Medication synchronisation, or med sync, is when a pharmacy lines up your regular prescriptions so they are all ready on one day, generally with one pickup a month instead of several trips.

It is useful if you take several long-term medicines and your refills fall on different dates. Not every pharmacy offers it, and availability varies by country, so ask yours.

How it usually works

Details differ by pharmacy, but it tends to go like this:

  1. You and your pharmacist go through your regular medicines.
  2. You agree on one pickup date.
  3. To line everything up, some medicines may need a one-off shorter supply. Your pharmacy can tell you how this works with your prescriptions and insurance.
  4. After that, your refills come due together.

Some programmes include an appointment or check-in with the pharmacist before each pickup.

Does it help?

A 2021 meta-analysis of nine US studies found med sync was associated with greater odds of taking medicines consistently, with appointment-based programmes showing the largest effect. Those studies were of mixed design, and this does not tell you how it would work for you. It is simply one fewer thing to keep track of.

Who it suits

  • People on several long-term medicines
  • Anyone who forgets refill dates or makes several pharmacy trips a month
  • Carers who collect medicines for a parent

It may suit you less if your doses change often, or if a medicine has special rules about how it can be supplied. Your pharmacist can tell you.

What to ask your pharmacy

  • Do you offer medication synchronisation?
  • Which of my medicines can be included?
  • Will the first shorter supply cost me more?
  • Will you contact me before each pickup, and how?
  • What happens when a doctor adds or changes a medicine?

If your pharmacy doesn't offer it

You can get part of the way yourself:

  • Keep a list of refill dates and count your remaining supply. See how to avoid running out.
  • Set a refill reminder a week before each runs out. A refill reminder app can do the counting.
  • Group your orders where your supply dates are close, and ask your pharmacist how to bring them closer.

Frequently asked questions

What is med sync at a pharmacy?

A service that lines up your regular refills so they can be picked up together on one day, generally once a month.

Does medication synchronisation cost extra?

Ask your pharmacy. There may be a cost for any one-off shorter supply, depending on your prescriptions and insurance.

Can every medicine be synchronised?

Not always. Your pharmacist can tell you which of yours can be included.

Sources

The impact of medication synchronization programs on medication adherence: a meta-analysis, J Am Pharm Assoc, 2021. Pharmacy medication synchronization service works to improve medication adherence, Am J Lifestyle Med, 2016.

Cadence is a free medication reminder app for iPhone and Apple Watch. It is not medical software and does not give medical advice. Cadence Pro is a one-time purchase, with no subscription.