Method, pharmacy, dispensing device, medication dispensing container, and computer program product for dispensing individual medications

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 medication dispensing container, and a computer program product for dispensing individual medications, such as medical drugs, medicines, pills, tablets, or capsules. [Background technology]

[0002] U.S. 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 a solid drug from one or more drug outlet containers and packaging the dispensed quantities. Each drug outlet container holds a quantity of solid material specific to that drug outlet container. Thus, the drug outlet containers can be combined to dispense a variety of solid materials.

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

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

[0005] As the accuracy of aisle sizing increased, it became apparent that while some solid dosage forms dispensed flawlessly and repeatedly without issue, other solid dosage forms would occasionally fail to dispense. The cause of occasional failure to dispense even in seemingly consistent, climate-controlled conditions remains a mystery. The occasional inability to dispense certain solid dosage forms is accepted by the industry as a less important issue than the benefits of accurate sizing and improved reliability of individual solid dosage dispense. 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 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 outgoing container when the value of the parameter (V) is within a first range and selecting a second medication outgoing container when the value of the parameter (V) is within a second range, the second medication outgoing container having different dimensions than the first medication outgoing container; The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0008] The individual medicaments contain a hygroscopic swelling substance. In particular, the individual 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 dosage units.

[0009] In the present invention, the term "same individual drug" may be interpreted as an individual drug of the same brand, type and specification, composition, and / or shape. Identical individual drugs are still considered "same" even when they undergo size and / or volume changes due to hygroscopic swelling.

[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 a second range is considered to be 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 variations 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 with respect to temperature and relative humidity, variations in absolute humidity can still occur, especially during different seasons throughout the year.

[0012] The method according to the present invention considers at least one parameter of climatic conditions in the environment in which the individual medications are stored, filled, or dispensed, and provides a selection or suggestion of whether to use a first medication dispensing container or a second medication dispensing container based on the at least one parameter. For example, the method may provide for selecting the use of the first medication dispensing container when the parameter value is high and selecting the use of the second medication dispensing container when the parameter value is low. The medication dispensing containers are dimensioned to reliably dispense the same individual medications at different values ​​of the parameter, particularly within different ranges or above or below a selected threshold. In this way, medication dispensing containers can be specifically selected to closely match, i.e., with a minimum tolerance, the size and / or volume of the same individual medications within a specific range, thereby providing a more reliable delivery of the same individual medications in terms of one-by-one delivery and / or delivery capacity, despite small variations 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 expanding 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 delivery containers with the same individual drug (M1); and / or - dispensing the same individual medication using the selected medication dispensing container by the dispensing device. 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 with 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 measured directly with 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 the 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 medication is stored and / or filled, respectively. The same individual medication may spend a significant period of time in the storage environment and / or the filling environment. Therefore, the climatic conditions of the storage environment or the filling environment may have a greater impact on hygroscopic expansion than the relatively short time spent in the delivery environment. Therefore, consideration of the climatic conditions in the storage environment and / or the filling environment may lead to a more appropriate selection of which medication 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 dispatch. In particular, weather models and / or weather forecasts associated with the pharmacy's geographic location can be used to predict changes in climatic conditions within the pharmacy's controlled environment.

[0020] In a further alternative embodiment, the parameter value 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 shipping. For example, a pharmaceutical shipping 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 that environment. In particular, the same individual medication may hygroscopically expand as a function of the time spent in a particular environment. Thus, the value for the time spent in the 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 and second drug outlet containers, assigning the first and second drug outlet containers to the same individual drug by the control unit. Typically, each brand, type, or specification of an individual drug requires a custom-made drug outlet container with a geometry specifically adapted to reliably deliver the specific individual drug. Therefore, as weather conditions change, two drug outlet containers may be custom-made, specifically designed, and / or optimized for use with the same individual drug within a specified parameter range. By assigning the drug outlet containers to the same individual drug, a selection can be made among the drug outlet containers available for the specific individual drug. Optionally, the specific individual drug may be part of a group of drugs having the same shape but different compositions. The first and second drug outlet containers may be assigned not only to the aforementioned specific individual drug, but also to a group of drugs having the same shape. In this way, the assigned drug outlet container may be used not only for the specific 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 medication outlet containers is used to control an automated process within the dispensing device or pharmacy housing to replace and fill the selected medication 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 medication outlet container and fill it with the same individual medication.

[0024] In another embodiment, the first drug outgoing container and the second drug outgoing container each comprise an outgoing mechanism having one or more guiding bodies that define dimensions of at least a portion of an outgoing path of the same individual drug through the outgoing mechanism, and the dimensions of the outgoing path defined by the one or more guiding bodies of the second drug outgoing container are different from the dimensions of the outgoing path defined by the one or more guiding bodies of the first drug outgoing container. Thus, the outgoing path of each drug outgoing container can be customized, specifically adapted, and / or optimized to ensure that each drug outgoing 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 and second drug outlet containers. Thus, the outlet containers themselves do not require complex mechanisms or hygroscopically expandable materials to change the dimensions of the outlet containers. Instead, they 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 medications 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 medication outlet container for the same individual medication that has undergone hygroscopic expansion, wherein the adjustable medication outlet container is 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 present invention differs from the method according to the first aspect of the present invention in that a single adjustable drug delivery container is used instead of two differently sized drug delivery containers. This reduces the number of drug delivery containers required to adapt to climatic conditions, at the expense of simplicity. The size may be adjusted automatically, e.g., based on commands from a control unit, or manually by an operator. In either case, the adjustment is made according to a decision made. Otherwise, this method has the same technical advantages as the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. Various embodiments of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention may also be applied to the method according to the second aspect of the present invention, mutatis mutandis.

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

[0029] In one embodiment, an adjustable medication dispensing container comprises a dispensing mechanism having one or more guides defining dimensions of at least a portion of an exit path for the same individual medication through the dispensing mechanism, the one or more guides being mechanically adjustable to vary the dimensions of the exit path defined by the 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 swellable material, and thus can respond to changes in humidity in the same or similar manner as the individual drugs, and 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 containers, the pharmacy further comprising a control unit, the control unit comprising: - 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 the value of the parameter is within a first range or a second range different from the first range; For the same individual medication that has undergone hygroscopic expansion, selecting to use a first medication dispensing container when the parameter value is within a first range and selecting to use a second medication dispensing container when the parameter value is within a second range to dispense the same individual medication. The present invention provides a pharmacy configured as follows:

[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, after a selected one of the first medication outlet container and the second medication outlet container is filled with the same individual medication, - controlling a dispensing device to dispense the same individual medication using a selected medication dispensing 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 with 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 measured directly with 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 may 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 medication 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 selection, and 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 to display the selection on the human-machine interface as an instruction to the operator to fill the selected medication output container with the same individual medication.

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

[0043] In one embodiment thereof, the dimensions of the outlet path defined by said one or more guides are fixed with respect to the first and second medication outlet containers.

[0044] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a pharmacy comprising a dispensing device for dispensing individual medications, the pharmacy comprising an adjustable medication dispensing container, the medication 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 comprising: - 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 the value of the parameter is within a first range or a second range different from the first range; - generating instructions for adjusting the adjustable medication dispensing container for the same individual medication that has undergone hygroscopic expansion, wherein the adjustable medication dispensing container is 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 as follows:

[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 dispensing container: -Controlling a dispensing device to dispense identical individual medications using adjustable medication dispense containers It is configured as follows.

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

[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 having a first dimension and a second configuration 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 swellable 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 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 bearing 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 pharmacy as described above and is capable of performing one of the methods as described above with the technical effect as described above.

[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 aspects of the invention may be applied independently of the pharmacy. These individual aspects, particularly 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 explanation 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. [Figure 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. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery mechanism of the first medication delivery container of FIG. 2 superimposed on the delivery mechanism of a second medication delivery container having different dimensions. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative adjustable medication dispenser container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternative adjustable medication dispenser container according to FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] Figure 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] 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 located within the same building, e.g., in one geographic location. Alternatively, environments 2, 3, and 4 may be located in different or separate buildings and / or in different or separate geographic locations. Environments 2, 3, and 4 may be distinct or separated from one another, such as by a wall, or may be only virtually separated or not separated at all, e.g., when two or more of environments 2, 3, and 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 medications. The output device 21 may be a largely 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 medication output containers A1, A2, also called "canisters." As shown in FIG. 3, each medication output container A1, A2 has a supply chamber for holding an inventory of individual medications and an outlet 97 and an output mechanism 9, 9' for outputting the individual medications to a collecting and / or packaging unit of the output device 21. The medications 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 for 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 from 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, but the use of the system according to the invention may enable some medications to be stored in conditions that were not previously possible and / or stored 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 and 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 interdependently or independently for each environment 2, 3, 4.

[0061] The pharmacy 1 is further provided with a control unit 6 that controls at least some of the operations 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 may be located within one of the environments 3, 4 or in a dedicated controlled environment. The control unit 6 comprises a processor 61 and a memory 62, in particular a tangible or non-transitory computer-readable medium, e.g., a physical data carrier such as a hard drive, a USB drive, or 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 operations of the pharmacy 1, in particular the operation of the dispensing 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 be, for example, 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 located in the dispensing environment 2 within the dispensing device 1, i.e., in the same space in which the medication dispensing containers A1, A2 are located when operatively dispensing an individual medication. A second sensor 72 is located within the dispensing environment 2, outside of the dispensing 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 intermittently or continuously in memory 62.

[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, based on real-time or historical data, about the climatic conditions and / or weather seasons associated with the geographic location of the pharmacy 1. The weather database 76 may be located within, at, or near the pharmacy 1, or may be remotely accessible, for example via the internet.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 6 may be configured to obtain values ​​relating to calendar time, such as calendar day, calendar month, and / or calendar quarter, 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, which are electronically or operatively connected to the control unit 6 and which feed back information processed by the processor 61 to an operator, e.g., a pharmacist, within the pharmacy 1. In this example, a first human-machine interface 81 of the one or more human-machine interfaces 81, 82 is provided within the dispensing environment 2, in particular at or associated with the dispensing device 21, and a second human-machine interface 82 of the one or more human-machine interfaces 81, 82 is provided within the filling environment 2, in particular at or associated 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] 2 illustrates two different individual medicaments M1, M2 that undergo hygroscopic swelling, specifically, hygroscopic size and / or volume changes (meaning that they increase in size and / or volume upon absorbing moisture). More specifically, the illustrated first individual medicament M1 represents identical individual medicaments M1 that are "identical" to each other in the sense of being of the same specific brand, type, specification, composition, and / or shape. Identical first individual medicaments M1 are still considered "identical" even when hygroscopic size and / or volume changes occur. Similarly, the illustrated second individual medicament M2 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 changes.

[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 Figure 1 and are acquired and processed by control unit 6 of Figure 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 converted directly 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 to, for example, humidity H1, in particular absolute humidity H1. The value V of absolute humidity H1 may be obtained by directly measuring absolute humidity H1. Alternatively, the value V of absolute humidity H1 may be obtained indirectly by calculating absolute humidity H1 based on 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 weather data W obtained from a weather database, in which case the value V may be a weather season or a weather parameter. The value V of the weather data W may be indicative of real-time weather conditions or may be based on historical data. The weather data W includes, for example, absolute humidity H1, relative humidity H2, and / or temperature T for the relevant geographic location of the pharmacy 1 and / or for the relevant calendar time D or weather 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 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 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 the absolute humidity H1, or a specific threshold value for the 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 climate conditions because it can be used to determine which part of the annual climate cycle we are currently in. 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 parameter P is the time spent in a particular environment, ranges R1, R2 may be separated by a threshold value of time spent, such as 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 absolute humidity H1 is relatively high, a lower value may be selected for the threshold value compared to a situation where 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 may be a transition period between meteorological seasons. Again, knowledge of the current meteorological season is sufficient to determine which climatic conditions apply to each range R1, R2, without direct or real-time knowledge or measurement of 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 of the method (if any). 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 the medication output container A1, A1, B1, B2 that is most suitable for the particular individual medication M1, M2 in the previously determined ranges R1, R2 (step S6). To this end, for a particular individual medication M1, M2, at least two different medication output containers A1, A2, B1, B2 are assigned to the ranges R1, R2 for each individual medication M1, M2 and allocated in the memory 62.

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

[0083] A selection C of optimal medication dispensing containers A1, A2, B1, B2 for a particular individual medication M1, M2 is highlighted schematically 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 the 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 may be converted into an instruction and displayed to the pharmacist to replace the medication output container A1 currently in the output device 21 of FIG. 1 with the selected medication output container A2 and / or to fill the selected medication output container A2 with the same first individual medication 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 replacement and / or filling of the medication 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 replacement or filling operation.

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

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

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

[0088] The dispensing mechanism 9 comprises a first guiding body 91 in the form of a supply body that prepares identical first individual medicaments M1 in one or more supply passages 92. The dispensing 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 dispensing mechanism 9 further comprises a third guiding body 95 in the form of a dispensing body having one or more waiting chambers 96. One or more of the guiding bodies 91, 93, 95 are configured to be rotatable for supplying, singulating and dispensing the first individual medicaments 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, which separates 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 guide 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 the same first individual medicament M1 through said outlet mechanism 9. In particular, the first guide body 91 and the second guide body 92 define the width X and depth Y of the one or more supply passages 92 and / or the one or more individualization chambers 94. The circumferential recess 98 defines the depth Z of the circumferential recess and determines the dimensions of the separating member 99 housed therein.

[0091] Other dimensions may also be defined by several parts of the dispensing mechanism 9, 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.

[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 guide bodies 91', 93' and / or alternatively sized circumferential recess 98', and therefore different dimensions X', Y', Z' for one or more supply passages 92', one or more individualization chambers 94' and / or circumferential recess 98'.

[0093] In this way, the selected drug delivery containers 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 variations 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 includes an alternative delivery mechanism 109 having one or more guide bodies 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 guide body 191 and the second guide body 193 are each formed by a plurality of circumferentially distributed and radially extensible 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 stretched, the one or more passages 192 and / or 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 that responds to changes in the value V of the parameter P, the same as or similar to the same first individual drug M1. In particular, as shown in Figure 5, the actuator element 199 may be positioned centrally between the segments 196 and may comprise a hygroscopically expandable material that expands upon exposure to relatively high humidity (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 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 which 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 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' Guide body (exit body) 96 Waiting Chamber 97 Exit 98 Circumferential recess 99 Separation member 109 Alternative Delivery Mechanism 190 Exit Route 191 Guide body (supply body) 192 Supply passage 193 Guide Body (Individualized Body) 194 Individualized Chamber 195 Guide body (exit body) 196 segments 197 segments 198 Circumferential recess 199 Actuator Elements 199' stretched actuator element A1 First medication delivery container A2 Second medication delivery container A101 Adjustable medication dispenser B1 Alternate first medication delivery container B2 Alternate Secondary Medication Dispenser C. Selected medication 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 the method" S2 Step "Acquire signal" S3 Step "Determine parameter values" S4 Step: "Is the value within the first range or the second range?" S5 Step "Has the range changed compared to the range determined in the previous cycle of the method?" S6 Step "Enter medication output containers selected based on range" S7 Step "Output of instructions to the human-machine interface" T temperature V value W Weather Data X, X' first dimension Y, Y' second dimension Z, Z' third dimension

Claims

1. A pharmacy (1) comprising: a delivery device (21) for delivering individual medications (M1, M2); a set of a first medication delivery container (A1) and a second medication delivery container (A2) having dimensions (X', Y') different from those of the first medication delivery container (A1); and at least one sensor (71-75), further comprising a control unit (6); The control unit (6) obtaining a value (V) of a parameter (P) indicative of climatic conditions or changes in the size and / or volume of the individual medications (M1, M2) due to the climatic conditions, the climatic conditions relating to humidity and / or temperature in the environment (2, 3, 4) in which the individual medications (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed, the parameter being absolute humidity (H1) or relative humidity (H1), the value (V) of the parameter (P) being obtained by one of: directly measuring the absolute humidity (H1) by a sensor (71-75); directly measuring the relative humidity (H2) by a sensor (71-75) and calculating the absolute humidity (H1) based on the measured value (V) of the relative humidity (H2) and a temperature (T) associated with the relative humidity (H2); or based on or derived from weather data (W) from a weather database (76) connectable to the control unit (6); determining 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); For the same individual medicine (M1) that has undergone moisture absorption expansion, the device is configured to select the use of the first medicine delivery container (A1) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1) to deliver the same individual medicine (M1), and to select the use of the second medicine delivery container (A2) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2), the control unit (6) controls the delivery device (21) to deliver the same individual drug (M1) using the selected drug delivery container (A2) after the selected drug delivery container (A2) out of the first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2) is filled with the same individual drug (M1); A pharmacy (1) configured as follows.

2. 2. The pharmacy (1) of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a first sensor (71, 72) for measuring the value (V) of the parameter (P) in a delivery environment (2) from which the same individual medication (M1) is delivered.

3. 2. The pharmacy (1) of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a second sensor (73, 74) connectable to the control unit 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.

4. the control unit (6) is configured to obtain a calendar time (D); The pharmacy (1) of claim 1, wherein the calendar time (D) comprises a calendar day, a calendar month, a calendar quarter, or a calendar season.

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

6. The control unit (6) comprises a memory (62), The pharmacy (1) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (6) is configured to identify the first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2) as candidates for making the selection (C) and to allocate in the memory (62) the first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2) for the same individual drug (M1).

7. 2. The pharmacy (1) of claim 1, 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 delivery container (A2) with the same individual drug (M1).

8. The first medicine delivery container (A1) and the second medicine delivery container (A2) each include a delivery mechanism (9, 9') having one or more guide bodies (91, 93, 98; 91', 93', 98'), the guides (91, 93, 98; 91', 93', 98') define the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of at least a portion of the delivery path (90, 90') of the identical individual medicament (M1) through the delivery mechanism (9, 9'); 2. The pharmacy (1) of claim 1, wherein the dimensions (X', Y', Z') of the delivery path (90') defined by the one or more guiding bodies (91', 93', 98') of the second drug delivery container (A2) are different from the dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the delivery path (90) defined by the one or more guiding bodies (91, 93, 98) of the first drug delivery container (A1).

9. 9. The pharmacy (1) of claim 8, wherein the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the delivery path (90, 90') defined by the one or more guide 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).

10. A pharmacy (1) comprising a dispenser device (21) for dispensing individual medications (M1), the dispenser device comprising an adjustable medication dispenser container (A101), The medicine delivery container (A101) is 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) comprises at least one sensor (71-75), and the pharmacy (1) further comprises a control unit (6); The control unit (6) obtaining a value (V) of a parameter (P) indicative of climatic conditions or changes in the size and / or volume of the individual medications (M1, M2) due to the climatic conditions, the climatic conditions relating to humidity and / or temperature in the environment (2, 3, 4) in which the individual medications (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed, the parameter being absolute humidity (H1) or relative humidity (H1), the value (V) of the parameter (P) being obtained by one of: directly measuring the absolute humidity (H1) by a sensor (71-75); directly measuring the relative humidity (H2) by a sensor (71-75) and calculating the absolute humidity (H1) based on the measured value (V) of the relative humidity (H2) and a temperature (T) associated with the relative humidity (H2); or based on or derived from weather data (W) from a weather database (76) connectable to the control unit (6); determining 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); 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 configured to be adjusted to the first configuration state when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the first range (R1) and to be adjusted to the second configuration state when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2); the control unit (6) controls the delivery device (21) after the adjustment of the adjustable drug delivery container (A101) to deliver the same individual drug (M1) using the adjustable drug delivery container (A101); A pharmacy (1) configured as follows.

11. The adjustable drug delivery container (A101) comprises a delivery mechanism (109) having one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198); the guides (191, 193, 198) define dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of at least a portion of an outlet path (190) of the same individual medication (M1) through the outlet mechanism (109); 11. The pharmacy (1) of claim 10, wherein the one or more guides (191, 193, 198) are mechanically adjustable to vary the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the delivery path (190) defined by the one or more guides (191, 193, 198) between the first configuration state and the second configuration state.

12. A method for dispensing individual medications (M1, M2), comprising: obtaining, by a control unit (6) connectable to at least one sensor (71-75), a value (V) of a parameter (P) indicative of a climatic condition or a change in the size and / or volume of said individual medications (M1, M2) due to said climatic condition, said climatic condition being related to the humidity and / or temperature in the environment (2, 3, 4) in which said individual medications (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed, said parameter being absolute humidity (H1) or relative humidity (H1), said value (V) of said parameter (P) being , the absolute humidity (H1) is obtained by one of the following steps: directly measuring the absolute humidity (H1) by sensors (71-75); directly measuring the relative humidity (H2) by sensors (71-75) and calculating the absolute humidity (H1) based on the measured value (V) of the relative humidity (H2) and a temperature (T) associated with the relative humidity (H2); or based on or derived from weather data (W) from a weather database (76) connectable to the control unit (6). determining by the control unit (6) 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); a step of selecting, by the control unit (6), for the same 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 to use 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 same individual drug (M1), wherein the second drug delivery container (A2) has dimensions different from those of the first drug delivery container (A1); filling a selected one of the first medicine delivery container (A1) and the second medicine delivery container (A2) with the same individual medicine (M1); Dispensing the same individual drug (M1) using the selected drug dispensing container (A2) by a dispensing device (21); A method comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is measured by the at least one sensor (72) in a delivery environment (2) from which the same individual medication (M1) is delivered.

14. 13. 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 a filling environment (4) in which the same individual drug (M1) is stored and / or filled, respectively.

15. The control unit (6) is configured to obtain a calendar time (D), The method of claim 12 , wherein the calendar time (D) comprises a calendar day, a calendar month, a calendar quarter, or a calendar season.

16. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the value (V) of the parameter (P) is the time spent by the same individual medication (M1, M2) within the environment (2, 3, 4) in which the individual medication (M1, M2) is stored, filled, or dispensed.

17. 17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, comprising, before the step of selecting between the first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2), a step of allocating the first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2) to the same individual drug (M1) by the control unit (6).

18. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the 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).

19. 19. The method of claim 18, 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).

20. The first medicine delivery container (A1) and the second medicine delivery container (A2) each include a delivery mechanism (9, 9') having one or more guide bodies (91, 93, 95; 91', 93', 95'), the guides (91, 93, 95; 91', 93', 95') define the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of at least a portion of the delivery path (90, 90') of the identical individual medicament (M1) through the delivery mechanism (9, 9'); 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the dimensions (X', Y', Z') of the delivery path (90') defined by the one or more guiding bodies (91', 93', 95') of the second drug delivery container (A2) are different from the dimensions (X, Y, Z) of the delivery path (90) defined by the one or more guiding bodies (91, 93, 95) of the first drug delivery container (A1).

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the dimensions of the delivery path (90, 90') defined by the one or more guide bodies (91, 93, 95; 91', 93', 95') are fixed with respect to the first drug delivery container (A1) and the second drug delivery container (A2).

22. 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 changes in the size and / or volume of the individual medications (M1, M2) due to said climatic conditions, wherein said climatic conditions relate to humidity and / or temperature in an environment (2, 3, 4) in which the individual medications (M1, M2) are stored, filled or dispensed, said parameter being absolute humidity (H1) or relative humidity (H1), and said value (V) of said parameter (P) being obtained by one of: directly measuring said absolute humidity (H1) by a sensor (71-75); directly measuring said relative humidity (H2) by a sensor (71-75) and calculating said absolute humidity (H1) based on said measured value (V) of relative humidity (H2) and a temperature (T) associated with said relative humidity (H2); or based on or derived from weather data (W) from a weather database (76) connectable to said control unit (6); determining by the control unit (6) 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, by the control unit (6), instructions for adjusting the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the adjustable drug delivery container (A101) for the same individual drug (M1) that has undergone hygroscopic expansion, wherein the adjustable drug delivery container (A101) is adjusted to a first configuration state having first dimensions (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 second dimensions (X', Y', Z') different from the first dimensions (X, Y, Z) when the value (V) of the parameter (P) is within the second range (R2); Dispensing the same individual medication (M1) using the adjustable medication dispensing container (A101) by a dispensing device (21); A method comprising:

23. The adjustable drug delivery container (A101) comprises a delivery mechanism (109) having one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198); the guides (191, 193, 198) define dimensions of at least a portion of an outlet path (190) of the same individual medication (M1) through the outlet mechanism (109); 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198) are mechanically adjustable to vary the dimensions (X, X'; Y, Y'; Z, Z') of the outgoing path (190) defined by the one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198) between the first configuration and the second configuration.

24. the adjustable drug delivery container (A101) comprises an actuator element (199) for mechanically adjusting the one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198); 24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the actuator element (199) comprises a hygroscopic expandable material.

25. A drug delivery container (A101) for use in a pharmacy (1), a delivery mechanism (109) having one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198); the guides (191, 193, 198) are mechanically 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); The drug delivery container (A101) comprises an actuator element (199) for mechanically adjusting the one or more guide bodies (191, 193, 198), A drug delivery container (A101) wherein the actuator element (199) comprises a moisture-swelling material.

26. a non-transitory computer-readable medium (62) carrying instructions that, when executed by a processor (61), cause the pharmacy (1, 100) of claim 1 to perform the steps of the method of claim 12; Computer program products.

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