If you struggle to remember to take your medications on time, a new Apple mobile device feature may help you stay on track.
Apple’s Health app recently added a Medications function that allows mobile device users to create and manage medication lists, create dosage schedules, set reminders, and track other vitamins and supplements. The app will automatically notify you about potential medication interactions and users can opt in to receive alerts about possible interactions with alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis.
Adding new medications is easy — users can search for medications by name or use the app to scan packaging and match it with the correct drug and dosage.
While other medication management and reminder apps have been on the market for years, Apple’s Medications feature offers a major advantage: Users do not need to download a third-party app, and their Health app data can be accessed through all of the Apple devices associated with their Apple ID.
Not taking medications, often called medication non-adherence, is a serious issue that increases healthcare costs and worsens long-term treatment outcomes.