Importance

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Abstract

An iontophoretic drug delivery device includes a controller normally being in an off or low power consumption state, and a patch including electrodes, a reservoir containing an ionizable drug for transcutaneous delivery to a patient and a return reservoir. The patch is removably and electrically connectable to the controller, and delivers the drug to patient when the patch is on the patient's skin and when the controller is switched from the off or low power consumption state to an operational state. This occurs when the patch is inserted into the controller. This feature preserves the battery of the controller. Upon patch insertion, the controller periodically changes from a non-current delivery state to a current delivery state for the predetermined period of time to deliver a pulse of current to the inserted patch. A current sensor within the controller measures the current delivered to the patch. The controller switches to the non-current delivering state if the amount of current drawn is less than a predetermined amount, and is therefore off the skin, and switches to the current delivering state otherwise. This feature prevents the build up of charge on the patch electrodes and the possibility of an uncomfortable electrical sensation.

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First Claim