Choosing the right device depends on how many medications you take, how often you take them, and how comfortable you are with technology.
“Start by talking with your doctor or pharmacist,” says Dr. Shada. “They can help you narrow your options based on your needs and your budget.”
Automatic Pill Dispensers
These devices look like a traditional pill carousel but with added technology. They typically have 7 to 28 compartments and can alert you when it’s time for your next dose. Automatic pill dispensers are one of the more affordable options: They can often be found for less than $100 and typically don’t require subscription fees.
Some models, such as the LiveFine automatic pill dispenser, accommodate up to nine dosage times throughout the day. The dispenser notifies you when it’s time to take your medications with both audio and visual alerts, and the alarms have adjustable tones and sounds.
“These could be good for people who want something familiar but need extra reminders and structure,” says Shada.
Multi-Medication Sorting Dispensers
Systems like MedaCube or Hero can hold a month or more of medications and automatically sort and dispense the right dose at the right time. They often include touch screens, caregiver alerts, and detailed tracking.
The devices require periodic loading, typically every 30 to 90 days. They walk you through setup step by step with an app. Once you’ve created your medication schedule in the device’s app, the dispenser downloads your information and prompts you to begin loading the pills.
Each medication needs to be loaded into the proper cartridge, and all the prompts need to be followed. Ideally, a pharmacist or caregiver would help you set this up. If that’s not an option for you, some companies provide one-on-one live support to help walk you through the process.
The dispensers can be pricey. The MedaCube lists at $1,999, and some other, more-expensive models can cost several thousand dollars and charge a monthly fee. The multi-medication dispenser Hero is available through a monthly prescription, can load up to a 90-day supply of meds, and offers 24/7 live support.
“These machines are very effective for people with complex regimens. But you have to consider whether the investment makes sense for your situation,” says Shada.
Your comfort level with new technology — even one that promises to make your life easier — is something to consider. However, many smart pillboxes are designed with large displays and try to keep things as intuitive as possible.
If your care team or doctor thinks you are a good fit for a smart dispenser, you can always give it a trial period. Many companies allow you to return it within 90 days if it’s not working for you.
Smart Pill Bottle Caps
Smart caps can help you by telling you when the cap was last opened. The caps also have alarms that remind you when to take your medication and alert you if you’ve forgotten a dose.
These can be appealing if you don’t like to learn new technologies or download apps. Smart caps, which can be purchased from retailers like Amazon and Walmart, are also more affordable than some of the more high-tech dispensers; each cap costs about $50.
The downside is that if you are taking several medications, keeping up with all the individual bottles could be confusing, and at $50 a cap, the costs could add up.
Blister Packs
Some pharmacies may offer an option called blister packs, also called pill packs or compliance packs. They are pharmacy-prepared sheets that organize your medications by day and time. Each dose is sealed in its own bubble so you can quickly see what to take and whether you’ve already taken it.
Many people who struggle with sorting or remembering doses find blister packs quite helpful, says Shada.
Pharmacies prepare these weekly or monthly, and many can update them easily if your prescriptions change. Blister packs don’t have alarms or locks, but they greatly reduce the risk of mixing up pills. They also make it clear when doses are missed.
“They’re a great middle-ground option if setting up a pillbox is becoming too hard or you’re spending a long time double-checking,” says Shada.
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