Cycle schedules (days on, days off)

Cycle schedules handle medications with an on/off pattern — for example, 21 days on, 7 days off. DoseAlert tracks where you are in the cycle and only reminds you during active days.

When to use a cycle

Typical examples:

• Combined birth control pills (21 active days, 7 placebo or off days)
• Hormone replacement protocols
• Immunosuppressants with a rest phase
• Some cancer treatments (though most have custom schedules — check with your team)

Setting up a cycle

1. Add a medication and choose the Cycle schedule type.
2. Set the Cycle start date — the first day of your on-days.
3. Enter Days on (e.g. 21) and Days off (e.g. 7).
4. Add one or more times of day.
5. Save.

What happens during the cycle

• Active days — reminders fire normally.
• Off days — no reminders. The Today view doesn't show the medication at all on those days.

The Pill Tracker calendar will show active and rest days so you can see your cycle at a glance.

Adjusting if you start a new pack

If you start a new cycle early or late, just edit the medication and update the Cycle start date. DoseAlert recalculates where you are immediately.

Placebo pills

If your prescription includes placebo or sugar pills during the off days, you can either:

• Leave the cycle as-is (no reminders during off days) and just remember to take the placebos on your own, or
• Add a second medication with a Fixed times schedule set to the off days. For most people, the first option is simpler.