In addition to managing prescriptions, consumers can plan shopping trips and schedule a flu shot. The application is available for free download in Apple’s App Store.

“We launched the iPhone application as part of the company’s commitment to convenience, simplifying everything from prescription management and scheduling flu shots to easily locating the nearest store with maps and driving directions from any location for our on-the-go customers,” said Dustin Humphreys, general manager at CVS.com, Providence, RI.

“With the growing popularity of the iPhone and other Apple devices, our customers are increasingly turning to their mobile devices to find store locations, sales information, and quickly look up prescription drug information,” he said.

“This application makes it easier for our mobile customers to access CVS/pharmacy resources and pharmacy features from their device.

Mobile check-up
Consumers can also create mobile shopping lists in advance by browsing the weekly sales and adding items to a custom shopping list.

Additionally, customers can find nearby locations, refill prescriptions from a personalized prescription history for pickup and transfer prescriptions from another pharmacy.

“Our mobile site and application are helpful resources for customers who rely on real-time access to their medication history, drug information or simply need help with driving directions or a phone number to a nearby CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic,” Mr. Humphreys said.

“This new iPhone app is another example of how CVS/pharmacy is continuing to enhance the customer experience, in-store, online and across all the channels our customers use,” he said.

Mobile app
In addition, customers can access the drug information center to get details about medication management, including instructions for use, dosing information, side effects and safety warnings.

CVS also has a mobile site at http://m.cvs.com, that lets consumers can handle many of their prescription-medicine needs.

CVS customers can enter their ZIP code to find the closest pharmacy location and get driving directions and maps.

Usablenet powers the mobile site.

“In the coming months, we will continue to enhance the CVS/pharmacy iPhone application with new features and functionality, and are also looking to support new devices,” Mr. Humphreys said.

“Mobile is an increasingly important channel,” he said. “We are focused on constantly responding to our customers’ needs and enhancing the customer experience across the board, including by developing further enhancements to our iPhone application and introducing additional applications that support other devices.”

Final Take
Rimma Kats is editorial assistant on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York