Prescriptions in Europe?

The only place we have experienced this was in Italy. My husband neglected to correctly count the number of pills he needed to carry with him for one of his blood pressure meds. We went to the closest pharmacy with the printed out information as well as the bottle. The pharmacist gave him the exact same medication. It had the same name, and the same dosage, but there was a different phrase for "extended release." We bought enough to get him through the rest of the trip and beyond. Yes, it was a bit more expensive than what we pay in the US, but well worth the price.

We took someone else to the same place when she ran out of her Lipitor, I think it was. She didn't have a written out prescription or a bottle. She simply told a different pharmacist what she took and what the dosage was. He sold her enough for the rest of the time she was there and then some. It was also a bit pricier, but not enough to freak out about.

I should say that both these medications were commonly used drugs all over the world. It might be different if the drug was something unusual or rare.

As far as I know, it is not legal for pharmacists to fill any prescription not written by a doctor licensed in their country (perhaps even in their 'state'). And they should not be selling prescription drugs without that prescription. Having a copy of your prescription, or the original label, or the full name (brand name, generic name, chemical name- all of them) with dosage and reason for the prescription could help you if you need to see a doctor 'over there' or in a medical emergency. Yes, some drugs are available OTC in certain countries (when we were in London we would often buy paracetamol (their version of Tylenol) with codeine (low dose- about 8-10 mg) with out a prescription. Can't do that in the USA. It is also the reverse for some medications, though I can't give a specific example. What is OTC and what is prescription will vary by country, as will prices. Most likely you will have to pay full price, though many European countries have national medical plans that give their citizens discounted prices.

Also- medications do NOT have to be in the original container. You should, however, take full info or a copy of the prescription, or a copy of the print out the pharmacy gives you or of the label. Those bottles can take up too much space, so use baggies, medication organizers, etc. DO take at least a few day's extra (a week is even better), If you are going to need more than you usually purchase, tell your doctor, pharmacist, and your insurance company. They can work out how to ensure you have a large enough supply.

I always carry a medical information sheet that lists my info (DOB, address, phone, etc.), emergency contacts with phone #s, doctor's names and phone #s, pharmacy and phone #, etc. It has all my medical conditions listed, dates and types of surgeries, MEDCATION ALLERGIES, and all of my medications (OTC and prescription) listed with brand and generic name, pill size, daily dose, times, and reason I take it. If you would like a sample blank copy, private message me with your email and I will gladly share it. I carry this with me at home and when traveling. I also carry a copy of my husband's. This helped me when I had a really severe asthma attach at work and could not talk to the EMTs. I could just hand them the form and it had all they needed.

Also- medications do NOT have to be in the original container.

From the US Customs website:
"Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor's prescription printed on the container. It is advised that you travel with no more than personal use quantities, a rule of thumb is no more than a 90 day supply. If your medications or devices are not in their original containers, you must have a copy of your prescription with you or a letter from your doctor. A valid prescription or doctors note is required on all medication entering the U.S." (http://tinyurl.com/ol2xcj8)

"Should" is not the same as "must".

Also note that U.S. Customs regs apply to travelers coming INTO the US, not people going to Europe.

We have found that we don't even need to show our prescriptions most of the time (in Italy). My husband just asks for the drug by its Italian name and dosage amount (i.e., 5mg, 20mg) and the pharmacist dispenses it. Rarely they ask to see the prescription. After all, who is going to ask for a blood pressure medicine if they don't need it? And they do not put it in a little bottle with your name and doctor's name on it. You will be handed a package of pills in the manufacturer's label. We find the prices comparable, by the way.

If all else fails, look up English-speaking doctors on the U.S. Embassy website, go to one and ask them to write you a local prescription. FYI, newish service in Roma is Doctors in Italy. Very responsive and efficient.

@sasha

Also note that U.S. Customs regs apply to travelers coming INTO the
US, not people going to Europe.

That's semantics. Most people will have medication leftover so you have to comply with US regulations anyways. I was once selected for a hand search reentering the US. The officer discovered my nose spray without the factory box/labels, and was hassled about it. It lead to further questioning and a more extensive search of my dirty underwear and delayed me for quite a while. Always best to comply with the policies and rules. Unless you are prepared to carry a copy of your doctors written prescription it is indeed a "must".

My understanding is that unlike the US, pharmacists in Europe are empowered to make diagnoses to some degree and prescribe some medications, without a doctor involved. Its not so wide open as it is sounding here. I have gotten some things w/o a prescription at pharmacies there but only after a thorough questioning as to conditions, symptoms and pain levels, etc.

While the EU is trying to standardize Europe the aren't there yet, and while there may be a lot of similarities in laws in Europe in general, any discussion of the law in Europe is sort of overlooking the obvious question; What country or countries are you traveling to?

Thank you, James E.

I've never known any UK pharmacist to dispense any drugs not prescribed by a doctor.

Well at least in Germany you won't get a prescription filled that is not from a doctor licensed in Germany. And just getting a replacement without a prescription at all? No way.

On my most recent trip to Germany, I forgot a steroid creme for a skin condition. It does require a prescription in Canada and in Germany. I had not enough time (weekend) to go to a German doctor to get a new prescription so I went into a pharmacy, described my symptoms and the pharmacist gave me an OTC creme to tie me over till I was back home. And it actually worked very well in my case.

Wow, what a response! Thank you to all for the replies and experiences cited.

The answer to those who inquired: I am going to Germany & Austria.

Also I just need standard pre-packaged asthma medications: Avair and Albuterol.

It can help to know not just the brand name under which your medication is sold in the US but also the active ingredient. German/Austrian doctors won't know what Albuterol is but they will write you a prescription for Salbutamol.

Nigel, you mean UK standards and Portugal standards aren't the same?

Michael, it is not "just semantics". The US customs regulations apply to people coming into the US. They do not apply to people going to Europe.

Yes, some people do have leftover meds coming back and it sounds like you were caught there. Sorry about that. Maybe you had an over-zealous inspector but we have never been stopped or questioned, apart from routine questions based on answers on the customs form ( have you been on a farm? Where? )

Anyway, the bottom line is you do need to carry a copy of the prescription if the meds are not in the original container. Other than that, no worries.

In Austria you will need a prescription. The pharmacist will not give you medication without one.