I normally refill my prescriptions through Walgreens’ website, so testing the Walgreens iPhone app (free) couldn’t have come at a better time. The app’s biggest draw is its integrated pharmacy, which allows users to set up prescription refills in-app.
Using express refills, users can simply enter the RX numbers of up to six medications—no logging in necessary. If you don’t have the number on hand, you can log in to your existing Walgreens account and use the prescriptions on file. Many users have complained about errors when logging into their accounts, or when filling prescriptions this way. I was able to log in and create a refill request with no problem—that is once, I could remember my username and password.
In addition to the pharmacy, the iPhone app also features a store locator, the weekly ad and product search. The product information is comprehensive and includes descriptions, pricing, coupons and the ability to check store availability. Using the stock search, the app correctly determined that my local Walgreens—basically a counter in a medical facility—did not carry deodorant, but that the next closest Walgreens had it on the shelf. This is great for avoiding needless car trips to the store only to discover your product is out of stock. The user interface for products could use some work design-wise, but functionally, there’s no problem.
I also love the photo feature, which allows you to upload photos from your iPhone camera roll directly to Walgreens.com. The upload is quick over 3G and you can order prints through the iPhone app, too.
