Patient Controlled Timed Medication Dispenser

A method for dispensing a medication dose from a medication dispenser for a user on a variable, as-needed basis, wherein the user controls administration of the medication doses, wherein the doses are not available more frequently than a prescribed minimum dosing interval between doses, wherein the medication dispenser comprises a plurality of compartments with an empty compartment or a blank region between two consecutive medication-containing compartments prior to administration of the first medication dose, the method comprising:

• (a) starting a timer when a prior dose becomes accessible through an opening in the medication dispenser;
• (b) determining when the timer has reached a count value indicating that the minimum dosing interval has elapsed;
• (c) activating an indicator when it has been determined at step (b) that the minimum dosing interval has elapsed;
• (d) responsive to an authorization process executed any time after the minimum dosing interval has elapsed when the user desires a medication dose, determining that the user is an authorized person;
• (e) after successful authorization of the user at step (d), moving a medication-containing compartment into alignment with the opening, wherein the dose is accessible through the opening, wherein if the authorization is unsuccessful or the patient elects not to execute the authorization process the medication-containing compartment is not moved into alignment with the opening;
• and
• (f) after a predetermined hold time interval from alignment of the medication-containing compartment with the opening, moving the medication-carrying compartment away from the opening and moving an empty compartment or a blank region into alignment with the opening, wherein the predetermined hold time interval is shorter than the minimum dosing interval.
• (g) repeating steps (a) through (f).

A medication dispenser for dispensing a medication dose for an authorized user, the dispenser comprising:

• a medication tray carrying medication doses to be administered on an as needed basis with a minimum dosing interval between each dose, the medication tray having a substantially circular shape and comprising a plurality of compartments for holding a medication dose, the compartments disposed about a circumference thereof;
• an enclosure supporting the medication tray, wherein the housing defines a controlled access opening therein through which a user can access a medication dose when the controlled access opening is in an unlocked condition;
• the controlled access opening controllable to an unlocked condition to allow withdrawal of the medication dose through the opening and controllable to a locked condition to prevent access to the medication dose through the opening;
• and
• a controller for controlling the controlled access opening to the unlocked condition responsive to elapsing of the minimum dosing interval and authentication of the user as an authorized user, thereby permitting the authorized user to access the medication dose, wherein the controlled access opening remains in the unlocked condition for a predetermined hold period, after which the controlled access opening is controlled to the locked condition.