Patent ID: 8326455

Claim:
A method for controlling dispensing of medication, the method comprising: (a) holding at least one medication within a dispenser, the dispenser device comprising: (i) a sealable pill magazine; (ii) a dispensing well in communication with the pill magazine, the dispensing well having an opening therein; (iii) a shutter movably positionable over the opening of the dispensing well to securely close the dispensing well; and (iv) a vacuum mechanism configured to enter through the opening of the dispensing well; (b) alerting a patient that a dose of medication is to be taken or an optional dose of medication is available to be taken; (c) confirming identification of the patient; (d) dispensing a dose of medication for the patient from the dispenser; (e) confirming removal of medication from dispenser; and (f) providing a location determination device with the dispenser to permit locating the dispenser.