Pills that text people

Pills that will send a text to a mobile phone when people forget to take their medication is being tested in the UK. The pills contain a microchip that can signal a patch worn on skin.

NHS doctors are recruiting about 40 volunteers try out standard versions of their heart pills fitted with a microchip.

When swallowed, the chips – which are made from food ingredients and activated by stomach fluids - will send signals to a patch on a person’s shoulder or a small device under the skin. This will then send a text if medication is not taken on time.

It also monitors heart rate and activity, as well as sleep patterns.

The system, which is called Raisin, was already tested in the US. It was reported that it increased consistency in taking medication from 30 to 80 percent.