Abstract: A patch applicator for easy application of a transdermal patch is disclosed, wherein the applicator is especially suitable for a small transdermal patch of size 20 cm.sup.2 or less. The patch applicator includes a rigid release liner and a flexible transdermal patch releasably attached to the release liner. The release liner has a first and second poritons separated by a slit, and pulltabs affixed to the portions. The pulltabs can extend beyond an end margin of the transdermal patch, and preferably extend outwardly at an acute angle for use, so that a patch user may easily grasp the pulltabs and remove a first portion of the release liner from the patch. The patch is then applied to the skin or mucosa, followed by removal of the second portion and final application of the patch. The patch applicator reduces loss in manufacturing yield, and especially benefits the elderly population.

Abstract: Devices for the controlled release of an active agent to the skin or mucosa of a host are disclosed, which devices are laminates of a backing layer and a monolithic carrier layer formed from a melt blend of an active ingredient with a thermoplastic matrix polymer without first dissolving or suspending the polymer or active ingredient in a solvent therefor, so that the carrier layer is substantially free of residual solvent, wherein the thermoplastic matrix polymer has a melt temperature between about 170.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C.

Abstract: Skin contact devices are disclosed for treating the skin, including a film layer which is non-occlusive to the passage of water vapor, an occlusive layer adhesively affixed to the inner surface of the film layer, in which the occlusive layer does not permit water vapor to pass therethrough, and a series of vent slots extending through the occlusive layer so that water vapor contained within the occlusive layer can pass through these vents for subsequent passage through the film layer itself.

Abstract: Devices for applying a plurality of active agents to the skin of a patient are disclosed including a liner layer with a releasable surface, a carrier layer, and a plurality of active agent carriers on the surface of the carrier layer, with the releasable surface of the liner layer in contact with the surface of the carrier layer including the active agent carrier and the two surfaces being releasably heat sealed together at least at a location between the plurality of active agent carriers in order to physically separate them prior to removal of the liner layer from the carrier layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a package assembly for dispensing pharmaceutical medications, and a method of manufacturing the same. The package assembly comprises a blister sheet having blister recesses and substantially planar shoulder portions located between the recesses and coated with a cohesive composition, and a lidding sheet having one surface entirely coated with a cohesive composition having affinity for the cohesive that is coated on the shoulder portions of the blister sheet, but having no affinity for pharmaceutical medications positioned in the blister recesses. A relatively stiff plastic frame having top and bottom panels is positioned on opposite sides of the blister sheet and lidding sheet in a sandwich relationship, thereby giving support to the entire package assembly. The present invention, therefore, allows for customized prescription packaging to be economically handled by a patient's pharmacist.

Abstract: Devices for applying film layers and/or active agent carriers to the skin are disclosed, including a liner layer having a release surface, a carrier layer for the film layer, a first adhesive between the carrier layer and the film layer, and a second adhesive between the liner layer and the opposite surface of the film layer and carrier layer. In this manner, the film layer is sandwiched between the liner layer and carrier layer, and the coefficients of adhesion of the two adhesives are selected so that upon separation of the liner layer and the carrier layer the film layer remains on the carrier layer, and upon application of the film layer to the skin, the film layer transfers from the carrier layer to the skin. The device preferably includes a hinge permanently connecting a peripheral edge of the carrier layer to the liner layer in order to facilitate this process, and in a preferred embodiment an active agent carrier is either substituted for or added to the film layer.