How to Use the CVS or Walgreens App to Manage Prescriptions

The CVS and Walgreens pharmacy apps let you manage all your prescriptions in one place on your phone. Instead of calling the pharmacy or standing in line, you can request refills, check pickup status, view your prescription history, set reminders for when to pick up or take medication, and earn rewards points for store purchases.

Both apps are free to download and work with existing pharmacy accounts. If you have prescriptions filled at CVS or Walgreens, your prescription history is automatically available when you sign into the app with your account.

Refilling a prescription through the app is one of the most time-saving features. You browse your prescription list, tap a medication, choose "Refill," select your pickup location and preferred time, and confirm. You receive a notification when it is ready — no phone calls needed.

Both apps also let you transfer prescriptions from another pharmacy. This is useful if you want to consolidate all your medications at one location for easier management.

The Walgreens myWalgreens rewards program and CVS ExtraCare both work through their respective apps. Shopping purchases and prescription pickups earn points toward store credit.

A newer feature in both apps: the ability to chat directly with a pharmacist through the app for questions about drug interactions, side effects, or whether it is safe to take two medications together. This is faster than waiting on hold to speak to a pharmacist by phone.

For people who take multiple prescriptions, the medication reminder feature can be a significant help — the app sends notifications at the times you schedule for each medication.