There are plenty of medicine alarm apps, but a few details decide whether one actually works for someone who takes medicine every day. The short version: look at whether it keeps reminding you until you check off the dose, whether it keeps a record, whether your medicine names stay private on the lock screen, and whether family can be part of it. Here is each one in turn.
Why use an alarm at all?
MedlinePlus, the US National Library of Medicine’s health site, suggests a simple setup for remembering medicine: “Set the alarm on your clock, computer, or phone for your medicine times.” It also suggests taking medicine “with another daily activity that you never forget,” such as a meal or brushing your teeth.
So an alarm is one tool among several. It works well together with a daily habit, a paper chart, or a pillbox, and you can use more than one.
1. Does it keep reminding you until you check it off?
A phone’s built-in alarm is over the moment you switch it off. If something interrupts you right then, the medicine stays where it is. When you compare apps, look at whether the reminder rings once and stops, or carries on until you confirm the dose.
CareRing reminds you in two steps. At the time you set, a voice says “It’s time to take your medicine” in your phone’s language. If you have not checked it off, a bell rings, and rings again at set intervals until you do. If your phone is locked, you can tap I took it on the notification and the remaining bells are cancelled. If sound is too much, you can choose Vibrate only or Screen only.
2. Does it keep a record you can show your doctor?
MedlinePlus suggests tracking doses on a chart: “List each medicine and the time that you take the medicine,” with space to check it off. It also suggests you “Make a list of your medicines to keep in your wallet.” A record and a list make the conversation at an appointment much easier.
In CareRing, medicines on the Today screen are grouped into Morning, Midday, Evening and Bedtime, and All taken checks off a whole group at once. History shows day by day what you took, skipped or did not confirm. Export my records saves everything as a CSV file you can share with your doctor.
3. Can someone see your medicine names on the lock screen?
Reminders appear on a lock screen that people next to you can see, so check whether the app shows the medicine name. CareRing shows only the type of medicine, such as Pill or Eye drops, never its name. There is no sign-up, and while you use it on your own, your medicines and records stay on your phone.
4. Can your family help?
If you worry about a parent far away, an app with family sharing can help. MedlinePlus also notes that a buddy can help: “Arrange to make phone calls to remind each other to take medicine.” An app can do part of that job quietly.
Family sharing in CareRing is optional and is part of CareRing Plus. You can try it free for 7 days, and one subscription in the group covers everyone. Medicine names and notes are not sent by default. If you never turn it on, nothing goes to a server.
How to get started with CareRing
- Tap Add medicine at the bottom of the Today screen.
- Enter the Medicine name, choose the Type, and set the Reminder times. For more than one a day, tap Add another time.
- Choose How often, such as every day or every other day, and tap Save. The reminders are set right away.
- When the reminder rings, tap I took it.
If a reminder does not ring, open Reminder check to see which phone settings are off. See the CareRing user guide for every step. CareRing is a tool for reminders and records. It does not diagnose or treat anything.
If you miss a dose
What to do after a missed dose depends on the medicine. MedlinePlus lists “If I forget to take it, what should I do?” among the questions to ask about a new medicine, and says to talk to your provider about what to do if you miss a dose or forget to take your medicines. It also says not to cut back or stop any medicine on your own. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before you change how you take anything.
Summary
- Choose reminders that continue until you check off the dose
- Choose an app that keeps a record you can export
- Choose one that keeps medicine names off the lock screen
- Consider whether family sharing would help you
Always follow the directions of your doctor and pharmacist about when and how to take your medicine. This article is general information.