Never Miss a Med Again: The Easiest Tech Tools to Keep Your Pills on Track

We get it. Your medications can get juggled around, and your mind won’t be able to recall whether you have or have not taken your prescriptions, but in the modern day of technology, there are many helpful tools you can use so you never mix up your medication schedule again.  

You don’t need to rely on memory alone. Today’s medication reminder apps are designed with simplicity in mind, especially for older adults. The apps are easy to work with and send you helpful nudges at the designated times you need them. 

Below are some apps recommended to help stay on top of your medications. Never forget about taking your medicine when you have one of these apps downloaded on your phone. We’ll talk about some of the highlights of each app so you don’t have to try out many different ones, trying to find your preference. 

Why Medication Adherence Matters     

First, its important to stress the adherence to a routine medication schedule. Missing a dose here and there might seem harmless, but consistent medication adherence is key to staying healthy. Studies show that following dosage instructions closely improves health outcomes, prevents disease progression, and reduces hospital visits.

There are some negative outcomes that are associated with not following your prescribed medication schedule. Some possible side effects of skipping medication are high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart conditions. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 50% of people are not taking their medications on a set schedule. 

What to Look For in a Medication Reminder App       

Finding an app is purely based on preference, but here are some features that most people tend to enjoy in a medication reminder app:

• Simple setup

• Custome reminders

• Sound or vibration alerts

• Refill reminders

• Caregiver access

• Medication history

Top Medication Reminder Apps for Simplicity and Support      

Medisafe     

Available for: Android & iOS

Cost: Free, with premium options ($4.99/month)   

Medisafe is widely used by many and has been trusted for years. The app has been designed with large buttons, voice alerts, and easy-to-read layouts.       

The MedFriend option also allows a family member or caregiver to receive notifications if you don’t take a dose. In addition, it tracks your medication history and can create a printable version you can bring with you to doctors' visits. 

Helpful features:

• Friendly, customizable reminders
  

• Optional caregiver alerts
  

• Syncs with some smartwatches and health apps
  

• Color-coded schedule and refill warnings

CareZone       

Available for: Android & iOS

Cost: Free        

CareZone's biggest benefit is the ability to offer many different prescriptions with ease. You can scan prescription bottles in to automatically enter in information without having to type in all of it. There is also a database so you can store doctor info, insurance cards, and notes from appointments.     

Helpful features:

• Easy photo-based med entry
  

• All-in-one organizer for meds, contacts, and instructions
  

• Refill reminders and health journal
  

• Shareable med list for caregivers or doctors

Pill Reminder – Meds Alarm      

Available for: Android & iOS

Cost: Free with optional in-app purchases

This app is ideal for those who want to keep things super simple. It does one thing: remind you to take your pills, and it does it well. No health tracking, no account setup, and no confusing screens.

Helpful features:

• Minimal interface
  

• Add photos of pills for quick identification
  

• Repeat and snooze reminders
  

• Adjustable notification tones

Old-School Backup Strategies

These are options to keep up with your medication if you experience any power outages with your phone or just prefer not to share your data with any other companies. The medication tracker apps all have highly advanced cybersecurity, but nobody is exempt from hacking. 

These are also useful in the event that you can not charge your phone, your phone dies, or you lose access to your phone. 

• Write your schedule down: Put this schedule in an area of high visibility, like your fridge or bedroom door. Keep your medications, dosages, and times, and update them as needed. 

• Use a pill organizer: The pill bottles that list days and times (7 days a week, two times a day) can give you visual cues and notify you if you missed a dose. Fill it every Sunday.

Print you app data: If you are using your app, many offer printable solutions. You can print a copy and store it somewhere safe or give it to your caregiver.