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Computerized Pill Bottle Reminds Diabetics When to Take Medication

Daniel Trecroci

Oct 1, 1998

Diabetes treatment has made its way into the high-tech age! A new prescription bottle with a "brain" and a beeping alarm clock will help remind patients when to take their medications. It also beeps when it is time for people with diabetes to check blood glucose levels.

IBV Technologies of Seattle has manufactured a standard prescription bottle with a programmable microchip and alarm called RemindRX. Each time patients take their oral medications, they press a button. If the button is not pressed, the bottle beeps after a time period upon which patient and pharmacist agree.

The Teamsters union in Washington is currently testing the RemindRX through its health care trust. Some teamsters with diabetes are arranging for their pharmacy to beep them three to four times a day, to remind them to test their blood sugars.

"Everyone misses taking their pills once in a while, and many patients have difficulty complying with medication dosing," explained IBV Technologies CEO Tom Simone. "The problem is you do not receive the full benefit of the medicine if you do not take it at the times and in the amount prescribed. Whether you are busy, forgetful, or need to take multiple medications each day, RemindRX will help you remember to take your medicine."

"Up to 80 percent of patients fail to take the full amount of prescribed medication," said Dr. Andy Stergachis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Washington. "Your physician and pharmacist need to know if you are having problems taking your medicine as prescribed. Otherwise, they may think the drug is not working, and put you on a stronger or more expensive drug."

Early tests with the RemindRX system indicate that the first 130 patients using the vial took 93 percent of 10,000 doses of prescribed medication on time.

For more information on RemindRX, call Tom Simone at (925) 283-3041, or George Robertson at (206) 285-8481.

Categories: Blood Glucose, Blood Sugar, Diabetes, Software

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