The potential uses of the medication monitor in the treatment of leprosy.

A medication monitor has been developed that utilizes radioactive material and photographic film to record the intervals at which patients take medication. In the author's opinion, this equipment represents the most efficient means that has so far become available for determining how regularly outpatients take medication. A monitor for the tuberculosis regimen of isoniazid and thiacetazone has been made at a sufficiently low cost that it is practical to use it in routine treatment programs. An inexpensive system for immediate development of the film that can be used in the most remote locations is also available. Undoubtedly, with appropriate engineering work, a monitor for leprosy regimens could be made. The device has been used with tuberculosis patients and revealed that many patients were grossly irregular in taking their medication. It has been used to oversee medication use by tuberculosis patients and to select those who require either extra attention to improve medication ingestion or completely supervised, directly administered programs. In the treatment of leprosy, it could be used to study new drug regimens, the causes of noncompliance, and for the routine supervision of patients.