Downloads
Install RxRescue.
Two builds: Windows desktop (the typical pharmacy-counter setup
with a paired Bluetooth scanner) and Android APK (for phones and
tablets, useful for capturing barcodes away from the desk).
You can run both — they sync to the same pharmacy.
Need a setup code first? If you haven't started
a trial yet, start your free 30-day trial
— the welcome page after checkout gives you a setup code that the
app needs to connect.
Download for Windows
Install steps
- Download the ZIP. Save it somewhere stable like
C:\RxRescue\. Don't put it inside OneDrive — OneDrive sync conflicts with running EXEs.
- Extract the ZIP. Right-click → Extract All. You'll get a
RxRescue folder with rx_rescue.exe inside.
- Add to Start menu (recommended). Inside the extracted folder, double-click Install RxRescue.cmd. This adds RxRescue to your Start menu so you can launch it by typing "RxRescue" into Start search. Safe to skip if you'd rather just double-click
rx_rescue.exe directly.
- First launch — SmartScreen warning. Windows may say "Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting." Click More info, then Run anyway. This is expected for our current build (we're working on signed builds; in the meantime SmartScreen flags every unsigned app).
- Connect to your pharmacy. When the app opens, go to Settings → Sync → Join existing sync, enter your setup code, tap Save.
What to do on first run
- Pair your Bluetooth barcode scanner in Windows Settings → Bluetooth & devices. Most pharmacy scanners (Zebra DS2278-SR, Honeywell, etc.) work as HID keyboard-mode devices. Enable "GS character transmission" on the scanner — it's the FNC1 byte that DSCSA barcodes need.
- Set the active zone if your pharmacy has multiple shelves/rooms. Settings → Zones → Add. Otherwise leave it as "All zones" and scans tag without a zone.
- Try a scan or manual entry. Either scan a real bottle barcode, or use the "Add bottle" button to enter one manually. The dashboard refreshes immediately.
Download for Android
Install steps
- Open this page on your Android phone or tablet. If you're reading from a desktop, type
rxrescue.us/download on the device that's actually getting the app.
- Tap the Android download button above. Your browser will download the APK. Recommended browser: Chrome or Samsung Internet — Brave puts files in a folder some default file managers don't see.
- Open the downloaded APK. Find it in your Downloads (Files app → Downloads, or your browser's Downloads list).
- "Install from unknown sources" prompt. Android will ask whether to allow your browser to install apps. Tap Settings → toggle on Allow from this source → back, then Install. Common one-time grant; not specific to RxRescue.
- Open RxRescue from your app drawer. Settings → Sync → Join existing sync → enter your setup code → tap Save.
What to do on first run
- Pair your scanner if you'll use one — Android Bluetooth settings → pair with your HID-mode scanner.
- Camera scanning is opt-in. Settings → Camera scanner → Enable. Adds a "Scan with camera" button on the dashboard. Useful when the Bluetooth scanner is on a different counter.
- Multi-device: install on as many Android devices as you want. Use the same setup code on each (or generate a fresh code from Settings); all devices share one pharmacy under one subscription.
Common first-run questions
What's a "setup code" and where do I get one?
It's a short 6-character code (like ABCD-EF) that connects your device to your pharmacy account. You get one when you start a free trial. The welcome page after checkout shows it; you can also generate a new code any time from Settings → Sync once you're connected.
Why does Windows say my computer is at risk?
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen flags every unsigned Windows app the first time it runs. We're working on getting a code-signing certificate; in the meantime, click "More info" → "Run anyway" once and Windows will remember.
Why doesn't the OneDrive link download in OneDrive's app on my phone?
The OneDrive Android app intercepts 1drv.ms links and tries to fetch them with whatever Microsoft account is signed into the phone — which is often a different account than the one hosting the file. We sidestep this by serving downloads from rxrescue.us/download/android directly. Use that URL (the buttons above), not the raw 1drv.ms link.
Can I use it on multiple devices?
Yes. One pharmacy = one subscription, but unlimited devices on that pharmacy. Most pharmacies run a Windows desktop with the Bluetooth scanner plus a phone for capturing labels at the shelf.
How do updates work?
Both Windows and Android show an in-app banner when a new version is available. On Android, tap the banner to download the new APK and install over the existing one (your data is preserved). On Windows, replace the contents of the install folder with the new ZIP's contents (also preserves your data, which lives separately under %LOCALAPPDATA%).
Stuck on install? Email support@rxrescue.us
and we'll walk you through it.
