The classic pillbox has been upgraded. There’s an app for just about anything these days, including ones that can help you remember to take your medication. Medication adherence, or taking your medication as prescribed, is an important part of managing your health, whether you have a chronic condition or a brief head cold. Unused medications can also lead to abuse and misuse, as well as accidental poisonings.
Stay on schedule with your meds by using a medication reminder. There are a number of smartphone apps you can use to help. For example, check out the two below.
- Medisafe – Available for Android and iOS devices – This HIPPA-compliant app allows users to add their medications and set what time of day they need to take them. The app divides the day into four quadrants so you can easily see what pills you’ve taken and what’s coming up next.
- CareZone – Available for Android and iOS devices – Besides keeping track of your medication, you can also add the medications of your family members. The app will also help you remember to refill your medication and track other health information.
In a step further, smartphone apps have also been developed that will actually monitor if a person is taking their medication. The proof comes when people upload photos to their physician’s offices to prove they’ve swallowed their medication. This new technique is currently being researched to see if it’s an effective way to make sure people are adhering to their medicine. Read more about the study in a recent The Associated Press article.