Automated Medication Dispensing FAQs

Will the dispenser work during a power outage?

Yes. The Lifeline medication dispenser has a rechargeable battery that provides up to 18 hours of backup power during a power outage. If the power has been out for 10 hours and there’s an emergency situation (such as a hurricane or snowstorm) where the power may not be restored for hours or days, please call the Support Center for assistance.

NOTE: If you have a phone system that does not operate during a power outage, the dispenser's automatic monitoring service will be disabled.

Is the Philips Medication Dispensing Service compatible with VOIP?

Yes. Just like Philips Lifeline medical alert services, Philips Medication Dispensing Service is compatible with VOIP. "Non-traditional" phone services, like VOIP and other digital, broadband or internet-based phone services have important differences from "traditional" telephone services.

Keep in mind that some of these services have lower—and often highly variable—reliability and quality of service. Your Philips Medication Dispensing Service depends on the reliability of your phone service. Contact Philips Lifeline for more information.

Who loads medication into the dispenser?

People typically receive medication assistance from spouses, other family members or visiting nurses. Any of those individuals would be appropriate for loading medications into the dispenser.

Can two people in the same home use the dispenser?

No. Because medications are so important, each person in the home should have his or her own Lifeline Medication Dispensing Service to avoid errors with medication.

Can the dispenser hold liquid medication?

No. The dispenser should only be loaded with solid medications, however you may use a reminder message to alert you when it is time to take liquid medication.

What if the person using the dispenser is leaving home for an extended period of time?

The dispenser may be taken along. Simply unplug the dispenser and reconnect it in the new location. Then call the Support Center to reactivate the dispenser.

What if no one is home and the red button is not pressed when a reminder message is announced?

The reminder message will be repeated once a minute. After 90 minutes with no response, the dispenser will consider the dose missed and move the medication cup to the missed dose storage bin.

NOTE: The Philips Lifeline Medication Dispensing Service will stop operating if four doses are missed and the missed dose status is not cleared.