When Lee DeMar was running a Phoenix-based nursing agency, he constantly heard his nurses voice their frustration over the fact that many of their older clients were not taking their medications when they should and as a result cycling back to the ER (the nurses worked exclusively at hospitals). Known as medication non-compliance (or non-adherence), it is the failure to take prescription medication on time and in the dosages prescribed.
Medication non-compliance — which has been called America’s “other drug problem†by The New York Times — results in an estimated $290 billion in emergency room visits and other avoidable medical expenses and health crises. These medication errors account for 10 percent of all hospital admissions, and is attributed to at least 125,000 deaths annually, according to the New England Healthcare Institute.
DeMar immediately recognized the urgency of this growing problem and through his company, Med-Q, developed the Med-Q Pillbox, an innovative solution to the challenges of medication non-compliance. The unit retails for $49.95 and is being launched at a special introductory price of $39.95.
Featuring a unique modern design, the Med-Q Pillbox is unlike any pill organizer on the market. It is a self-contained, “all-in-one” electronic weekly organizer, reminder and dispenser. According to DeMar, “The Med-Q Pillbox features a user-friendly design and multipurpose functionality to assist a wide range of individuals taking daily medications and vitamins.”
The Med-Q Pillbox consists of 14 days’ worth of roomy, individualized compartments to accommodate once a day (for 14 days) or twice a day (for 7 days) medication regimens. Each individual compartment is specially fitted with large flip-up tabs for easy opening and can hold the equivalent of up to 30 regular-size aspirins. Additionally, each compartment can be removed from the pillbox base eliminating the potential to spill pills from other compartments that may not be closed securely. An extra large LED makes it easier to program and see the day, time and “next alert.”
Med-Q’s electronic dual reminder system, according to DeMar “is a technology and design breakthrough for individuals and families trying to adhere to daily medication regimens and live a medically-independent life.â€
Powered by two AA batteries, the Med-Q Pillbox combines advanced audio and visual alarms, and may be programmed to fit any schedule. The audio alarm, available in one- or two-beep options, cascades in volume and is loud enough to be heard through a nightstand drawer. The visual alarm utilizes LED-Lightbox Technologyâ„¢ to illuminate individual compartments with a flashing light and indicates which pills to take.
The goal of the Med-Q Pillbox is to reduce medication errors. For more information or to purchase the Med-Q Pillbox, please visit www.medqpillbox.com or call 480-648-4977.
Via EPR Network
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