DrugScan Support

The barcode scanner won't read my pharmacy bottle

That's expected. Bottles filled by a pharmacy usually carry the pharmacy's own Rx number, not the manufacturer's NDC barcode, and that code means nothing outside that pharmacy's system.

Use Scan Label instead. It photographs the bottle and reads the printed medication name on your iPhone, then looks that up. It's built for exactly this case.

Scan Label found the wrong medication

Reading a name off a label is a best guess, and pharmacy labels abbreviate heavily. When the match list appears, you can edit the name in the text field and search again — that's usually faster than retaking the photo.

If it still misses, try a photo where the drug name is in focus, fills more of the frame, and isn't covered by a curved part of the bottle.

Nothing was found for my barcode

Two common reasons. First, you may have scanned the pharmacy's Rx barcode rather than the manufacturer's NDC — look for the NDC printed on the original carton. Second, some products (many supplements especially) simply aren't in the FDA's database.

You can also tap Enter NDC manually and type the number printed on the package.

Does the app work without internet?

No. Scanning and text recognition run on your iPhone, but looking up the label requires a connection to the FDA's public databases.

How many free lookups do I get?

Three per install. After that, a subscription unlocks unlimited lookups and the plain-language summaries.

How do I cancel?

On your iPhone: Settings → tap your name → Subscriptions → DrugScan → Cancel Subscription. Your access continues until the end of the period you already paid for.

Subscriptions are billed by Apple, so cancelling has to happen there — we can't cancel or refund on your behalf. For refunds, use reportaproblem.apple.com.

I subscribed but the app still shows the paywall

Open Account → Restore purchases. Make sure you're signed in with the same Apple ID you purchased with — the subscription is tied to your Apple ID, not to any account with us.

I got a new iPhone. Do I need to buy it again?

No. Sign in with the same Apple ID and tap Account → Restore purchases. Note that your saved medication list does not transfer, because it's stored only on the device.

Do I need an account?

No. DrugScan has no accounts and no sign-in. We never learn who you are.

Are my label photos uploaded?

Never. Barcode scanning and text recognition both run on your iPhone using Apple's Vision framework. The photo is read and discarded — it isn't saved or sent anywhere. Only the medication name is used for the lookup.

How do I delete my data?

Everything is stored on your device. Use Account → Clear scan history to wipe your saved medications and history, or delete the app to remove all of it.

Where does the information come from?

The FDA's openFDA and DailyMed databases, and the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Supplement data is self-reported by manufacturers and can be incomplete.

Is this medical advice?

No. DrugScan is an informational tool. Always confirm the result matches the product in your hand, read the product's own label, and consult a pharmacist or clinician about your medications.