Managing multiple medications every day can be tough, especially when prescriptions, vitamins, and over-the-counter (OTC) meds need to be taken at different times.
Senior patients or their caregivers often experience medication errors, such as missing a dose or accidentally taking it at the wrong time.
Fortunately, online pharmacy services, such as MedBox and PillPack, have made medication management easier. They organize everything for you, so your routine becomes simple, reliable, and stress-free.
Though both services are designed to keep track of your treatment, they differ in certain features. Read on to learn the key difference between PillPack and MedBox, and why MedBox might be the better choice for you and your loved ones.
MedBox and PillPack: Brief Overview
Both MedBox and PillPack services reduce medication errors and improve adherence. They deliver medication in easy-to-use dose packets. Each packet is clearly labeled by date and time, along with the name, strength, and quantity of the tablets inside.
You can simply tear off the packet from the roll, take the medicine as prescribed, and move on with your day. This makes it a lot easier for seniors or their caregivers to ensure that every dose is taken correctly and on time.
- Company Overview
PillPack was founded in 2013 and later acquired by Amazon in 2018. It works on a monthly refill system. It organizes prescriptions into daily packets, aligns refills, and ships them directly to your home. PillPack is tightly integrated with Amazon’s pharmacy infrastructure.
On the other hand, MedBox provides a similar packet system. It was initially developed to manage medication errors in long-term care facilities and has now expanded its services to be accessible to all seniors.
Side-by-Side Comparison: MedBox vs. PillPack
Here’s a quick comparison between MedBox and PillPack:
Feature | PillPack | MedBox |
Google Rating (As of Oct 2025) | ![]() | ![]() |
Trustpilot Rating (As of Oct 2025) | ![]() | N/A |
Delivery | Free | Free |
Monthly Fee | None | None |
24/7 Support | Yes | Yes |
Automatic Refills | Yes | Yes |
Mobile App / Digital Tools | Yes – Amazon Pharmacy app integration | Yes – Simple and user-friendly MedBox dashboard |
Insurance Accepted | Most major insurance plans | Most major insurance plans |
Specialty Medications | Limited | Yes – broader range supported |
Includes Schedule III–V Drugs in Packets | No | Yes |
OTC Meds and Supplements | Limited | Wide selection available |
Includes Weekly Medications | No | Yes |
Customizable Packaging | Fixed daily dose packets | Flexible – daily, weekly, or custom schedules |
Best for | Simple, daily regimens with no restricted meds | Complex regimens, controlled meds, OTC users, flexible schedules |
Focus | Convenience and integration with the Amazon ecosystem | Flexibility, personalization, and comprehensive medication support |
Key Differences Between PillPack and MedBox
Below are the key differences between PillPack and MedBox.

1. Controlled Medications (Schedules III–V)
MedBox can allow you to include schedule III–V medications directly in your packets. This makes MedBox far more accommodating for patients who rely on these essential medications as they can keep all their daily medications together without having to manage extra bottles.
PillPack does not include any controlled substances in its packets, and you have to keep those drugs separate, which can complicate your daily routines.
2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications and Supplements
MedBox has a wide range of OTC medications or supplements that can be added to your packets. You can add everything from a daily multivitamin to a probiotic to your packets.
PillPack, on the other hand, allows only a limited selection of OTC medications to be included in the packet.
3. Weekly Medications Flexibility
Not all medications follow a daily or monthly routine. Some are taken once a week, and others may be prescribed for short durations.
PillPack does not offer weekly medication flexibility, while MedBox allows both weekly and monthly schedules.
4. Integration and User Experience
Both services provide 24/7 support, home delivery, and clear labeling. However, their philosophies differ.
- PillPack is built for scale within Amazon’s ecosystem. It excels at efficiency, automation, and integration with Amazon Pharmacy accounts. If your medication regimen is straightforward, PillPack can be helpful.
- MedBox is designed mainly for seniors. It accommodates a broader range of drug types and schedules, ensuring that even complex regimens can be simplified into easy-to-use packets.
Who Should Opt for MedBox
- Elderly patients with complex regimens: MedBox can make life easier by combining multiple prescriptions, vitamins, and even controlled meds into one packet system. Caregivers simply tear, check the label, and hand over the packet.
- Patients taking weekly therapies: Instead of juggling reminder alarms and separate bottles, weekly medications can be included right in your MedBox roll.
- Busy professionals or frequent travelers: MedBox packets are flexible, portable, and tailored to your needs. You won’t need to worry about carrying extra bottles for OTCs or restricted meds.
Who Should Opt for PillPack
If you have a simple medication regimen (e.g., just a few daily prescriptions and no controlled drugs or unique schedules), PillPack may be enough for you.
Moreover, it integrates tightly with Amazon accounts, which makes it convenient for people who already use Amazon Pharmacy.
Key Takeaway
Both MedBox and PillPack work to simplify medication management, but their approaches differ. PillPack works well for simple, standardized daily regimens. MedBox, however, is built for seniors and focuses more on personalized care.
By including Schedule III–V drugs, allowing more OTCs, and supporting weekly schedules, MedBox helps patients and caregivers manage medications effectively.