RX PILL IDENTIFIER
When users are unable to identify their pills they usually ask themselves the following questions;
What tablets is in this bottle?
What pills are in my bottle of blood pressure medications, was I given the right pill?
Why is it yellow and oval now, but It was pink and flat before?
These scenarios frequently occur especially When users are unable to identify their pills, it leads to medication errors. Most medical practioners try to make sure the sick get the right medication. Having information about your medication, goes a long way in ensuring you have received the right medication as a consumer. Now, consumers can identify their medications through the online and mobile pill identifier apps. Medications can now be easily verified through the pill finders app, therefore helping consumers receive the right pill and prevent using the wrong ones.
Here are the top 5 pill identifier apps, this review is based on the test I conducted using popular two prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines.
Over-the-counter Medications Used for Testing
• Bayer (aspirin), and Advil (ibuprofen)
• Generic acetaminophen
• Excedrin Extra Strength (acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine)
Prescription Drugs Used for Testing
• Generic simvastatin
• Generic naproxen
I looked for the pills in all applications, using each drug’s “imprint” which is the unique letters or numbers printed on the pill. From a visual menu, I selected the shape and color of the medication.
1. Drugs.com Pill Identifier
Advantages: iPhone/iPad/online versions, accurate, User-friendly, relevant information, comprehensive drug information, about the drug,
Disadvantages: Pro edition costs $39.99 and basic version costs $0.99. The OTC database needs improvement.
2. Epocrates Pill ID
Advantages: Offered pricing data from a drug price comparison website, free, targets healthcare providers
Disadvantages: The OTC database needs improvement. User must create an account.
3. GoodRx
Advantages: Drug-price comparison website, free, iPhone/iPad versions, navigation was user-friendly.
Disadvantages: Ambiguous shapes and needed guessing.
4. WebMD Pill Identifier
Advantages: Online and iPhone/iPad access, first database resources, free
Disadvantages: Was not user-friendly because of the blinking pop-up ads
5. ID My Pill
Advantages: Attractive interface, instead of users entering the information, they can take pictures of tablets.
Disadvantages: Sold for $4.99, not accurate
Although, none of the apps were flawless. My favorites were Epocrates, GoodRx and Drugs.com which are designed for the iPhone and iPad. The applications were fast in loading and were very easy to use especially the Rx pill identifier.
The Rx pill identifier was easy to navigate and user-friendly. The pictures of tablets and drug information, including dosage instructions, interactions, side-effects, warnings and images of pills was provided by both Drugs.com and Epocrates apps. I found the information I was looking for prescription pills like the correct dosages and tablets. But when I tested the over-the-counter medication database, both applications brought different pills that were not accurate.
The idea behind the Rx pill identifier is to give the professionals and patients information on affordable and convenient prescription drugs. The app has a clean interface that is user friendly, plus it comes with different built in features. However, the pill shape categories like the bullet, clover, trapezoid used in the app were ambiguous. The prescription drug abuse and how dangerous these medications are, was written on the WebMD site. The site also provided users with the image, commonly abused drugs and their drug names. ID My Pill was an app that seemed to have potential because it only needed users snapping a picture of the tablet to get further information about the pill. But it was not worth the price of $4.99 because only one of the pills was identified correctly and the search results were full of incorrect pills.
Conclusion
All these applications serve to improve healthcare because they empower all of us to be advocates for our own health. Now, users understand the medication and dosages being administered and can protect themselves against errors. Although, the advancement in technology enables us to get the information we need, this information received from these apps and websites needs to be verified for accuracy. The advice from healthcare professionals cannot be replaced with these applications and education. It is strongly advised that you consult your pharmacist with questions related to your medication.
Consult your local pharmacist at Rx Oasis if you feel uncertain about a pill, no matter how good as these applications.
