Blister Packs Research Articles

The role of Schedule H1 and Red Line campaign in improving antibiotic use in India.

ABSTRACTPurpose:Over-the-counter (OTC) sale of antibiotics have contributed to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. The Government of India has instituted regulatory measures, such as Schedule H1 and public campaigns such as Red Line Campaign, to limit such sales. This study was conducted to assess the perceptions of stakeholders regarding their effectiveness.Methods:To assess Schedule H1, pharmacists who own retail pharmacies in the state of Kerala, India, were interviewed using a pre-prepared question guide. In the next phase, healthcare professionals and patients in a hospital were shown the Red Line on an antibiotic blister pack and asked about its significance. Finally, 100 patients were shown a blister pack of Amoxicillin, and asked to identify the medicine or its use.Results:It was observed that there is poor awareness about antibiotic regulations and a perception of laxity in enforcement. Regarding the Red Line, only 7% of healthcare professionals could describe its significance and none among patients. Among the 100 patients who were shown Amoxicillin, only 42 could identify it as an antibiotic or describe its use.Conclusions:There is a general perception that regulations are poorly enforced and all are not aware of the Red Line campaign including healthcare professionals. Greater awareness at all levels about appropriate antibiotic use through prescriptions followed by greater efforts towards regulatory implementation and compliance should form parts of a multi-modal strategy to contain OTC sales of antibiotics. This will greatly help to aid physicians in improving overall healthcare through safe and effective prescribing.

The use of technology-based adherence monitoring in the treatment of hepatitis C virus.

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) achieve high hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure rates and are forgiving to missed doses, but adherence–efficacy relationships have not been well defined. Traditional adherence measures (e.g. pill counts, self-report and pharmacy refills) over-estimate medication adherence. Newer technology-based tools have been used to provide more objective adherence data. Herein, electronic medication diaries (e-diaries), medication events monitoring system (MEMS®) caps, electronic blister packs, electronic pill boxes, video-based directly observed therapy (vDOT), artificial intelligence platforms (AIPs), and ingestible sensor systems are described, and compared based on existing studies using DAA. Percent adherence, predictors of adherence, and HCV cure rates utilizing these technologies are included. DAA adherence with e-diaries was 95–96%, MEMS® caps and ingestible biosensors were between 95% and 97%, blister pack weekly dosing ranged 73–98%, and daily dosing 73–94%, whereas electronic pill boxes ranged between 39% and 89%, vDOT was 98% and AIP 91–96%. Despite a wide range of adherence, high sustained virologic response (SVR) rates (86–100%) were observed across all studies utilizing these different technology-based tools. Current data support the forgiveness of DAA therapies to missed doses using tools that provide more quantitative adherence measures compared with self-report and provide insight on adherence–efficacy relationships for contemporary DAA.

Transmogrifying waste blister packs into defect-engineered graphene-like turbostratic carbon: novel lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery anode with noteworthy electrochemical characteristics.

Blister packing materials (BMs) made up of foamed plastics are one of the major components in consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, which lead to a serious environmental concern as the waste management processes often result in land filling and incineration. The effective recycling of these foamed plastics has turned out to be a topic of interest in recent years to address environmental issues. Under stipulated experimental conditions, the foamed plastic of blister packaging materials, consisting of a higher percentage of carbon can provide an efficient anode material for energy storage devices. The present work outlines the preparation steps of defect-engineered graphene-like turbostratic carbon via. a physico-chemical activation method resulting in the formation of ultralow surface area (∼11.4 m2 g-1) carbon materials. In addition, graphene-like wrinkled morphologies were found to exist in the carbonaceous materials prepared at higher activation temperature (∼1400 °C) with a notable change in the crystalline characteristics on par with the commercial graphite anode. Therefore, it is expected that the material could be used in the same manner as conventional graphite materials to fabricate the cells. The prepared carbon, when explored as a lithium-ion battery (Li-ion) anode, provided outstanding electrochemical properties with a noteworthy Li-ion storage capacity of 594 mA h g-1 measured at a current rate of 0.1 C after 200 cycles, thanks to its graphene-like features, facilitating faster Li+ diffusion. Even at a high C-rate (1 C), the waste plastic-derived carbon displayed outstanding rate performance (∼304 mA h g-1) with noteworthy capacity retention (∼89%) and enhanced cycling stability (over 2000 cycles). Thus, the present research paves a new route for generating value-added carbon materials using foamed plastic med-wastes derived from blister packs.

Highly efficient textile supercapacitors made with face masks waste and thermoelectric Ca3Co4O9-δ oxide

We studied the electrochemical performance of solid state supercapacitors (SCs) made with surgical face mask (FM) waste and blister packs recycled from paracetamol packaging. The Ca3Co4O9-δ (CaCo) oxide was also deposited on the SC electrodes to store charge by redox reactions. The CaCo microparticles had a plate-like morphology and had sizes in the range of 1–4 µm. They also presented a monoclinic phase according to the analysis by the X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical characterization of the face mask-based SCs was carried out and found maximum capacitance/energy density values of 1706.2 F g−1/208.4 Wh kg−1 and 816.8 F g−1/99.7 Wh kg−1 for the SCs made with and without CaCo, respectively. Thus, incorporating the CaCo into the SCs improved the energy density and capacitance by ≈108%. The best device made with CaCo also presented a moderate capacitance retention of 82.1% after 1500 cycles of charge/discharge and long discharge times of at least 10 h (at a maximum output voltage of 0.54 V). Additionally, the devices were subjected to pressing conditions by putting on them weights of 0.1–0.5 Kg and their capacitance retention was only reduced by 0.7–1.5%. The analysis by XPS, Absorbance and Raman measurements pointed out that the SCs made with CaCo presented extra redox species of Co2+/Co3+ and oxygen vacancies on their electrodes; therefore, they could store charge by redox reactions. Hence, the results presented here revealed that highly efficient SCs are possible to make from medical waste and this could help to decrease the environmental contamination by plastic residuals.

Gastric Intramural Abscess Caused by a Blister Pack

An 85-year-old man with Parkinson disease presented to the outpatient clinic with a 2-week history of progressively worsening epigastric pain. His vital signs were normal. Physical examination revealed moderate upper abdominal tenderness. He had a white blood cell count of 12,000/mL (reference range, 3500–9800/mL) and a C-reactive protein level of 21.2 mg/dL (reference range, 0–0.3 mg/dL). Abdominal computed tomography revealed a 9-cm-diameter elliptical mass at the posterior wall of the stomach and a foreign body that was thought to be a blister pack (Figure A).

HIV And HCV adherence and treatment outcomes among people who inject drugs receiving opioid agonist therapy

ABSTRACT Among people who inject drugs (PWID), 60% have HCV and 50–90% of HIV-infected PWID are co-infected with HCV. Data comparing adherence to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy among HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected PWID is limited. The impact of HCV treatment initiation on HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is also poorly understood. We assessed DAA adherence in HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected PWID and examined changes in ART adherence and HIV outcomes following HCV treatment. Study was conducted in three Medication for Opioid use Disorder (MOUD) programs in Bronx, New York. HCV treatment adherence was measured using electronic blister packs. 2-week DAA adherence rates were compared and controlled for study arm, psychiatric illness and alcohol intoxication within the past 30 days. ART adherence was measured using participant self-report and dichotomized to “excellent” or “other”. ART adherence, CD4 count, and HIV viral load were identified six months prior to, during, and six months after HCV treatment. Statistical significance was assessed with mixed-effects regression linear or logistic models. Overall DAA adherence rates among HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected PWID were 74% (95% CI=71–78%) and 76% (95%CI=70–83%), respectively (p=.55). There were no significant changes in ART adherence, CD4 counts, or HIV viral loads prior to, during, or after HCV treatment. This is the first study assessing the impact of DAA therapy on ART adherence and HIV treatment outcomes among PWID. It is one of the first to compare DAA adherence among HCV and HIV/HCV co-infected PWID. Our data demonstrate no significant difference in DAA adherence and no significant impact of HCV treatment on ART adherence or HIV outcomes.

Crystal structure, morphology, and mechanical properties of biaxially oriented polyamide‐6 films toughened with poly(ether block amide)

AbstractBiaxially oriented polyamide‐6 (BOPA) film has been widely used in many packaging applications. However, the BOPA film with excellent toughness is still required when utilizing in the field of soft‐packaged lithium‐ion batteries, pharmaceutical blister packaging, or frozen food packaging especially for vacuum packaging of irregular‐shaped food products. The purpose of this study was to improve the toughness of BOPA films by toughening with poly(ether block amide) (PEBA) (BOPA/PEBA films) based on the simultaneous biaxial stretching technology. The crystal structure, morphology, optical properties, barrier, and mechanical properties of BOPA/PEBA films were investigated. The results showed that the incorporation of PEBA into BOPA films slightly decreased the melting temperature and crystallinity of PA6, and the BOPA/PEBA films exhibited only α‐form crystals and no preferential orientation in the machine direction (MD) and transition direction (TD). The morphological observation showed that higher addition of PEBA led to the formation of microvoids due to the poor compatibility between PA6 and PEBA. As a result, the transmittance and oxygen barrier properties of the BOPA/PEBA films decreased. In addition, mechanical analysis suggested that the addition of PEBA could effectively improve the toughness of BOPA film.

Chemical Contamination in Packaging Material of Pharmaceutical Use

The use of packaging materials is important in the pharmaceutical industry. The pharmaceutical industry uses, as primary packaging materials, glass bottles, blister packs, caps, and closures, glass vials, sealed tubes. The aim of this study is to perform global component migration analyses on these types of packaging, to see if there is a possibility of migration of components from the pharmaceutical package into the drug, so as not to alter in any way its therapeutic properties. The results obtained from the processing of the extracts obtained were below the maximum limits allowed for each category of packaging, respectively, plastic, paper and cardboard, glass.

Proof-of-Concept of Detection of Counterfeit Medicine through Polymeric Materials Analysis of Plastics Packaging.

The detection of counterfeit pharmaceuticals is always a major challenge, but the early detection of counterfeit medicine in a country will reduce the fatal risk among consumers. Technically, fast laboratory testing is vital to develop an effective surveillance and monitoring system of counterfeit medicines. This study proposed the combination of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) for the quick detection of counterfeit medicines, through the polymer analysis of blister packaging materials. A sample set containing three sets of original and counterfeit medicine was analyzed using ATR-FTIR and DSC, while the spectra from ATR-FTIR were employed as a fingerprint for the polymer characterization. Intending to analyze the polymeric material of each sample, DSC was set at a heating rate of 10 °C min−l and within a temperature range of 0–400 °C, with nitrogen as a purge gas at a flow rate of 20 mL min−1. The ATR-FTIR spectra revealed the chemical characteristics of the plastic packaging of fake and original medicines. Further analysis of the counterfeit medicine’s packaging with DSC exhibited a distinct difference from the original due to the composition of polymers in the packaging material used. Overall, this study confirmed that the rapid analysis of polymeric materials through ATR-FTIR and comparing DSC thermograms of the plastic in their packaging effectively distinguished counterfeit drug products.

Impact of Vonoprazan Triple-Drug Blister Packs on H.pylori Eradication Rates in Japan: Interrupted Time Series Analysis.

IntroductionHelicobacter pylori eradication therapy requires a complex prescribing schedule combining clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) or potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB, vonoprazan). To reduce the burden of complex prescribing and increase adherence, a vonoprazan triple-drug blister pack comprising all three medications was launched in June 2016. This study aimed to assess the impact of the combination blister pack on eradication success rate in Japan immediately after launch.MethodsWe performed an interrupted time series analysis using a large administrative claims database of 7,300,000 insured individuals. We identified 36,570 patients who received first-line clarithromycin triple therapy from June 2015 to May 2016 (prelaunch) and 35,721 who received the same therapy from July 2016 to June 2017 (post-launch). The primary outcome was the success rate of clarithromycin triple therapy and the secondary outcomes were proportion of vonoprazan use and proportion of combination blister pack use.ResultsThe success rate of clarithromycin triple therapy increased by 2.44% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36–3.52; P < 0.0001) after the launch of the vonoprazan triple-drug blister pack. The proportion of vonoprazan use and proportion of combination blister pack use increased by 12.7% (95% CI 10.0–15.3; P < 0.0001) and 29.2% (95% CI 25.4–32.9; P < 0.0001), respectively.ConclusionsLaunch of the vonoprazan triple-drug blister pack had a significant impact on the success rate of clarithromycin triple therapy, with greater proportions of vonoprazan and combination blister pack use. Introducing an easy-to-use formulation may be effective in changing prescribing practice and subsequent patient outcomes.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-01784-w.

Evaluating the role of baseline geriatric assessment in predicting adherence to oral targeted therapies and outcomes in older adults with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

12043 Background: Oral targeted therapies (OTT) have transformed the treatment landscape of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, measuring, defining and optimizing adherence to OTT remains a challenge. Prior studies have reported variable adherence rates (12-100%) to OTT in cancer patients (pts), with suboptimal adherence associated with inferior outcomes. In older adults (OA), geriatric syndromes (GS) such as polypharmacy and cognitive impairment can impact adherence. While geriatric assessment (GA) can predict chemotherapy-related toxicity in OA, its utility in NHL pts on OTT is unknown. In this pilot study, we evaluate the role of GA in predicting adherence and outcomes in NHL pts on OTT. We also report the feasibility of using MEMS Cap, an electronic event monitoring system, to measure adherence in this population. Methods: Pts ≥70 years (yrs) with NHL, initiating/receiving OTT were included. A GA was performed at baseline; pt, disease, and OTT characteristics were recorded. Pts were followed monthly for the first 3 months (mos), then every 3 mos for 1 year. Primary endpoint was treatment adherence rate, measured using both subjective [brief adherence rating scale (BARS)] and objective (pill counts and MEMS cap) methods. Progression free survival (PFS) was measured from time of therapy initiation to disease progression or death. Results: Of the 54 pts screened, 25 were enrolled. Median age was 77 yrs (71-93 yrs), 21 pts had chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 3 had mantle cell lymphoma and 1 had marginal zone lymphoma. Most frequently used OTT were ibrutinib (n = 17) and venetoclax (n = 5). Most pts (72%) were on OTT at study entry. Median time on therapy was 16.4 mos (1.9-44.6 mos). GS included cognitive impairment (28%), depression (24%), polypharmacy (92%) and recent falls (12%); 48% pts had ≥2 GS. Nine pts (36%) had impaired 4-meter gait speed and/or timed-up-and-go; 20 pts (80%) had an adjusted CIRS-G score of ≥6. So far, pts have completed a median follow up of 3.3 mos. BARS was the most consistent measure of adherence used (63/63 visits, 100%). MEMS Cap and pill counts were used at 13% and 8% visits respectively. Only 5 pts used the MEMS Cap, mostly due to packaging incompatibility (44%-pill box, 32%-blister packs). Median adherence was 100% (range, 70%-100%) with no pts missing &gt; 7 days of prescribed doses. Five pts (20%) required dose interruptions, mostly due to adverse events. Six pts discontinued therapy and 2 pts died of unrelated causes. Median PFS was not reached. Chronological age and presence of a GS were not associated with adherence rate or outcomes. Conclusions: Despite presence of ≥2 geriatric syndromes in 48% of older adults with NHL on OTT, self-reported adherence remains high ( &gt; 99%) in this group. The MEMS Cap device has poor applicability in measuring adherence to OTT due to pill package incompatibility and increasing use of virtual/tele visits.

Participatory research for the development of information, education and communication tools to promote intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria and Mozambique

BackgroundTo improve the coverage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) in Africa, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) developed, tested and validated a new packaging of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP), as well as specific communications tools designed to improve knowledge of IPTp and the motivation of women to adhere to it, particularly if it is distributed by community health workers (CHW).MethodsThis article describes and analyses the results of an empirical research carried out in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria and Mozambique, to evaluate the perception and social acceptability of SP for healthcare providers, CHW and pregnant women, and to assess the ability of the new SP packaging and the communications tools to change their perception of SP and improve their attitudes towards IPTp.ResultsThe results indicate that SP’s new individual packaging was perceived by pregnant women and healthcare providers as a “hygienic” and “safe”, with a specific identity. The graphics used in IPTp communications tools were modified according to the respondents’ feedback to make them more culturally and socially sensitive, and then validated. However, although the new blister packaging and IPTp communications tools generated greater confidence and motivation, SP side effects as well as preconceived ideas, particularly regarding its efficacy, remain a challenge that must be addressed to improve IPTp acceptance and compliance by healthcare providers and pregnant women.ConclusionThis participatory approach to social research based on ongoing feedback to the graphic designer provided more empirical evidence to improve and adapt the textual and visual content of communication tools (SP blister packaging, leaflet, user guide) to local contexts and user preferences. Tested and validated in different socio-cultural and socio-political contexts, these tools provide a good basis for the promotion of IPTp in Africa.

Presence of “One Pill Can Kill” Medications in Medication Organizers: Implications for Child Safety

Background: Medication organizers increased compliance, but they do not contain child protective packaging. Medications organizers have been involved in some pediatric exposures; however, previous reports do not describe if “one pill can kill” (1PCK) medications were involved in the exposures. 1PCK medications may cause toxicity even with a single tablet. Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the type and presence of 1PCK medications dispensed in medication organizers at a single center. Methods: Adult patients who received blister packed medications from September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017 were included in this retrospective review. Medications were excluded if dispensed traditionally during this time. The primary outcome described included 1PCK medications (quantity and type). Secondary outcomes included total number of tablets dispensed, delayed- (DR) and extended-release (ER) formulations, average age of those dispensed 1PCK medications versus those without. Results: A total of 450 patients received 486 blister packs and 75.5% of which found to include 1PCK medications. Most commonly included 1PCK medications were beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers (42.4 and 49.4%, respectively). Patients receiving 1PCK medications were older (69.1 ± 12.6 vs 62.6 ± 16.7 years old, p < 0.0001) and included more medications (8.5 ± 2.9 vs 5.7 ± 2.9 medications, p < 0.0001). DR and ER formulations were in 150 packs. Conclusion: The majority of dispensed medication organizers included 1PCK medications. Upon dispensing, patients should be questioned for possible proximity exposures. Additionally, they should receive education on medication safety for children that may be in proximity of the medications during home, work, or social activities.

The Role of Patient-reported Outcomes and Medication Adherence Assessment in Patient-focused Drug Development for Solid Organ Transplantation.

The Role of Patient-reported Outcomes and Medication Adherence Assessment in Patient-focused Drug Development for Solid Organ Transplantation.

Compartment syndrome and suicide attempt

IntroductionThe compartment syndrome is a pathological condition characterized by a decrease, or even interruption, of the microcirculation within a soft tissue compartment. There have been a few cases reported about compartment syndrome due to a suicide attempt.ObjectivesTo present an unusual complication of an autolytic attemptMethodsA descriptive study of a clinical case and literature reviewResultsA 49-year-old woman, divorced. With no psychiatric history and no somatic antecedents. Comes to the hospital after been found lying face down on the bathroom’s floor for 48 hours, next to her two empty blister packs of lorazepam and naproxen. Her partner says they argued two days ago. Brain CT: with no abnormalities. Blood analysis: metabolic acidosis with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. She presents ischemic injuries in both inferior extremities with right food ischemia and with no pedal pulses. Compartment syndrome is diagnosed, being necessary a bilateral fasciotomy and later a right lower extremity amputation. Initiates referral from Vascular Surgery for self-poisoning. She refers to low mood and mild anxiety due to work and relationship issues/problems. She accepts that she self-poisoning only to attract her partner’s attention after the argument. The examination shows logical thought, emotional lability, good judgement, future-oriented without suicidal ideation. Clinical judgement: acute stress reaction.ConclusionsThe compartment syndrome is a rare complication of the suicide attempt. Our patient suffered a compartment syndrome lying on the bathroom’s floor for 48 consecutive hours without apparent trauma and no somatic antecedents. This syndrome could be developed by high naproxen and lorazepam intake.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

BCLA CLEAR - Contact lens wettability, cleaning, disinfection and interactions with tears

Contact lens materials have undergone significant changes over the past 20 years, particularly with respect to the introduction of silicone hydrogel materials. Whilst this development addressed hypoxic issues, other important areas relating to contact lens success, notably comfort, require further research.Contact lens wettability remains a crucially important part of biocompatibility. Contact lenses can be made more wettable by incorporation of surfactants into blister packs, internal wetting agents, surface treatments or care solutions. However, there remains no clear association between contact lens wettability and comfort, making it challenging to determine the potential for these approaches to be of significant clinical benefit. Most contact lenses are used on a daily wear, reusable basis, which requires them to be disinfected when not worn. The ideal disinfecting solution would also improve comfort during wear. However, balancing these requirements with other factors, including biocompatibility, remains a challenge. Soft lens materials invariably take up and subsequently release certain components of disinfecting solutions onto the ocular surface. This may affect tear film stability and the normal ocular microbiome, and further research is needed in this area to determine whether this has any affect on comfort. Finally, contact lens materials sorb components of the tear film, and these interactions are complex and may change the biochemistry of the tear film, which in turn may affect their comfort.In conclusion, the interaction between lens materials, tear film and disinfection solution plays an important role in the biocompatibility of lenses. However, the exact role and whether this can be altered to improve biocompatibility and comfort during wear remains debatable. This report summarises the best available evidence to examine this complex relationship and the opportunities for practitioners to enhance in-eye comfort of contemporary lenses, along with providing suggestions for areas of study that may provide further information on this topic.

Contamination of lenalidomide on blister packages after administration and its exposure countermeasures

Background: Reliable exposure control measures are needed to avoid occupational exposures from hazardous drugs. However, there is little information on blister packages concerning exposure. We investigated the contamination and exposure control methods of lenalidomide. Materials and Methods: Nine facilities involved with the RevMate program (the Japanese REMS program) participated in this study. Blister packages (10 capsules/ sheet, no cuts) were collected from each institution after the administration of 5-mg Revlimid capsules. Additionally, the safety performance of different gloves was tested. Results: A total of 18 samples were analyzed and the results revealed that all samples were contaminated with lenalidomide. Our questionnaire revealed that all pharmacists handled the blister packages with their bare hands when they were checking the remaining capsules of lenalidomide. We analyzed gloves made from four different materials (nitrile, polyvinyl chloride, latex, and polyethylene) and found no permeability in any glove type. Conclusion: We conclude that the spent blister package is a potential source of exposure to lenalidomide. All medical staff and caregivers should wear gloves when they handle lenalidomide.

Wastage of medications supplied by hospitals to facilitate continuity of care when patients are discharged to residential care facilities in Victoria, Australia: An observational study.

To explore wastage of hospital-supplied medications for patients discharged to residential care facilities (RCFs). Telephone interviews with staff at 52 RCFs and nine community pharmacies after patients were discharged from three hospitals in metropolitan Victoria, Australia, with medication supplied in original packs. Hospital-supplied medication was used by most RCFs, for a median of 48hours, while waiting for community pharmacies to deliver medications packed in the RCFs' preferred dose administration aid system (unit-dose or multi-dose blister packs or sachets). All RCFs reported sending unused hospital-supplied medications to their community pharmacy. Six of the nine community pharmacies (managing 83% patients) indicated they did not reuse hospital-supplied medications, with the exception of select difficult-to-source medications. There was significant wastage of hospital-supplied discharge medications. Changes to the way hospital discharge medications are funded and quantities supplied are needed to ensure continuity of medication administration while minimising financial and environmental impacts of medication wastage.

A Computer Vision System for Missing Tablets Detection

In this paper, we established a computer vision system for missing tablets detection in pharmaceutical industry during the manufacturing process. The images of blister pack with tablets in RGB color format were acquired by using a CCD industrial color camera on the industrial assembly line in real time. In order to reduce the effect of environmental brightness, the obtained RGB format images were transformed into HSI color format. According to the threshold of the hue and saturation, the image segmentation was carried out. Then, the tablets could be identified and determined. The Canny edge detection and Hough circle detection was used to mark the locations of tablets. Based on the locations and number of circles, the location of the missing tablets was obtained. This computer vision system could boost efficiency, reduce the cost of labor, and guarantee the safety of drug consumers.

New therapeutic agents marketed in 2020: Part 1

New therapeutic agents marketed in 2020: Part 1