by the respective sensor 71-75.

[0063] In particular, the one or more sensors 71-75 include a first sensor 71 that is located in the output environment 2 within the output device 1, i.e., in the same space in which the medication output containers A1, A2 are located when operationally outputting an individual medication. A second sensor 72 is located within the output environment 2, outside of the output device 21. A third sensor 73 is located within the storage environment 3. A fourth sensor 74 is located within the filling environment 4. A fifth sensor 75 is positioned within the external environment 5, outside of the pharmacy 1.

[0064] The control unit 6 is electronically and / or operatively connected to each of the one or more sensors 71-75 to acquire and process signals from said sensors 71-75. Values ​​contained in said signals may be stored in the memory 62 intermittently or continuously.

[0065] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 6 may be electronically and / or operatively connected to a weather data source, such as a weather database 76. The weather database 76 may provide information regarding climatic conditions and / or meteorological seasons associated with the geographic location of the pharmacy 1, based on real-time or historical data. The weather database 76 may be located within, at, or near the pharmacy 1, or may be accessible remotely, for example via the internet.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 6 may be configured to obtain values ​​relating to calendar times, such as calendar days, calendar months, and / or calendar quarters, for example from an internal clock or via a network time protocol.

[0067] 1 , the pharmacy 1 further comprises one or more human machine interfaces 81, 82, e.g. displays or screens, electronically or operatively connected to the control unit 6 and feeding back information processed by the processor 61 to an operator, e.g. a pharmacist, in the pharmacy 1. In this example, a first human machine interface 81 of the one or more human machine interfaces 81, 82 is provided in the outgoing environment 2, in particular at or in association with the outgoing device 21, and a second human machine interface 82 of the one or more human machine interfaces 81, 82 is provided in the filling environment 2, in particular at or in association with the filling station 41.

[0068] FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of the steps of a method for dispensing individual medications M1, M2 using the pharmacy 1 according to FIG.

[0069] FIG. 2 shows two different individual medicaments M1, M2 that undergo hygroscopic swelling, and in particular undergo a hygroscopic size and / or volume change (meaning that they increase in size and / or volume when they absorb moisture). More specifically, the first individual medicament M1 shown represents identical individual medicaments M1 that are "identical" to each other in the sense that they are of the same specific brand, type, specification, composition, and / or shape. The identical first individual medicaments M1 are still considered "identical" even when a hygroscopic size and / or volume change occurs. Similarly, the second individual medicament M2 shown represents identical individual medicaments M2 that are different from the first individual medicament M1, but are "identical" to each other except for the hygroscopic size and / or volume change.

[0070] The method starts (step S1) and information, data or signals are transmitted and / or measured by one or more sensors 71-75 and / or weather database 76 of Fig. 1 and are acquired and processed by control unit 6 of Fig. 1 (step S2). The signals are then converted into a value V of a parameter P indicative of the climatic conditions (step S3). The signals may be directly converted into said value V or may be used to indirectly calculate or derive the value V of said parameter P.

[0071] The parameter P may relate, for example, to humidity H1, in particular absolute humidity H1. The value V of the absolute humidity H1 may be obtained by directly measuring the absolute humidity H1. Alternatively, the value V of the absolute humidity H1 may be obtained indirectly 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.

[0072] Alternatively, the parameter P may be a calendar time D, in which case the value V may be, for example, a calendar day, a calendar month, a calendar quarter, or another calendar-related period.

[0073] Alternatively, the parameter P may be a value related to the time that an individual medication M1, M2 spends in a particular environment, such as the output environment 2, the storage environment 3, and / or the filling environment 4.

[0074] The parameter P may be meteorological data W obtained from a meteorological database, in which case the value V may be a meteorological season or a meteorological parameter. The value V of the meteorological data W may be indicative of real-time weather conditions or may be based on historical data. The meteorological data W includes, for example, absolute humidity H1, relative humidity H2, and / or temperature T for the relevant geographical location of the pharmacy 1 and / or for the relevant calendar time D or meteorological season.

[0075] In the next step (step S4), it is determined 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. 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 values ​​are stored in the memory 62 of the control unit 6 of FIG. 1. In practice, each range R1, R2 indicates whether a change in size and / or volume of the individual medications M1, M2 due to hygroscopic expansion is expected. For example, if the value V of the parameter P is within the second range R2, which indicates an increase in the volume of the individual medications, an output container with larger dimensions is selected.

[0076] If the parameter P is an absolute humidity H1, the two ranges R1, R2 may be selected to correspond to different ranges of said absolute humidity H1, or a specific threshold value for said absolute humidity H1 may be selected, for example 60%.

[0077] If the parameter P is a calendar time D, each range may be selected to correspond to a selected calendar range, such as a day range, a month range, or a quarter range, or the threshold may be a selected day, a selected month, or a selected quarter, such as September or the third quarter. The calendar time D is considered indicative of a climate condition because it can be used to determine in which part of the annual climate cycle the current time is. Based on historical data of the annual climate cycle, it can be determined which climate conditions typically apply without directly or in real time knowing or measuring the climate conditions.

[0078] If the parameter P is the time spent in a particular environment, the ranges R1, R2 may be separated by a threshold value of the time spent, e.g., hours, days, weeks, or months in a particular environment. The threshold value may be selected based on how the climatic conditions of the particular environment change the size and / or volume of the individual agents M1, M2 over time. For example, in a situation where the absolute humidity H1 is relatively high, a lower value is selected for the threshold value compared to a situation where the absolute humidity H1 is relatively low.

[0079] If the parameter P is derived from meteorological data W, each range R1, R2 may be selected to correspond to a range of meteorological parameters such as absolute humidity H1, relative humidity H2, and / or temperature T, or a selected meteorological season, e.g. summer or winter, or the threshold value may be a transition period between meteorological seasons. Again, knowing the current meteorological season is sufficient to determine which climatic conditions apply to each range R1, R2, without directly or in real time knowing or measuring the climatic conditions.

[0080] The next step (step S5) is optional and is used 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 proceeds to the next step (step S6). If no (N), the method returns to the start of the method (step S1) and steps (S1-S4) are repeated.

[0081] The method then comprises a step of searching and / or selecting in the previously determined ranges R1, R2 the drug outlet container A1, A2, B1, B2 that is most suitable for the particular individual drug M1, M2 (step S6). For this purpose, for a particular individual drug M1, M2, at least two different drug outlet containers A1, A2, B1, B2 are assigned in the ranges R1, R2 for each individual drug M1, M2 and allocated in the memory 62.

[0082] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the drug output containers A1, A2, B1, B2 may be listed in a table, for example in two columns representing ranges R1, R2, and in rows may be linked to individual drugs M1, M2 to which the drug output containers A1, A2, B1, B2 have been assigned by the control unit 6. In this example, a first individual drug M1 is assigned a first drug output container A1 and a second drug output container A2 for the first range R1 and the second range R2, respectively. Similarly, a second individual drug M2, different from the first individual drug M1, is assigned an alternative first drug output container B1 and a second drug output container B2 for the first range R1 and the second range R2, respectively.

[0083] A selection C of optimal medication output containers A1, A2, B1, B2 for a particular individual medication M1, M2 is highlighted diagrammatically by a circle C in Figure 2. Selection C may be presented to the pharmacist as a preference or recommendation, and the pharmacist makes or confirms the final selection.

[0084] In a final step of the method (step S7), the selection C may be displayed to the pharmacist, who makes or confirms the final selection. Alternatively, this selection is converted into an instruction and displayed to the pharmacist to replace the drug output container A1 currently in the output device 21 of Fig. 1 with the selected drug output container A2 and / or to fill the selected drug output container A2 with the same first individual drug M1. The selection C may be output and / or displayed, for example, on one of the human machine interfaces 81, 82 at the output device 21 or the filling station 41. Alternatively, when the exchange and / or filling of the drug output containers A1, A2, B1, B2 can be at least partially automated, the instruction may be sent directly to a corresponding automated machine, for example, to perform the exchange or filling operation.

[0085] In summary, the method includes, for the same individual drug M1 that undergoes a change in size and / or volume due to hygroscopic expansion, selecting a first drug output container A1 when the value V of parameter P is within a first range R1, and selecting a second drug output container A2 when the value V of parameter P is within a second range R2.

[0086] 3, the geometric shape of the second drug delivery container A2 (shown in dashed lines) is different from the shape of the first drug delivery container A1 (shown in solid lines). In particular, the second drug delivery container A2 has different dimensions than the first drug delivery container A1.

[0087] The first medication output container A1 is provided with an output mechanism 9, the operation of which has already been extensively described in US Pat. No. 10,173,830 B1, which is incorporated herein by reference, and will only be described briefly below.

[0088] The discharge mechanism 9 comprises a first guiding body 91 in the form of a supply body for preparing the same first individual medicament M1 in one or more supply passages 92. The discharge mechanism 9 further comprises a second guiding body 93 in the form of a singulation body having one or more singulation chambers 94 for receiving a single first individual medicament M1 or a dose of the same first individual medicament M1 from the one or more supply passages 92. The discharge mechanism 9 further comprises a third guiding body 95 in the form of a discharge body having one or more waiting chambers 96. One or more of the guiding bodies 91, 93, 95 are rotatably configured for supplying, singulating and dispensing the first individual medicament M1.

[0089] In this example, the discharge mechanism 9 further comprises a circumferential recess 98 between the first guiding body 91 and the second guiding body 93 for accommodating a separating member 99, such as a separating plate or brush, separating the supply passage 92 from the individualization chamber 94 at the position where the first individual drug M1 is transferred from the individualization chamber 94 to the waiting chamber 96.

[0090] The guiding bodies 91, 93, 95 and the brush recess 98 define the dimensions X, Y and Z of at least a part of an outlet path 90 of a same first individual medicament M1 through said outlet mechanism 9. In particular, the first guiding body 91 and the second guiding body 92 define the width X and depth Y of the supply passage(s) 92 and / or the individualization chamber(s) 94. The circumferential recess 98 defines the depth Z of the circumferential recess and determines the dimensions of the separating member 99 accommodated therein.

[0091] Other dimensions, including, but not limited to, the height of one or more individualization chambers 94, the width, depth, and / or height of one or more waiting chambers 96, and the inclination angle of the conical upper surface of the first guiding body 91, may also be defined by several parts of the dispensing mechanism 9.

[0092] The second drug delivery container A2, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3, has an alternative delivery mechanism 9' with one or more alternative guiding bodies 91', 93' and / or a circumferential recess 98' of alternative dimensions, and therefore has different dimensions X', Y', Z' for one or more supply passages 92', one or more individualization chambers 94' and / or the circumferential recess 98'.

[0093] In this way, the selected drug delivery container A1, A2 can be specifically adapted to closely match, i.e., with minimum tolerances, the size and / or volume of the same first individual drug M1 within a particular range R1, R2, and therefore can more reliably deliver the same first individual drug M1 in terms of one-by-one delivery and / or delivery capacity, despite small changes due to hygroscopic expansion.

[0094] FIG. 4 shows an alternative adjustable drug delivery container A101 which differs from the first drug delivery container A1 described above in that it comprises an alternative delivery mechanism 109 having one or more guides 191, 193 and a circumferential recess 198 which are mechanically adjustable to vary the dimensions X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z' of the delivery path 190 between a first configuration state and a second configuration state.

[0095] 4 and 5, in this example the first guiding body 191 and the second guiding body 193 are each formed by a number of circumferentially distributed and radially expandable segments 196, 197, with one or more passages 192 and / or one or more individualized chambers 194 formed at the transitions between said segments 196, 197. As a result, when the segments 196, 197 are radially expanded, the one or more passages 192 and / or the one or more individualized chambers 194 formed therebetween are expanded in size.

[0096] The radial expansion of the segments 196, 197 may be automatically altered by an actuator element 199 responsive to changes in the value V of the parameter P, the same or similar to the same first individual drug M1. In particular, as shown in Figure 5, the actuator element 199 may be centrally positioned between the segments 196 and may comprise a hygroscopically expandable material, which upon exposure to relatively high humidity expands (see expanded actuator element 199' in dashed lines) and pushes the segments 196 radially outward, thereby increasing the dimension of the delivery passage 192 defined by said segments 196.

[0097] Alternatively, the mechanical adjustment may be automatically controlled by a suitable actuator and / or may be performed manually by a pharmacist based on instructions generated by the control unit 6 and displayed, for example, via one of the human-machine interfaces 81, 82.

[0098] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art that will still fall within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Pharmacy 2 Shipping environment 21. Delivery Device 22 Exchange Station 23 Replacement Drawer 3 Storage environment 31~36 Stock container 4 Filling environment 41 Filling Station 5 External environment 6. Control Unit 61 processors 62 Memory 71 First Sensor 72 Second Sensor 73 The third sensor 74 The Fourth Sensor 75 Weather Sensor 76 Weather Database 81 Human Machine Interface 82 Human Machine Interface 9, 9' Delivery mechanism 90, 90' Exit route 91, 91' Guide body (supply body) 92, 92' Supply passage 93, 93' Guide body (individualized body) 94, 94' individualized chamber 95, 95' Guidance unit (Exit unit) 96 Waiting Chamber 97 Exit 98 Circumferential recess 99 Separation member 109 Alternative issuing mechanism 190 Exit Route 191 Guide (supply) 192 Supply passage 193 Guide body (individualized body) 194 Individualized Chamber 195 Guide body (outlet body) 196 Segments 197 Segments 198 Circumferential recess 199 Actuator Elements 199' stretched actuator element A1 First drug delivery container A2 Second drug delivery container A101 Adjustable drug delivery container B1 Alternate 1st medication delivery container B2 Alternate Secondary Drug Delivery Container C. Selected drug delivery container D. Calendar Time H1 Absolute Humidity H2 Relative humidity M Drug Column M1 First individual drug M2 Second individual drug P-parameter R1 First range R2 Second range S1 Step "Start of method" S2 Step "Acquire signal" S3 Step "Determine the values ​​of the parameters" S4 Step "Is the value within the first range or the second range?" Step S5: “Has the range changed compared to the range determined in the previous cycle of the method?” S6 Step "Enter range-based selected drug delivery container" S7 step "Output of instructions to human machine interface" T temperature V Value W Weather Data X, X' 1st dimension Y, Y' second dimension Z, Z' the third dimension

Claims

1. A pharmacy (1) comprising an output device (21) for outputting individual drugs (M1, M2), a first drug output container (A1) and a set of a second drug output container (A2) having dimensions (X', Y') different from the first drug output container (A1), further comprising a control unit (6), the control unit (6) being configured to: obtaining values ​​(V) of a parameter (P) indicative of climatic conditions or changes in the size and / or volume of said individual medications (M1, M2) due to said climatic conditions, said climatic conditions relating to humidity and / or temperature in an environment (2, 3, 4) in which said individual medications (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed; determining 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); For the same individual medicine (M1) that has been subjected to moisture absorption expansion, when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1), the first medicine delivery container (A1) is selected to be used to deliver the same individual medicine (M1), and when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2), the second medicine delivery container (A2) is selected to be used. A pharmacy (1) configured as follows.

2. After the control unit (6) fills the selected drug delivery container (A2) of the first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2) with the same individual drug (M1), Controlling the delivery device (21) to deliver the same individual drug (M1) using the selected drug delivery container (A2). The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, configured so as to

3. 3. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said parameter is absolute humidity (H1).

4. 3. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said parameter is relative humidity (H1).

5. 4. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 3, wherein said value (V) of said parameter (P) is obtained by directly measuring said absolute humidity (H1) by means of a sensor (71-75).

6. 5. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 4, wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is obtained by directly measuring the relative humidity (H2) by a sensor (71-75), and the absolute humidity (H1) is calculated based on the measured value (V) of the relative humidity (H2) and a temperature (T) associated with the relative humidity (H2).

7. 2. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, comprising a first sensor (71, 72) for measuring said value (V) of said parameter (P) in a delivery environment (2) from which said same individual medication (M1) is delivered.

8. 2. The pharmacy (1) of claim 1, wherein the control unit (6) is connectable to a second sensor (73, 74) for measuring the value (V) of the parameter (P) in a storage environment (3) and / or a filling environment (4) in which the same individual medication (M1) is stored or filled, respectively.

9. 2. The pharmacy (1) of claim 1, wherein the control unit (6) is connectable to a meteorological database (76) and the value (V) of the parameter (P) is based on or derived from meteorological data (W) from the meteorological database (76).

10. 2. The pharmacy (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (6) is configured to determine a calendar time (D), and the value (V) of the parameter (P) is a calendar time (D), in particular a calendar day, a calendar month, a calendar quarter, a calendar season, or another calendar-related period.

11. 2. The pharmacy (1) of claim 1, wherein the control unit (6) is configured to determine the time that the same individual medications (M1, M2) spend within the environment (2, 3, 4) in which the individual medications (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed.

12. The pharmacy (1) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control unit (6) comprises a memory (62), and the control unit (6) is configured to identify the first drug output container (A1) and the second drug output container (A2) as candidates for which the selection (C) is made, and to allocate in the memory (62) the first drug output container (A1) and the second drug output container (A2) for the same individual drug (M1).

13. The pharmacy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control unit (6) is operatively connected to a human machine interface (81, 82) for displaying the selection (C) as an instruction to an operator to fill the selected drug output container (A2) with the same individual drug (M1).

14. The first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2) each include a delivery mechanism (9, 9') having one or more guide bodies (91, 93, 98; 91', 93', 98'), and the guide bodies (91, 93, 98; 91', 93', 98') are arranged to define at least a part of the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the delivery path (90, 90') of the same individual drug (M1) passing through the delivery mechanism (9, 9'). The pharmacy (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the dimensions (X', Y', Z') of the outlet path (90') defined by the one or more guiding bodies (91', 93', 98') of the second drug outlet container (A2) are different from the dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the outlet path (90) defined by the one or more guiding bodies (91, 93, 98) of the first drug outlet container (A1).

15. The pharmacy (1) of claim 14, wherein the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the delivery path (90, 90') defined by the one or more guiding bodies (91, 93, 98; 91', 93', 98') are fixed with respect to the first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2).

16. A pharmacy (1) comprising an output device (21) for outputting individual medicaments (M1), the pharmacy (1) comprising an adjustable medicament output container (A101), the medicament output container (A101) being adjustable between a first configuration state having first dimensions (X, Y, Z) and a second configuration state having second dimensions (X', Y', Z') different from the first dimensions (X, Y, Z), the pharmacy (1) further comprising a control unit (6), the control unit (6) comprising: obtaining values ​​(V) of a parameter (P) indicative of climatic conditions or changes in the size and / or volume of said individual medications (M1, M2) due to said climatic conditions, said climatic conditions relating to humidity and / or temperature in an environment (2, 3, 4) in which said individual medications (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed; determining 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); generating instructions for adjusting the adjustable drug delivery container (A101) for the same individual drug (M1) that has undergone hygroscopic expansion, the adjustable drug delivery container (A101) being adjusted to the first configuration state when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1) and to the second configuration state when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2); A pharmacy (1) configured as follows.

17. The control unit (6) after the adjustment of the adjustable medicine delivery container (A101), Controlling the delivery device (21) to deliver the same individual drug (M1) using the adjustable drug delivery container (A101). The pharmacy (1) according to claim 16, configured so as to

18. 18. The pharmacy (1) of claim 16 or 17, wherein the adjustable drug delivery container (A101) comprises an outlet mechanism (109) having one or more guides (191, 193, 198), the guides (191, 193, 198) defining dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of at least a portion of an outlet path (190) of the same individual drug (M1) through the outlet mechanism (109), the one or more guides (191, 193, 198) being mechanically adjustable to vary the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the outlet path (190) defined by the one or more guides (191, 193, 198) between the first configuration state and the second configuration state.

19. A method for dispensing individual medications (M1, M2), comprising: - obtaining, by a control unit (6), a value (V) of a parameter (P) indicative of climatic conditions or of the change in size and / or volume of said individual medications (M1, M2) due to said climatic conditions, said climatic conditions relating to humidity and / or temperature in an environment (2, 3, 4) in which said individual medications (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed; determining by said control unit (6) whether said value (V) of said parameter (P) is within a first range (R1) or within a second range (R2) different from said first range (R1); selecting, by the control unit (6), for an identical individual drug (M1) that has undergone hygroscopic expansion, to use a first drug delivery container (A1) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1), and selecting a second drug delivery container (A2) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2), in order to deliver the identical individual drug (M1), wherein the second drug delivery container (A2) has dimensions different from those of the first drug delivery container (A1); The method includes:

20. filling a selected one of the first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2) with the same individual drug (M1); 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

21. Dispensing the same individual drug (M1) using the selected drug dispensing container (A2) by a dispensing device (21).

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

22. 22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein said parameter (P) is absolute humidity (H1).

23. 22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein said parameter (P) is relative humidity (H2).

24. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein said value (V) of said parameter (P) is obtained by directly measuring said absolute humidity (H1) by means of a sensor (71-75).

25. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is obtained by directly measuring the relative humidity (H2) by a sensor (71-75), and the absolute humidity (H1) is calculated based on the measured value (V) of the relative humidity (H2) and a temperature (T) associated with the relative humidity (H2).

26. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is measured by a sensor (72) in a delivery environment (2) from which the same individual medication (M1) is delivered.

27. 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is measured by sensors (73, 74) in a storage environment (3) and / or a filling environment (4) in which the same individual drug (M1) is stored and / or filled, respectively.

28. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is based on or derived from meteorological data (W) in a meteorological database (76).

29. 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is a calendar time (D), in particular a calendar day, a calendar month, a calendar quarter or another calendar-related period.

30. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is the time that the same individual medication (M1, M2) spends within the environment (2, 3, 4) in which the individual medication (M1, M2) is stored, filled or dispensed.

31. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 30, comprising, prior to the step of selecting between the first drug output container (A1) and the second drug output container (A2), a step of allocating, by the control unit (6), the first drug output container (A1) and the second drug output container (A2) to the same individual drug (M1).

32. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 31, further comprising a step of displaying the selection (C) made in the step of selecting between the first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2) by a human machine interface (81, 82).

33. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the displayed selection (C) is an instruction to an operator to fill the selected medication output container (A2) with the same individual medication (M1).

34. The first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2) each include a delivery mechanism (9, 9') having one or more guide bodies (91, 93, 95; 91', 93', 95'), and the guide bodies (91, 93, 95; 91', 93', 95') are arranged to define at least a part of the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, The method according to any one of claims 19 to 33, wherein the dimensions (X', Y', Z') of the outlet path (90') defined by the one or more guiding bodies (91', 93', 95') of the second drug outlet container (A2) are different from the dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the outlet path (90) defined by the one or more guiding bodies (91, 93, 95) of the first drug outlet container (A1).

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the dimensions of the outlet path (90, 90') defined by the one or more guiding bodies (91, 93, 95; 91', 93', 95') are fixed with respect to the first drug outlet container (A1) and the second drug outlet container (A2).

36. A method for dispensing individual medications (M1, M2), comprising: - obtaining, by a control unit (6), a value (V) of a parameter (P) indicative of climatic conditions or of the change in size and / or volume of said individual medications (M1, M2) due to said climatic conditions, said climatic conditions relating to humidity and / or temperature in an environment (2, 3, 4) in which said individual medications (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed; determining by said control unit (6) whether said value (V) of said parameter (P) is within a first range (R1) or within a second range (R2) different from said first range (R1); generating, by said control unit (6), instructions for adjusting the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of an adjustable drug delivery container (A101) for the same individual drug (M1) that has undergone hygroscopic expansion, said adjustable drug delivery container (A101) being adjusted to a first configuration state having a first dimension (X, Y, Z) when said value (V) of said parameter (P) is within said first range (R1) and to a second configuration state having a second dimension (X', Y', Z') different from said first dimension (X, Y, Z) when said value (V) of said parameter (P) is within said second range (R2); The method includes:

37. Dispensing said identical individual drugs (M1) using said adjustable drug dispensing container (A101) by a dispensing device (21).

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising:

38. 38. The method of claim 36 or 37, wherein the adjustable drug outlet container (A101) comprises an outlet mechanism (109) having one or more guides (191, 193, 198), the guides (191, 193, 198) defining dimensions of at least a portion of an outlet path (190) of the same individual drug (M1) through the outlet mechanism (109), the one or more guides (191, 193, 198) being mechanically adjustable to vary the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the outlet path (190) defined by the one or more guides (191, 193, 198) between the first configuration state and the second configuration state.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the adjustable drug delivery container (A101) comprises an actuator element (199) for mechanically adjusting the one or more guides (191, 193, 198), the actuator element (199) comprising a hygroscopic expandable material.

40. A drug delivery container (A101) for use in a pharmacy (1), comprising an delivery mechanism (109) having one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198), the guide bodies (191, 193, 198) being mechanically adjustable between a first configuration state having a first dimension (X, Y, Z) and a second configuration state having a second dimension (X', Y', Z') different from the first dimension (X, Y, Z), the drug delivery container (A101) comprising an actuator element (199) for mechanically adjusting the one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198), the actuator element (199) comprising a hygroscopically expanding material.

41. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium (62) carrying instructions which, when executed by a processor (61), cause a pharmacy (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18 to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 19 to 39.

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