Tech Product News

Carmel Pharma (Columbus, OH) has recently developed a series of new components to complement its PhaSeal protection system. Designed to permit the safe handling of hazardous drugs, PhaSeal is the only clinically proven closed-system drug transfer device. It uses an airtight expansion chamber and leak-proof double-membrane connections to prevent exposure and contamination of hazardous drugs, including aerosols and vapors.

The upgraded components were developed from customer feedback and feature new ergonomic designs, added safety features, and improved versatility for oncology pharmacists. They include the Injector Luer Lock (N35), the Secondary Set (C60), and 2 versions of the Connector Luer Lock (C35, C45).

The PhaSeal system has been implemented in more than 1000 cancer facilities, infusion centers, and private practices, and is recognized in the industry for its streamlined designs and universally compatible components. For more information, visit www.phaseal.com or e-mail info@carmelpharmausa.com.

Labor-Saving MDM Uses Digital Photo to Verify Prescriptions

The Medication Detection Machine (MDM), developed by Global Factories (Holland) and distributed by Crocus Medical (Jamestown, ND), was recently introduced to the US pharmacy market at conferences conducted by the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Designed for use in packing centers that use automated strip packaging machines, it improves accuracy and reduces the need for technicians by automating the tedious process of checking unit- and multi-dose pouches before releasing medications. At a rate of 75 pouches per minute, the MDM digitally photographs each pouch, verifies its contents, and then stores the photograph in a database for future reference. If problems are detected, the MDM separates the pouch, so that it can be reviewed by a pharmacist. The device can also store detailed pill information and provide statistics for customized reporting. A compact model is also available for smaller-scale repackagers. For more information, visit www.crocusmed.com.

App Alert: AccuWeather.com Introduces WeatherMD

For patients whose arthritis flare-ups coincide with incoming cold fronts, a new iPhone app from AccuWeather.com may offer relief, or at least advance notice. For $3.99, WeatherMD helps predict chronic symptoms by tracking the weather conditions that most likely trigger them. Using GPS technology, the app provides visually detailed, location-specific maps and indexes allergies, arthritis, asthma, cold and flu, migraines, and sinus problems.

The app also tracks prime conditions for outdoor exercise through the Healthy Heart Exercise and Running indices, which can forecast conditions up to 15 days. In addition to medically relevant weather information, WeatherMD provides current conditions and forecast information including high and low temperatures, humidity, wind speed and direction, dew point, and air pressure. For more information, visit www. accuweather.com.

Inspired by his 5-year-old son’s late-night ear infection, InstyMeds founder Ken Rosenblum has created an automated dispensing system for acute outpatient prescriptions. With the ability to fill prescriptions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the InstyMeds system “combines the safety and security of an ATM with the convenience of a soda machine.” Ideal for use in emergency departments and urgent care clinics, the dispenser is designed to complement existing pharmacy services or serve as a stand-in when a full-scale pharmacy is not available. Currently, the system is being used in 19 states and has successfully dispensed more than 700,000 medications.

Prescriptions start with a unique Web-based prescription writer that enables doctors to file orders electronically. Once the prescription is ordered, an automatic adjudication request is sent to the InstyMeds call center, where technicians verify patients’ insurance eligibility. A voucher is then printed with a unique access code and given to the patient.

At the dispenser, patients navigate a simple touch-screen interface to enter their personal access code, birth date, and payments. After payment is received and authorized, medications are automatically labeled, tripleverified, and dispensed with a receipt. A direct dial phone attached to the machine puts patients in contact with an InstyMeds representative to answer questions. For more information, visit www.instymeds.com. â–