How do medicine refill reminders work?
Medicine refill reminders start with a recorded refill date. Before that date, the pharmacy team can review the patient record, prepare the medicine and send an approved SMS or email reminder where the patient has agreed to receive it. The result is then kept with the refill record.
Prepared by the DawaFill Product Team · Last reviewed 2026-09-17
A reminder is one part of the refill process
A useful reminder process does more than send a message. The team needs an accurate refill date, available patient contact details, appropriate consent, medicine preparation and a way to record whether the refill or follow-up was completed.
Accurate refill date
Base the reminder on the medicine and refill details recorded by the facility.
Preparation
Review stock and branch readiness before asking the patient to return.
Patient permission
Use only communication channels the patient has agreed to receive.
Recorded outcome
Keep dispensing and follow-up information available for the next authorised staff member.
A simple working process
- 1
Record the next refill
Enter the medicine and expected refill information.
- 2
Review what is due
Use the upcoming-refill list to plan stock and staff action.
- 3
Prepare and remind
Send through an approved service when setup, permissions and consent allow.
- 4
Complete the record
Record medicines given and plan the next refill or follow-up.
Important points to check
- A reminder does not prove that a patient collected or took a medicine.
- SMS and email availability depends on provider setup, approval and the selected subscription plan.
- Patient phone numbers, email addresses and consent should be checked before sending.
- Urgent or clinical communication should follow the facility's professional procedures, not an automated reminder alone.
Common questions
Can reminders be sent by SMS?
Yes, where an approved SMS service is available and the patient has agreed to receive SMS communication.
Can reminders be sent by email?
Yes, after the facility and sending address have completed the required email checks and the patient has agreed to email communication.
Can staff change reminder timing?
Available scheduling controls depend on the DawaFill plan. Some plans use preset timing, while eligible plans provide additional controls.