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.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.