Canadian Healthcare Innovation, the MyMedRec App Goes Global

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/14/13 --MyMedRec, one of Canada's top free iPhone apps to help people and their families keep track of medication use and immunization history, is now available internationally. MyMedRec
allows users to keep information on their medications and vaccines at their fingertips, ready to share with their healthcare providers.
The personal electronic medication record empowers the growing number of smartphone owners who use mobile devices to manage a wide range of personal data, including their medication information. The World Health Organization has established safe medication use as a priority given that an estimated 50 per cent of patients do not take their medication correctly, while studies have shown that proper adherence to medication improve health outcomes.
Earlier this year, MyMedRec reached the top ten list for free iPhone and iPad apps and has been downloaded by more than 8,000 Canadians. Until now, it was only available in Canada. Consumer requests for the app have come from the U.S, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. MyMedRechas received praise from users, health care professionals and app reviewers alike.
"This is a great, innovative app! You are able to keep important medical information with you, ready for use when needed. I especially like the feature where the user is able to photograph and include the label as part of the database for both prescription and natural medications," added Kathleen, who uses the app.
"MyMedRec is a clear, simple and easy to use mobile app. It's a great tool to help people keep a list of not only their prescriptions, but also their vitamins, non-prescription drugs, supplements and immunizations," Kelly Grindrod, Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo and mobile health technology researcher.
MyMedRec was launched in Canada by seven of the country's leading health care organizations to promote adherence and the safe and responsible use of medications and vaccines. Features include a reminder to take a dose or to refill a prescription. MyMedRec is the latest innovation in the "Knowledge is the best medicine" program which was developed in 1994 by Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) as a tool to help Canadians take control of their health and work with their healthcare team to manage medicines safely and appropriately.
"We have been working with our partners to make these tools available because we know that proper adherence to medication leads to healthier outcomes for patients," said Russell Williams, President of Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies. "Based on the reaction we have had in Canada and the requests we have received from around the world to make it available globally, we are thrilled to share this tool that we believe everyone can benefit from."
Key Features:

--  Medication and natural products dose reminders 
--  A record of when medicines were taken 
--  A separate archive for medicines the user is no longer taking 
--  Multiple profiles allows the user to keep track of family's health
    information 
--  Easily adds entries to the device's calendar for prescription refills,
    medical appointments and upcoming immunization 
--  Emails parts or all of the user's profile and medication to a healthcare
    provider, as necessary 
--  Additional security with optional separate password and data encryption
    upon locking the device 

The app was developed with the support and collaboration of leading health organizations, including Canada's Research Based Pharmaceutical Companies, Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Nurses Association, Canadian Pharmacists Association, Victorian Order of Nurses and Best Medicines Coalition.