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Is the Pill Buddie a medical device and does it need any kind of certification?
No. The Pill Buddie is not a medical device. It is designed to be a simple vending machine. All meds/vitamins/supplements/etc. dosage and timing are controlled by the user/caregiver. The Pill Buddie simply rotates one slot per timed event.
How does Pill Buddie remind me to take my medication?
Pill Buddie uses a gentle light‑based and audible beeping reminder system. When it’s time for your medication, the device begins a bright flashing glow that continues until you acknowledge it by removing your pills from the tray.
What happens if I miss a reminder?
The reminders are persistent. If a reminder is missed, the light continues its flashing pattern and the audible beeping sounds (optionally) until you interact with the device. This ensures you always know whether a dose was taken or skipped.
How does the Pill Buddie work?
After completing the setup procedure, adding pills/vitamins to the Pill Buddie and setting up the dispensing events, the device will rotate one slot width for each separate scheduled event. Currently four events per day are supported.
How many pills can be dispensed at one time?
This depends on the size of the tablets. The smaller the pills, the more will fit in each slot. Be very careful to ensure the tablets are loose and away from the narrower end of the dispensing slot. If a tablet is large enough to touch both sides of the slot then it could potentially get stuck and not dispense.
How many dispensing events are available?
There are four events per day available.
What should I do if I only need one event per day?
Each event has an enable/disable checkbox. If only one is needed then only enable the needed scheduled event.
Are more than four events per day available?
Not at this time. If more are needed you will need a separate Pill Buddie device.
I live in an area that adheres to Daylight Savings Time (DST). Will the Pill Buddy track changes in DST?
No, the time is set automatically through the combination of setting the Time Zone and the DST checkbox on the Setup tab. Simply check or uncheck the DST checkbox and the time will adjust automatically.
Is the device portable?
No, the device is designed to be stationary. If you need to move the device, carefully remove all tablets then close the lid, unplug the device and move it as needed.
How many days worth of dispensing are available?
The Pill Buddie has 28 available slots for dispensing. This means it can dispense 28 days using only one event per day, 14 days at two events per day, 9 1/3 days at 3 events per day and 7 days at 4 events per day .
Is WiFi needed?
Yes, the device requires an internet connection to be able maintain proper timing.
Is private data collected?
No, there is currently no microphone or other ambient sensors to collect data and no medical or personal information is stored on the device. System generated messages are sent to a main controller in order to troubleshoot issues and eventually allow web interface control of the devices. These will also be used to create personal alerts for caregivers.
Does the device “listen” like an Amazon Alexa?
No, there is currently no microphone or other ambient sensors to collect data.
Can the device be scheduled to dispense on specific days?
No, the Pill Buddie allows up to four timed events per day, every day, as long as the device is powered on, connected to WiFi, is not in “PAUSED” mode. If the device has slots left to dispense (indicated by the “Remaining” counter on the main screen) it will dispense according to the set schedule every day. If you need to have pills dispensed on certain days you can use a smart plug to turn the device on for those days and turn it off on non-dispensing days.
I sometimes travel and don’t need the device to dispense when I am away. What should I do?
The Pill Buddie has a toggle button on Tab1 (left most tab) that can change the mode from NORMAL (dispensing per the scheduled event time) and PAUSED (no dispensing will occur in this mode). Please note that the Pill Buddie will start dispensing at the NEXT scheduled event time when put back in Normal mode. Likewise, the device can be unplugged. When it is plugged back in it will begin dispensing at the next scheduled event. Customers also have the option of putting the Pill Buddie on a smart plug and set that up to turn on/off according to your location. This is an Amazon Alexa feature and not covered here.
What order will the Pill Buddie dispense?
The device will always rotate one slot width (counterclockwise) for each timed event. Which event happens depends on the time of day it is refilled. If you fill it before the first scheduled event, then the next timed event will be the first dispensing. Example, say you have 2 scheduled events programmed, one at 8:00 am and another at 9:00 pm. If you fill the device at 7:00 am then the next dispensing will be 8:00 am. If you fill the device mid day, after the first timed event, then the next scheduled event will be the evening event. If you refill the device after the evening event, say 9:30 pm, then the next dispensing will be the morning event.
Can I return Pill Buddie if I’m not happy?
Yes, Pill Buddie comes with a 10 day 100% money back guarantee. If you are not happy with the device within the first 10 days for any reason you can contact Customer Support for a full refund if the device is undamaged and in the original packaging. Unfortunately shipping costs are not included in the return policy.
Does the Pill Buddie have a warranty?
Yes, the device is warranted against defects for 90 days. If the device fails to operate within the first 90 days, it will be replaced or repaired at the company’s expense.
Is an extended warranty available?
Not at this time.
Is there a battery backup.
No, the device depends on a live wifi connection to maintain it’s timing.
Is there an app required to use Pill Buddie?
No app is required at this time. Pill Buddie is intentionally designed to be simple and self‑contained.
How do I clean the device?
Remove the small screw that secures the pill carousel then gently lift the carousel from the housing. Use a soft, dry cloth or a slightly damp cloth if needed. Isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean the carousel, the carousel housing and the tray. Avoid harsh cleaners or submerging the device in water.
Is the light too bright at night?
No. Pill Buddie uses a soft, diffused LED designed to be visible without being disruptive. When not reminding you, the device remains dark. The LCD screen has a timer and will dim the LCD after being idle for that time.
Where do you ship?
We currently ship across Canada, with international shipping options coming soon.