Home » Senior Safety » 6 Best Medication Tracking Devices

6 Best Medication Tracking Devices

Forgetting to keep up on scheduled prescriptions can have dangerous repercussions. Here are our top picks for medication reminders that keep you on track.
Best Overall
MedCenter 31-Day Pill Organizer with Reminder System
  • Icon Pros Light
    Varied volume settings
  • Icon Pros Light
    Organized color code
View on Amazon
Read Review
Best bang for buck
e-Pill 4 Alarm MedCenter Talk
  • Icon Pros Light
    Easy-open design
  • Icon Pros Light
    Helpful storage tray
View on Amazon
Read Review
Best smartphone app
Sagely SMART 7-Day Weekly Pill Organizer
  • Icon Pros Light
    Android- and Apple-compatible
  • Icon Pros Light
    App sends reminders
View on Amazon
Read Review
Katherine Torres
By Katherine Torres
Researcher & Writer
Read More
September 03, 2020

Bottom line: Medcenter's pill system has it all

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. 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?

MedCenter’s pill system comes at an affordable price, doles your prescriptions into four daily doses, and uses an easy color-coded approach. We think this system is an easy one to fit into your daily routine, but make sure to check out the other options we gathered. From wearables to alarm clocks, you should choose whatever suits your lifestyle best.

Best medication tracking devices

Woman taking medication with breakfast

Compare the Best Medication Tracking Devices

Best Medication Tracking Devices

Best Overall

Best bang for buck

Best smartphone app

Best simple solution

Best wearable

Most affordable wearable

Medication tracking device

MedCenter 31-Day Pill Organizer with Reminder System

e-Pill 4 Alarm MedCenter Talk

Sagely SMART 7-Day Weekly Pill Organizer

Reminder Rosie Alarm Clock

e-pill Cadex 12-Alarm Medication Reminder Watch

WobL 8-Alarm Vibrating Reminder Watch

Product image
Price

$63.71

$59.95

$34.99

$69.95

$139.95

$25.99

Alerts
Icon Yes LightYes
Icon Yes LightYes
Icon Yes LightYes
Icon Yes LightYes
Icon Yes LightYes
Icon Yes LightYes
Medicine storage
Icon Yes LightYes
Icon Yes LightYes
Icon Yes LightYes
Icon No LightNo
Icon No LightNo
Icon No LightNo
Custom reminders
Icon No LightNo
Icon No LightNo
Icon Yes LightYes
Icon Yes LightYes
Icon Yes LightYes
Icon No LightNo
View on AmazonView on AmazonView on AmazonView on AmazonView on AmazonView on Amazon
Read reviewRead reviewRead reviewRead reviewRead reviewRead review

*Amazon.com price as of 09/03/2020 02:30 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.

Our approach

Your daily medication regimen can get confusing once you have more than a couple of doses a day. We chose medication tracking devices that not only organize your medications but remind you to take them.

We found classic pill organizers as well as unique devices like alarm clocks and wristwatches to keep you on schedule and organized.

Top medication trackers and reminders

1. MedCenter 31-Day Pill Organizer with Reminder System: Best overall

MedCenter 31 Day Pill Organizer
View on Amazon

MedCenter’s pill system serves as an all-in-one solution. Its 31 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.

Pro Heading
Pros
Pro Bullet Loud and extra-loud settings
Pro Bullet Alarm continues to sound until the user presses the “alarm acknowledged” button
Pro Bullet Organizer uses color for easy visual management
Con Heading
Cons
Con Bullet Multiple compartments and color-coding system could be confusing
Con Bullet When alarm is silenced doesn't guarantee the corresponding pills were taken

2. e-Pill 4 Alarm MedCenter Talk: Best bang for buck

e-Pill 4 Alarm MedCenter Talk
View on Amazon

If you want a slightly cheaper alternative to the MedCenter 31-day Pill Organizer, the e-Pill 4 Alarm MedCenter Talk has you covered.

It's organized by a single week rather than days of the month, so it needs to be refilled more often than the MedCenter 31-day Pill Organizer. But its simple design with larger compartments is a plus—it may be easier on arthritic hands.

Pro Heading
Pros
Pro Bullet Easy-open design for those with dexterity issues
Pro Bullet Audio reminders to take pills four times daily
Pro Bullet Helpful storage tray for organization
Con Heading
Cons
Con Bullet Requires refilling more often

3. Sagely SMART 7-Day Weekly Pill Organizer: Best smartphone app
View on Amazon

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.

Pro Heading
Pros
Pro Bullet Push-through lids ensure that all pills make it into the correct compartment.
Pro Bullet Smartphone app is compatible with Android and Apple products
Pro Bullet Smartphone app reminds users to take their pills
Con Heading
Cons
Con Bullet Compartment size could be restrictive for people with several medications

4. Reminder Rosie Alarm Clock: Best simple solution

Stress Free Reminder Rosie Alarm Clock
View on Amazon

With the Reminder Rosie Alarm Clock, you can record up to 25 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.

Pro Heading
Pros
Pro Bullet Replays messages
Pro Bullet Responds to voice commands
Con Heading
Cons
Con Bullet Relatively basic, as it’s not tied directly to a pill bottle or dispenser

5. e-pill Cadex 12-Alarm Medication Reminder Watch: Best wearable

CADEX 12 Alarm Watch
View on Amazon

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.

Pro Heading
Pros
Pro Bullet Allows up to twelve alarms per day, ensuring that each pill gets taken at the exact right time
Pro Bullet Can be set to display medical alert data in the event of an emergency
Con Heading
Cons
Con Bullet Expensive
Con Bullet Unsuitable for individuals with complete or partial hearing loss

6. WobL 8-Alarm Vibrating Reminder Watch: Most affordable wearable
View on Amazon

The WobL Watch allows wearers to manage daily medications and appointments. Though not designed solely for medical use, the watch’s extended functionality will work well for those with active lifestyles.

Pro Heading
Pros
Pro Bullet Small design fits most wrists
Pro Bullet Audible alerts and vibrations aid the hard of hearing and Deaf community
Pro Bullet Offers a lockout feature that prevents the wearer from making accidental changes
Con Heading
Cons
Con Bullet Not waterproof
Con Bullet Doesn't have “smart” functionality, so it’s hard to follow up on remotely

Medication management guide FAQ

Your doctor prescribes your medication regimen carefully to keep you healthy, but it’s up to you to keep your medications organized. Failing to take your medications as recommended can create serious problems like risky side effects and even addiction.

Using a medication tracker can help you with the stuff you need daily, but it gets tricky for other doses you may need every other day, once a week, or even twice a day.

Keep a list handy of all your medications, what they treat, how often you should take each, when they should be filled, and a list of side effects. You can use tools like spreadsheets to create a schedule or create one yourself.

Taking too much or too little of your medications or mixing the wrong ones at the wrong times can have serious side effects.

Dizziness and confusion, for example, can heighten your risk for falls and injuries.

Problems like weight loss, depression, skin irritation, and dry eyes or mouth are also common side effects of many medications. Consult your doctor about side effects that are bothering you—some might be temporary as you start a new med, but others are red flags.

Never be afraid to ask your pharmacist and doctor questions. It always helps to start with the basics:

  • How often should I take this? 
  • Is this an ongoing medication? 
  • Should I take this on an empty stomach?
  • How often should this prescription be refilled?
  • What time of day should I take this medication? 
  • What are the side effects? 

Take a list of your medications to your doctor appointments too. Your healthcare providers should know what medications you currently take before they prescribe new ones.

Final word

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.

Related pages on SafeWise

Disclaimer

Amazon: *Amazon.com list price as of 09/03/2020 02:30 p.m. (MT). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Katherine Torres
Written by
Katherine Torres
Katherine has had several years of experience developing and executing multichannel marketing campaigns, but actually started her career path in journalism. Though she switched gears, she continues to be driven by the need to deliver information that can be helpful for individuals. As an owner of two rescue dogs, she is most interested in technology and products that allow her to keep a close eye on her pets when she’s away.
Read More

Recent Articles

happy older women sitting together
By
Katie McEntire
09/15/2021
Best Medical Alert Necklaces
If you find yourself in an emergency, a medical alert necklace can contact trained professionals...
Large craftsman style house at twilight with lights on
By
Rebecca Edwards
09/14/2021
Best Home Security Systems of 2021
After hundreds of hours of tests and research, plus a combined 50+ years of experience,...
couple sitting on floor with moving boxes and a dog
By
Katie McEntire
09/14/2021
Best Home Security Systems for Renters
These renter-friendly home security systems keep your house or apartment safe and require less commitment...
watching camera feed on tablet
By
Katie McEntire
09/13/2021
Best Wireless Security Systems
Wireless home security systems are more popular than ever. They’re easy to install and hard...
1 Comment
  • Vince Bryant

    These type of solutions have been used for decades and do not improve adherence, have been riddled with cases of human error, abuse and safety concerns. There is long term clinical trials that support these type “pillboxes” helping house pills, but showing no improvement in adherence and showing multiple medication errors. Healthcare is changing quickly with new innovation around safe, comprehensive medication management solution aimed to improve overall patient health and independence.