Electrotransport delivery device having improved safety and reduced abuse potential

Abstract

An electrotransport device () for delivering one or more therapeutic agents through the skin includes electrodes () for contacting the skin (), at least one electrode containing the agent, a power source () for generating electrical current (I) for delivering the agent, a current generating and controlling means (), and a disabling means () for permanently and irreversibly disabling the current. The disabling means () may include a timer means (), a counter means (), or a body parameter sensor () and limit comparator () to effect permanent disabling. The disabling means may be a permanent transition to a disabled logic state, a permanent discharge of a power supply source (), or a permanent diversion of electrotransport current from the electrodes (), or a combination of the above. The permanent disabling means may include a circuit connection means () having a frangible conducting member () which permanently fractures and causes an irreversible open circuit in the connection to the electrodes () upon removing a disposable/single use electrode assembly () from a reusable portion of an electrotransport device.