Loading a medication vs priming a dose. What's the difference?

Let's get down to it... Both are actions that are required by the user in order to use the device however the subtle nomenclature difference can be misleading. The reality is that the subtlety can have huge impact on the use of a combination product.

If a device is not "primed" correctly, it might not be providing the full dose. The user may perceive that the device is functioning and a dose has been delivered however the device might only deliver residual medication left in the system. In other instances, say when there is a mechanical lockout and the full action required has not been mechanically activated, the user may perceive the device to be broken.

"Loading" a medication is entirely like a popular coffee maker. When a user forgets to insert a pod, it'll happily deliver hot water but no coffee much to the disappointed user.

Good design provides feedback to the user that a full dose is prepared and the device is ready for medication administration as an integral function in both instances of loading and/or priming.