You’re busy—we get that. When there are dozens of to-dos on your list, it’s easy to put a few things off.
Usually, those forgotten tasks aren’t a big deal, but when it comes to medication, things get a little more serious. Forgetting to keep up on scheduled prescriptions—whether for yourself or someone you care for—can have dangerous repercussions.
Luckily, with the help of a medication reminder, you don’t have to carry that responsibility alone. Here are a few things to look for in your next medication tracker or reminder, as well as our top seven device picks.
What to Look For in a Medication Tracking Device
There are dozens of medication tracking devices on the market, and no two are the same. Some bring a tech element to traditional pillboxes, while others work as wearable reminders. We’ve picked a range of products with favorable consumer reviews for this list, but you’ll also want to consider the following as you make your selection:
- Flexibility—Will the device adapt easily to your daily routine?
- Price—Does it fit your budget?
- Usability—Is this device something you’ll be able to easily set up and use?
You’ll rely on your medication tracker or reminder a lot, so make sure the device you pick meets all of your criteria.
Top Medication Trackers and Reminders:
1. Mother and Motion Cookies Smart Sensors
The Mother system by Sen.se offers a truly smart solution for keeping track of medication. You can attach the sensors—called “cookies”—to pill bottles, and then monitor when they’re moved via an app.
List Price: $149.00
Pros: Mother works with multiple apps, allowing you to monitor not only medications, but also personal activity, area temperature, and more, all depending on where you place a cookie and what conditions you set it to track. The collected data belongs to you and only you, so keeping personal information secure and private is easy.
Cons: Because the Mother system has more applications that some of the other products on this list, it’s more expensive, which may be prohibitive for some buyers.
2. GMS Med-e-lert Automatic Pill Dispenser and Alarm
Med-e-lert’s pill organizer allows you to set up to six alarms per day, ensuring that no dose gets forgotten. You also can lock the dispenser to prevent accidental mismanagement.
List Price: $49.84
Pros: The pill dispenser stores saved settings even when you change the batteries. The alarm itself is highly reliable and will sound for up to thirty minutes. It also features a blinking light to aid accessibility.
Cons: Batteries power the dispenser and tend to run out of juice quickly—about every few weeks. Some customers also voice concerns about the lock, saying it’s easily tampered with.
3. MedCenter 31-Day Pill Organizer with Reminder System
MedCenter’s pill system serves as an all-in-one solution. Its thirty-one compartments separate into four daily doses, helping you make sure that medications are taken on schedule. The organizer also features audible reminders and an alarm-clock function.
List Price: $50.47
Pros: MedCenter’s talking alerts feature loud and extra-loud settings so they can be heard even in another room. The alarm continues to sound until the user presses the “alarm acknowledged” button. In addition to the alerts, the organizer uses color, making for easy visual management.
Cons: The multiple compartments and color-coding system could be confusing for some. Additionally, pressing the acknowledgment button silences the alarm but doesn’t necessarily mean the corresponding pills were taken.
4. Sagely SMART 7-Day Weekly Pill Organizer
Sagely combines the best of both worlds: a pill organizer paired with an optional smartphone app. It holds up to seven days’ worth of pills, and its small size helps it travel well.
List Price: $34.95
Pros: Sagely’s push-through lids ensure that all pills make it into the correct compartment. Its smartphone app, available on both Android and Apple products, reminds users to take their pills.
Cons: Compartment size could be restrictive for people with several medications.
5. Reminder Rosie Alarm Clock
With the Reminder Rosie alarm clock, you can record up to twenty-five reminders, each up to six seconds in length. That means you can leave several specialized reminders—either to yourself or others—about doctor appointments, medications, and other daily tasks.
List Price: $139.95
Pros: This clock doesn’t just replay messages—it also responds to voice commands. This could be a huge benefit for users with limited mobility, as they won’t have to cross the room to manually turn the alarm off once they’ve taken medication.
Cons: Reminder Rosie is relatively basic. It puts out regular reminders, but as it’s not tied directly to a pill bottle or dispenser, some users may find it harder to follow through on the alerts.
6. E-pill Cadex 12-Alarm Medication Reminder Watch
E-pill offers several medication management devices, ranging from pillboxes to watches, but the Cadex 12-Alarm is a crowd favorite. The watch features an audible alarm and text option. Its snooze function sounds every three minutes and stays in effect until the wearer takes the prescribed pills.
List Price: $139.95
Pros: The watch allows up to twelve alarms per day, ensuring that each pill gets taken at the exact right time. It can also be set to display medical alert data in the event of an emergency.
Cons: The watch’s price tag may steer you away from this one, as well as its unsuitability for individuals with complete or partial hearing loss.
7. WobL 8-Alarm Vibrating Reminder Watch
The WobL watch allows wearers to manage daily medications and appointments. Though not designed solely for medical use, the watch’s extended functionality adds value to any users with more active lifestyles.
List Price: $36.00
Pros: The WobL watch’s small design fits most wrists, and its audible alerts and vibrations aid the hard of hearing and Deaf community. It also offers a helpful lockout feature that prevents the wearer from making accidental changes.
Cons: The watch has two main drawbacks. First, it isn’t waterproof, so it may die if the wearer takes it into the shower or swimming pool. Second, the watch isn’t “smart,” so it’s hard to follow up on remotely.
You may have a full schedule, but with the variety and versatility of these seven pill tracking devices, you won’t have to worry about missed medication.
*SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. This is not a guarantee. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.
