Reminder at the time you set
- Sam
- Yes, in six of the eight programs
- A typical reminder app
- Yes, that is their job
Comparison
Medication reminder app: what Sam does and does not do
A reminder app tells you when to take a medication and records that you took it. Sam reminds you in six of its eight programs (one condition each, with its own diary and doctor report), one medication per plan and with no interaction check. If the reminder is the main thing for you, a dedicated reminder app usually fits better.
Sam
Reminder apps
Which one should you pick?
Pick a reminder app if ...
- you want several medications in one plan
- you want an interaction check
- your condition is migraine or panic disorder, where Sam has no reminder
Pick Sam if ...
- you want the reminder to sit with the diary for your condition
- you want a doctor report as a PDF with medication details
- you want Apple Health values next to your entries
What you get with each
This is what each kind of app gives you around your medication. When a reminder app is the better pick is in the section above.
| Sam | A typical reminder app | |
|---|---|---|
| Reminder at the time you set | Yes, in six of the eight programs | Yes, that is their job |
| Dose log | Taken, skipped and extra doses are recorded | Usually |
| Own diary for each condition | Eight conditions | Varies |
| Doctor report as a PDF | For each program, with medication details | Varies |
| Apple Health values next to entries | Yes, with an Apple Watch | Varies |
Dose log
- Sam
- Taken, skipped and extra doses are recorded
- A typical reminder app
- Usually
Own diary for each condition
- Sam
- Eight conditions
- A typical reminder app
- Varies
Doctor report as a PDF
- Sam
- For each program, with medication details
- A typical reminder app
- Varies
Apple Health values next to entries
- Sam
- Yes, with an Apple Watch
- A typical reminder app
- Varies
Typical means: many reminder apps work like this, not all of them.
Before you rely on a reminder
- A current listWrite down all your medications, including over-the-counter ones, with name and strength as on the packaging. Ask your practice or pharmacy if you are unsure.
- Set the timesSet the reminder the way your practice told you. An app records it; it does not change it.
- Check the log at your appointmentLook at how often a dose was missed and say so openly. That is useful information for your practice, not something to be embarrassed about.
Sam is a wellness companion, not a medical device. Sam does not diagnose and gives no treatment advice. Sam records what you and your wearable document and lays it out clearly. Assessment belongs with your doctor.
Which reminder apps are there?
- Medisafe
- MyTherapy
- Dosecast
A plain list of official names, with no assessment.
Questions about reminders in Sam
In which programs does Sam remind me about medication?+
In six of the eight programs: high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, hay fever, reflux and gout. Migraine and panic disorder have no reminder. More on the medication reminder page.
Can I put several medications in one plan?+
No. A plan in Sam holds one medication. For several medications in one plan, a dedicated reminder app is better suited.
Does Sam check interactions?+
No. Sam has no interaction check. Your doctor or pharmacist can answer questions about that.
Can I use a reminder app and Sam together?+
Yes. Many let a dedicated app remind them and use Sam for the diary and doctor report. The apps do not exchange data.
Can I see my doses in the doctor report?+
Sam records what you document in a program with reminders, and that program's doctor report includes medication details. Do not expect an intake analysis like a dedicated reminder app offers.
Bring your record to the appointment
If a diary with a doctor report matters to you and the reminder is only part of it, Sam is worth a look.