Patent Publication Number: US-8972288-B2

Title: System and method for online matrix-based dosage scheduling

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     The present patent application filed on Dec. 6, 2011 claims the benefit of provisional patent application 61/420,151 filed on Dec. 6, 2010, and 
     this patent application claims the benefit of provisional patent application 61/420,140 filed on Dec. 6, 2010, and 
     this patent application claims the benefit of provisional patent applications 61/486,427 and 61/486,436 both filed on May 16, 2011, and 
     this patent application claims the benefit of provisional patent application 61/498,489 filed on Jun. 17, 2011, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/945,709 filed on Nov. 12, 2010 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONLINE INTEGRATED MULTIPLE TABLET ORDERING, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/896,284 filed on Oct. 1, 2010 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING AN INTEGRATED LABEL FOR CONTAINER HOUSING MULTI-SCRIPT POUCHES that claims the benefit of provisional patent application 61/248,471 filed on Oct. 4, 2009, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/896,275 filed on Oct. 1, 2010 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED VERIFICATION AND ASSEMBLY OF MULTI-SCRIPT POUCHES INTO A HOUSING CONTAINER that claims the benefit of provisional patent application 61/248,471 filed on Oct. 4, 2009, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/896,134 filed on Oct. 1, 2010 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMBING DIFFERENT TABLETS INTO A POUCH that claims the benefit of provisional patent application 61/248,471 filed on Oct. 4, 2009, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/891,042 filed on Sep. 27, 2010 entitled LOW VISION PATIENT COMPLIANT MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD that claims the benefit of provisional patent application 61/245,912 filed on Sep. 25, 2009, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/891,029 filed on Sep. 27, 2010 entitled DUAL DISPENSING TABLET CONTAINER that claims the benefit of provisional patent application 61/245,899 filed on Sep. 25, 2009, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/696,884 filed on Jan. 29, 2010 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VERIFYING ANS ASSEMBLING A MULTIPLE PRESCRIPTION PACKAGE that claims the benefit of provisional patent application 60/854,341 filed on Oct. 24, 2006, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/684,640 filed on Jan. 8, 2010 entitled USER SELECTABLE MULTIPLE TABLET PACKAGE, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/684,664 filed on Jan. 8, 2010 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLACING A MULTIPLE TABLET ORDER, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/684,060 filed on Jan. 7, 2010 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY MANAGING INVENTORY IN A MULTIPLE TABLE PACKAGE which is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 11/796,123 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,690,173, filed on Apr. 25, 2007 entitled MULTIPLE PRESCRIPTION PRODUCTION FACILITY, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/631,586 filed on Dec. 4, 2009 entitled MULTIPLE PRESCRIPTION PRODUCTION FACILITY, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/424,483 filed on Apr. 15, 2009 entitled MANUFACTURING SEPARABLE POUCHES WITH A CENTER CUT BLADE, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/424,475 filed on Apr. 15, 2009 entitled TABLET DISPENSING CONTAINER that claims the benefit of provisional patent applications 61/045,160 filed Apr. 15, 2008, provisional patent application 61/045,166 filed Apr. 15, 2008, provisional patent application 61/045,171 filed Apr. 15, 2008, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/418,436 filed on Apr. 3, 2009 entitled CHILD PROOF MEDICATION PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/418,418 filed on Apr. 3, 2009 entitled SPIRAL MEDICATION PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 11/796,125 filed on Apr. 25, 2007 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING A MULTIPLE PRESCRIPTION ORDER, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/418,422 filed on Apr. 3, 2009 entitled PATIENT COMPLIANT MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD that claims the benefit of provisional patent application 61/042,262 filed Apr. 3, 2008 and provisional patent application 61/042,263 filed on Apr. 3, 2008, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 11/923,321 filed on Oct. 24, 2007 entitled METHOD FOR VERIFYING AND ASSEMBLING A MULTIPLE PRESCRIPTION PACKAGE that claims the benefit of provisional patent application 60/854,341 having a filing date of Oct. 24, 2006, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 11/796,124 entitled MULTIPLE PRESCRIPTION PACKAGE AND METHOD FOR FILING THE PACKAGE that claims the benefit of provisional patent application 60/795,370 filed on Apr. 26, 2006, provisional patent application 60/795,446 having a filing date of Apr. 26, 2006, provisional patent application 60/795,413 having a filing date of Apr. 26, 2006, and 
     is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 11/241,783 entitled PILL ASSEMBLY FOR PILL PACKAGING AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS that claims the benefit of provisional patent application 60/615,267 having a filing date of Oct. 1, 2004, and 
     all applications listed are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     This description relates to a system and method for scheduling tablet dosages using a matrix input. More particularly, the description relates to an application that displays a matrix to allow designation of a quantity of tablets to be consumed during each period represented as an element of the matrix. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Compliance with a regimen of medication or supplements is challenging for patients having difficulty remembering when a dose has been consumed. The problem may be intensified when the quantity of tablets to be consumed varies over time. 
     One solution to the problem of compliance with a regimen involving consumption of varying amounts of tablets is to package the tablets with labeling indicating when the package contents are to be consumed. Thus, there is a need for a system having a scheduling input that allows a user to indicate different quantities of tablets to be consumed at different times. 
     Although systems exist for allowing a user to indicate varying tablet quantities to be consumed at different times, such systems lack a user-friendly matrix interface allowing the user to enter, view and verify the tablet quantities in a single window. 
     There is also a need for a system to generate a dosing schedule for labeling and packaging based on a matrix scheduling input. Although multiple prescription filling systems are available, e.g. the McKesson PACMED system, these systems have limited labeling capabilities. Additionally, these filling systems lack procedures to verify an order prior to packaging. Furthermore, these filling systems fail to provide a scheduling input allowing a user to indicate different tablet quantities to be consumed at different times. 
     It would thus be desirable to have a system to generate instructions for compliance packaging and labeling according to a scheduling input that allows a user to indicate different quantities of tablets to be consumed at different times. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system for scheduling tablet dosage is described. The system comprises an application hosted on a computing device. The application comprises a user interface configured to receive a designation of a tablet to be ordered. The user interface is further configured to display a scheduling matrix comprising a plurality of cells. Each cell of the matrix is configured to receive a tablet quantity designation. The application is further configured to generate a dosing schedule based on the tablet quantities entered into the scheduling matrix. 
     A system for scheduling tablet dosage according to another embodiment comprises a means for receiving a designation of a tablet to be ordered. The system further comprises a means for displaying a scheduling matrix comprising a plurality of cells. Each cell of the matrix is configured to receive a tablet quantity designation. The system also comprises a means for generating a dosing schedule based on the tablet quantities entered into the scheduling matrix. 
     A method for scheduling tablet dosage is also described. The method comprises receiving a designation of a tablet to be scheduled with a user interface of an application hosted on a computing device. The method further comprises displaying a scheduling matrix in the user interface. The scheduling matrix comprises a plurality of cells. Each cell is configured to receive a tablet quantity designation. The application generates a dosing schedule based on the tablet quantities entered into the scheduling matrix. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative, not limiting, purposes. 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative scheduling matrix user interface. 
       FIGS.  2  and  3 A- 3 B show an illustrative scheduling matrix populated by automatic means. 
         FIG. 4  shows an illustrative verification interface of the application. 
         FIG. 5  shows an illustrative interface for changing tablet quantities in an existing schedule matrix. 
         FIG. 6  shows an illustrative flowchart for displaying a matrix for dosage scheduling. 
         FIG. 7  shows an illustrative flowchart for automatically populating a scheduling matrix with tablet quantities. 
         FIG. 8  shows an illustrative network architecture for an online dosage scheduling application. 
         FIG. 9A  shows illustrative packaging filled in accordance with a dosing schedule. 
         FIG. 9B  shows illustrative labels for the packaging shown in  FIG. 9A . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative and not in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the claimed subject matter will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. It shall be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the systems and apparatus described hereinafter may vary as to configuration and as to details. Additionally, the methods may vary as to details, order of the actions, or other variations without departing from the illustrative methods disclosed herein. 
     An application that allows a user to indicate dosage scheduling for the tablets is described. The application presents a user interface that allows the user to enter quantities of a particular tablet type to be consumed. The scheduling interface comprises a matrix. Each cell in the matrix represents a period of time, such as a day. The user may enter numbers into one or more of the cells, each number indicating a quantity of tablets to be consumed in the period of time represented by the cell. 
     For example, a prescription may indicate that a patient is to receive one tablet every day at bedtime for one week and two tablets every day at bedtime for the following three weeks. In an illustrative embodiment of the scheduling matrix, each cell of the matrix represents a day of the week. The scheduling matrix may comprise, for example, 35 cells. To produce a schedule for the illustrative prescribed tablet described above, the user of the application would enter the number one in the first seven cells of the matrix and would enter the number two in the next twenty-one cells of the matrix. Various automated means may be provided to allow rapid entry of the numbers in the scheduling matrix. The scheduling matrix interface may allow the user to indicate that the tablets indicated in the matrix are to be consumed at a particular dosing time, such as bedtime. 
     In some embodiments, the application is an online application hosted on a server and accessible via a network by a client. The user may select a particular tablet type from a database. In some embodiments, the database is stored on the same server on which the application is hosted. Alternatively, the database may be stored on a separate server. In addition to storing identification information for various tablet types, the database may store a plurality of information about the tablets, such as an image of the tablet, potential side effects, manufacturer, generic/brand name status, and whether a prescription is required for dispensing the tablet. 
     When the schedule has been completed, the application may generate an output comprising directions for filling packaging in accordance with the schedule. The application may be an ordering application that receives transactional information from the user and generates an order for tablets. A filling device may fill packages according to the schedule. In some embodiments, labels are printed and affixed to the package. The labels may indicate information comprising, for example, the contents of the package, dosing time for the package contents, and information pertaining to the patient to receive the package contents. 
     In this manner, compliance with a regimen of tablets, including a regimen in which different quantities of tablets are to be consumed at different times, is aided through the production of packaging containing the proper number of tablets for each dosing time. 
     The scheduling system described herein may operate with any front-end pharmacy solution. Additionally, the scheduling system may operate with any back-end automated filling robot. 
     The terms “tablet” and “tablets” as used herein may refer to any form of prescription medication, non-prescription medication, or supplement intended to be ingested by or administered to a patient to improve the patient&#39;s health or well being. The medication or supplement may be in the form of caplets, pills, capsules, powders, liquids, gels, or suppositories, including vitamins, supplements, herbal formulations, or combinations thereof. 
     The term “matrix” as used herein refers to an array of numbers. The matrix interface comprises a series of cells arranged in parallel columns. The cells in the interface are configured to receive a numerical input representing a quantity of tablets. Herein, the terms “schedule,” “matrix,” “dosing matrix” and “scheduling matrix” are used interchangeably. 
     Dosing may be indicated for a particular dosing time (e.g., 8:00 AM) or a particular period of time (e.g., morning, 8:00-10:00 AM). The terms “dosing time” and “dosing period” are used interchangeably herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an illustrative scheduling matrix user interface  100 . The scheduling matrix user interface is typically accessed through a tablet ordering application. Generally, a user would access the interface after having selected a tablet type and a dosing period. In such a case, the scheduling matrix allows the user to designate a dosing schedule for the selected tablet type and dosing period. 
     Scheduling matrix  102  is comprised of a series of cells  104  arranged in parallel columns. In the illustrative matrix, each cell represents a day. In other embodiments, cells may represent other periods of time, such as hours or dosing periods. Matrix  102  is shown with column headers  106 , each column header indicating a day of the week. 
     In some embodiments, the user may fill in the scheduling matrix manually by selecting a cell and typing a number in the cell, the number corresponding to the quantity of tablets to be consumed on the day associated with the cell. In the example shown, the user has selected the first cell of the matrix and entered the number two, as indicated by the number two displayed under the column header labeled “Sunday.” The user then selected the third cell of the matrix, under the header “Tuesday,” and entered the number two. The user continued to select cells enter the number two every other day until two pills were indicated every other day for two weeks. As the user enters numbers in the matrix, a total tablet quantity  120  is updated to reflect the sum of all tablet quantities entered in the matrix. Because the user has entered the quantity two in seven cells of the scheduling matrix, the total quantity of tablets shown is 14, as indicated at  120 . 
     In other embodiments, the user may fill in the scheduling matrix by automated means, as described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     The dosing schedule shown in scheduling matrix  102  is associated with a dosing period. The user interface may comprise a period code input  108  with a drop down menu to indicate a period code associated with a dosing period. The period code may be a two-letter code representing a period of time during which the tablets are to be consumed. It will be recognized that alternative coding systems may be used. The user interface may comprise a period name input  110  to indicate a period name associated with a dosing period. In some embodiments, the user may use either of inputs  108  or  110  to indicate a dosing period to associate with the schedule shown in scheduling matrix  102 . In the illustrative interface, the schedule shown in matrix  102  is associated with a morning dosing time having period code “CA.” When the period code has been selected at box  108 , the period name in box  110  and time of day in box  112  are automatically populated with the corresponding values. Conversely, if the user selects a period name from the drop down menu at  110 , the period code box  108  and time of day box  112  are automatically populated. 
     Additionally, the user interface may comprise a color code box  114  indicating a color associated with the selected dosage period. The color shown in color code box  114  may be printed on a label affixed to tablet packaging to aid the consumer in identifying the dosing period during which the tablets contained in a package are to be consumed. 
     When the user has completed entering the input into user interface  100 , the user may save the input by activating save button  116 . In some embodiments, the user interface will close when the save button is activated. If the user wishes to exit the user interface  100  without saving input, the user may select cancel button  118  to close the user interface. It will be recognized that other means for saving input and canceling out of the interface without saving may be used. 
     Check box  122  labeled “Days-of-the-week” allows a user to designate a day of the week to begin a dosing cycle in drop down menu  124 . For example, it may be necessary or desirable for a patient to begin consuming prescribed tablets on a Wednesday. Referring to  FIG. 2 , check box  122  is checked, indicating that the day indicated in drop down menu  124 , Wednesday, will begin the dosing cycle. Because box  122  is checked, Wednesday appears in column header  106  for the first column. 
     When check box  126  labeled “Custom Days” is checked, scheduling matrix  102  is shown without column headers  106 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B . In some cases, it is not necessary for tablet consumption to begin on a particular day. Checking box  126  allows the application to generate an output indicating that labels will not specify a day of the week on which tablets are to be consumed. For example, the order could indicate that the labels should be numbered consecutively such that the package labeled “#1” (or similarly) is to contain the quantity of tablets indicated in the first cell, a package labeled “#2” (or similarly) is to contain the quantity of tablets indicated in the second cell, and so on. 
     It will be realized that a variety of inputs may be used in lieu of the check box, drop down menu, function buttons and text input boxes to indicate how the matrix should be displayed. 
     Text input boxes  128 ,  130 ,  132  and  134  labeled “Offset,” “Quantity,” “Interval,” and “Repetitions,” respectively, are used in conjunction with Additive button  136  and Overwrite button  138  to automatically populate the cells of the scheduling matrix. When the user activates Additive button  136 , the input entered in input boxes  128 - 134  is applied to automatically populate the scheduling matrix. Each time the Additive button is activated, tablet quantities are added to the existing tablet quantities shown in the scheduling matrix according to the entered input. Activating Overwrite button  138  removes all existing tablet quantities in the matrix prior to populating the scheduling matrix according to the input entered in input boxes  128  and  134 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an illustrative dosage schedule populated automatically using input boxes  128 - 134  is shown. The user has entered 2 in the Offset input box  128 . The offset input indicates the number of days between the first day of the scheduling matrix and the first day on which a tablet quantity designation is to be placed. In  FIG. 2 , the first day of the scheduling matrix is a Wednesday. Thus, when the offset setting is applied, the first day on which a tablet quantity is entered will be Friday. The user has entered 4 in the Quantity input box  130 . The quantity input indicates a tablet quantity to be entered in the matrix. Thus, on the first day on which a tablet quantity is entered, Friday, the tablet quantity is set to 04.00. The user has entered 3 in the Interval input box  132 . The interval input indicates a number of days between successive days to receive a tablet quantity entry. Thus, the next tablet quantity entry after the entry on Friday occurs on the following Monday, which is three days after Friday. The user has entered 5 in the Repetition input box  134 . The repetition input indicates a number of days to repeat the tablet quantity designation as defined by the offset input, the quantity input, and the interval input. Thus, the entry of tablet quantity  4  is repeated five times at an interval of 3 days with an initial offset of two days from the first day indicated in the scheduling matrix, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3B , an illustrative dosage schedule populated automatically and additively is shown. As indicated above, because Custom Days check box  126  is checked, the schedule is shown without headers. Thus, consumption of tablets is not scheduled to begin on a specified day. The schedule shown in  FIG. 3A  has been populated according to the input entered into boxes  128 - 134 . To achieve the schedule shown in  FIG. 3A , the user entered input in boxes  128 - 134  and activated the additive button. When the additive button was activated, the numbers appeared in the scheduling matrix. In this manner, the user was able to rapidly indicate that one tablet is to be consumed every day for the first week. To add a different quantity for the following weeks, the user enters new input in boxes  128 - 134  as shown in  FIG. 3B . When the Additive button is activated, the second set of quantities is automatically inserted into the schedule as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a verification interface of the application is shown. The verification interface comprises a scanned prescription  402  shown adjacent to a verification pane  404 . The user may verify that information entered into the application based on a prescription is accurate by comparing the information shown in the scanned prescription to the information shown in the verification pane. The verification interface may also comprise an image  406  of tablets to allow verification that the tablet entered into the application is correct based on the information shown in the prescription. If the information is correct, the user may activate Approve button  412  to indicate that verification has taken place. The verification window also comprises a Matrix button  408 . The Matrix button may be inactive if the order shown does not have an associated scheduling matrix. If the Matrix button is active, the initial day of the week of the associated scheduling matrix may be shown in drop down menu  110 . When an active Matrix button is activated, the interface shown in  FIG. 5  appears. The scheduling matrix shown in  FIG. 5  allows the user to change tablet quantities previously inserted into a scheduling matrix associated with a particular tablet type for a particular patient. In some cases, the user may wish to change the initial day shown in the matrix, for example, because the current dispensation of tablets will begin on a different day from the previous dispensation of tablets. To change the initial day, the user may select the desired initial day from drop down menu  412 . The day selected from drop down menu  412  will be shown in the column header of the first column of the matrix in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown an illustrative flowchart of a method for displaying a matrix for dosage scheduling. The method begins at block  602 , at which the application receives an input indicating a tablet type requiring matrix scheduling. The input may involve selecting a tablet type from a list of available tablet types. In some embodiments, the user will search a database to determine which tablet type to select. After a tablet type has been selected, the application may present a scheduling interface such as the interface shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the user selects an option from an application menu to show the scheduling interface. In other embodiments, the scheduling interface may appear automatically when a tablet type has been selected. It will be recognized that a variety of methods may be used for displaying a scheduling interface with an application. 
     The method proceeds to block  606 , at which the application receives a dosing period input. The dosing period input may be a period code or a period name. The dosing period indicates at which point during the time indicated in the cells of the matrix the tablet or tablets are to be consumed. For example, the dosing period may indicate at which point during the day the tablets indicated in the scheduling matrix are to be consumed. At decision diamond  608 , it is determined whether the custom days box  126  has been marked with a check. If the custom days box has not been checked, the matrix is displayed with no column headers as indicated at block  610 . If the custom days box has been checked, the matrix is displayed with column headers corresponding to the days-of-the-week as indicated at block  612 . The method then proceeds to decision diamond  614 , at which it is determined whether the day-of-the-week box  122  has been marked with a check. If the days-of-the-week box has not been checked, the matrix is displayed with a default day of the week as the header of the first column of the matrix, as indicated at block  616 . In an illustrative embodiment, the matrix is displayed with Sunday as the header for the first column of the matrix by default. If the days-of-the-week box has been checked, the matrix is displayed with the day selected in drop down menu  124  as the header for the first column of the matrix, as indicated at block  618 . 
     Referring now  FIG. 7 , there is shown an illustrative flowchart for automatically populating a scheduling matrix with tablet quantities. The method begins at block  702 , at which the application receives inputs for offset, quantity, interval and repetitions parameters in text input boxes  128 - 134 . The method proceeds to decision diamond  704 , at which the application determines whether an additive input has been received. If the additive button has been activated, the application inserts tablet quantities into the cells of the matrix according to the parameters indicated in text input boxes  128 - 134 , as indicated at block  706 . The application will add new tablet quantities to any existing tablet quantities in the same cell each time the additive button is activated. The method proceeds to decision diamond  708 , at which the application determines whether an overwrite input has been received. If the overwrite button has been activated, the application sets the tablet quantity in each cell of the matrix to zero before inserting tablet quantities into the cells of the matrix, as indicated at block  710 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , there is shown an illustrative block diagram system  800  for providing access to the application on a client via a server. The system comprises a client  802 , a server  804 , and a network  806 . The network may be a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or a local area network (LAN). In some embodiments, the online application may be viewed using a standard web browser. 
     Additional servers may be accessible to the application via the network, such as a medical provider server  810 , a pharmaceutical company server  812  and an insurance provider server  814 . The application may access information on these servers to determine, for example, billing information, patient coverage for pharmaceutical products, tablets to be made available through the application, and prescription information. In some embodiments, a transactional component  814  hosted on server  804  facilitates financial transactions for ordering tablets according to the schedule matrix. 
     The system may further comprise production facility server  818 . The production server is associated with managing the inventory in the production facility. The production server may comprise an inventory database module  820  that determines if the production facility can satisfy the tablet order. Ordering server  804  may also comprise a database indicating tablet types available through the application, patient information, prescriber information, and so on. Alternatively, the application may obtain such information from one or more databases hosted on one or more separate servers, such as the servers indicated at  810 - 814 . In some embodiments, production server  818  and online server  804  are part of secure LAN  208 . 
     The client is able to place a scheduled tablet order using the application. In one illustrative example, a pharmacist&#39;s on-line server communicates with the production server  818  and the inventory database  820 . The pharmacist&#39;s on-line server makes a request to determine whether the production facility can satisfy the pharmacist&#39;s order. The inventory database is accessed to determine if the tablet order may be filled. Once the pharmacist&#39;s online server has received confirmation that the prescription order can be filled, the online server relays this information back to the client&#39;s computer via the Internet. 
     The production server  818  also communicates the order to production facility computers which control the various systems and subsystems involved in producing the tablet assembly, including printers for labeling the lidstock on each individually sealed container with dosing instructions such as date and time to take the tablets in each individual container. The production server may also communicate to production facility computers which are connected to a printer for labeling an area of the sleeve portion of the tablet assembly, with end user information, drug information and expiration date(s) for the medication stored within the individual containers. 
     The online ordering server  804  and the production facility server  818  may also be communicatively connected to an updated medical information server  824  via a network such as the Internet or a secure wide area network connection. The updated medical information server  824  may be a private or government maintained server with compiled updated information on the various drugs stored in the production facility. The updated information may comprise new warnings on drug interactions, updated expiration dates, toxicity information and the like. The updated information is communicated to the second labeling component. This information is valuable in assuring the multi-drug prescriptions are effective and safe. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9A , an illustrative set of pouches  900  filled in accordance with a dosing schedule is shown. In some embodiments, the pouches comprise a transparent material that allows the contents of the pouch to be viewed for verification. The pouches shown in the illustrative embodiment have been filled in accordance with a dosing schedule that indicates one tablet to be taken on Monday during the Morning dosing period, two tablets to be taken on Tuesday during the Morning dosing period, and one tablet to be taken on Wednesday during the Morning dosing period. One tablet is visible within pouch  902 , which corresponds to the Monday dose and two tablets are visible within pouch  904 , which corresponds to the Tuesday dose. The pouches may be separably coupled to one another, for example, via a perforated material joining adjacent pouches. Labels with information regarding the contents of the pouches may be affixed to the pouches as shown in  FIG. 9B . In this manner, the consumer or a caregiver may verify that the tablets have been consumed in conformance with the dosing schedule indicated in the application by checking the label of the pouch at the dosing time. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9B  there is shown illustrative labeling  954  for the pouches shown in  FIG. 9A . By way of example and not of limitation, the illustrative label  952  may contain written information that is related to each tablet such as summary information about each tablet, day of the week on which the dose is to be consumed, dosing period during which the dose is to be consumed, summary information about the patient, the name of the patient, an image of the patient, images of the first tablet and the second tablet that may be to scale, a drug interaction description, or any combination thereof. 
     The illustrative label may include an image of the particular patient, and the name and address of the patient. Furthermore, there may be additional unique information about the patient printed on the label, such as the doctor&#39;s name and telephone number, and patient health insurance information. Additionally, there may be a particular description about each tablet that may include manufacturer&#39;s latest labeling information, a summary of expected side effects, and a short description of possible drug interactions. This information may be presented in a manner similar to the Physician&#39;s Desk Reference, which includes a color picture of each pill with summary information about the tablet. Additionally, information about how to administer products may be provided. This information may be used by a caregiver to help in dispensing the appropriate medications. 
     It is to be understood that the foregoing is a detailed description of illustrative embodiments. The scope of the claims is not limited to these specific embodiments. Various elements, details, execution of any methods, and uses can differ from those just described, or be expanded on or implemented using technologies not yet commercially viable, and yet still be within the inventive concepts of the present disclosure. The scope of the invention is determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.