Purchasing Prescription Medication in Europe

I have no knowledge in this regard, but I would comment that prescription medication policies can vary a lot between one country and another, so I think it would be helpful if you told us exactly what countries you plan to visit.

For example, countries such as Mexico have little or no rules -- you can buy just about any drug over the counter at pharmacies.

Only place I've had to buy meds was in UK and France. Prices seemed to be quite a bit less than at home, but not sure by how much. What I suspect is the case, however, is that pharmacies in other countries won't accept a presription by a US physician. In one other case, I found a doctor, explained that I had lost whatever it was, and he wrote me a prescription to hold me for a while. Have no idea how you can run this down in advance unless one of the other frequent posters that live in Europe can help.

Try using "Google" for information on this.

Why not just get enough medication to last you for your trip--assuming it's not bulky or perishable. As long as your doctor writes the prescription, you can get it filled.

I have a generic prescription that my pharmacy charges either $4/month or $10/3 months. I asked if I could get 6 months ahead of time and they said no problem.

If you have insurance, you'll need to get their approval.

If you want to buy it along the way, find out if it's available in the places you're going to. Then have your doctor write a prescription for the drug using its generic name rather than brand name. (It might be known under a different brand in Europe.)

Christine,
I would suggest that you get the medication for your trip before you leave. I would bring a copy of your prescriptions along in case you lose the meds. Each country as their own laws regarding medications. They won't all have the same brands and/or formulations.

"I am planning a backpacking trip to Europe for at least four months."

Christine: Just wondering whether you know about the maximum 90-day limit on travel (unless special arrangements are made, i.e., qualifying for a visa or other exception to the 3 months rule)?

Kent

To drift off a little: I didn't even know about the Schengen business until a few months ago. I've studied assiduously, read posts, studied passports, looked at left-over cc statements that were never tossed, etc. Since the agreement is rather recent (by my standards) I can see how I might have missed it's existence. BUT, I know in my heart I've busted the 90/180 time in the zone numerous times. Nobody has ever told me I was unwelcome, scolded me for staying too long, or counted on their fingers as I went through border control. Am I just a bungling idiot that everybody figures is harmless since I eventually leave under my own power anyway, or is this something that is rather selectively enforced so they can toss your butt if you become a nusiance/economic burden/etc?

Ed, I'll answer that. And it's the same answer I'll give to someone who smuggles stuff back home without telling customs and he's never been caught:

You mean you haven't been caught....yet.

Anytime you are asked for your passport, which can be by the police as well as border agents, they can check to see if you have extended your visa. If you are over, you can be kicked out. The penalty can be banishment from Schengen for up to 10 years.

And thanks to the new passports that can be scanned.....they know.

Regarding Christine's plan to stay 4 months, and the posts by Ed and Frank II--if anyone wants more background on the Schengen rule, click here to browse the biggest thread on this subject.

My wife uses an insulin pump so we take a lot of stuff with us. That's my best advice, take the meds along with you.
Good luck.

I am wondering where in Europe Steve went that had "family run" pharmacies and where the meds were cheaper. Last time I checked, none of the pharmacies that I frequent were family run and aspirin was 4 times more expensive than in the US. In Turkey though, aspirin are really cheap. One simply cannot generalize about Europe. Please folks, Europe is a big continent, be specific about what countries you are talking about. Things in Sweden are nothing like things in Malta.

In response to the family owned pharmacy question and OTC drugs. . .While in London last month I went to a couple of small indie pharmacies and also to Boots a few times. (Oh, the joys of catching a nasty cold the day after I landed). I found codeine cough syrup over the counter for 1.6 pounds (I don't know how that compares to American prices, but I know that codeine isn't available over the counter here). It was definitely easier to get strong cold medicine (in Oregon pseudo-ephedrine is a controlled substance and requires a prescription). Prices for ibuprofen were similar to name brand prices in the USA.

The small indie places were definitely very concerned about making sure I had the right medicine and I would imagine if I had walked in needing a prescription they would have worked with me, although it could be complicated because drugs can go by different names in different countries (e.g. acetaminophen versus paracetamol).

I also recommend carrying prescriptions with you instead of trying to fill them abroad. My doctor's office and regular pharmacy have always worked with me to make sure I have the amounts I need before traveling.

If you are talking prescription meds than chances are good that you cannot buy it anyway. If someone walks into a pharmecy in Germany and wants their prescription for blood pressure or heart meds filled, I doubt if they will get it without a German prescription. The OP has asked about prescription meds and not about cold medicine.

My example of aspirin was incorrect to use.

I agree that you should try to carry your medications with you from the U.S. if possible. Definitely carry copies of your prescription paperwork as well.

I cannot speak to all medications, as I'm not sure how a pharmacy in Germany would treat a U.S. scrip for a narcotic. We did, however, lose my wife's thyroid medication while in Italy. We took a copy of the U.S. scrip to the pharmacy, and they said they would have to work on it, but check back in the morning. The following day they filled a partial prescription with the exact same medication. They explained to us that the 1 day delay was not due to any restrictions on country of origin, rather they wanted to be certain that the scrip was properly translated before filling.

I would not count on getting scrips filled for cost reasons... only as an emergency backup.

Please: Which countries?

Jo, I ran out of both of my BP meds while I was in Austria. I did not have my prescription with me, but had my meds bottles.

The Pharmacy I walked into went out of their way to try and help me, and they sold me enough meds so that I could finish my vacation.

What was interesting was the questions that I got from US Customs when I got back to the US. They specifically asked for me when I got off the plane and was standing in the Customs line.

A US Customs agent walked up to me and asked if I had purchased perscription meds while I was in Europe. I told that I had, named the meds, and he seemed satisfied.

Then my wife and I wsnt thru the regular Customs checkpoint. At no time did they ask to see the meds that I had purchased. BTW, the price seemed quite reasonable.

I think that the Pharmacy was just doing what any Pharmacy would do for a person that ran out of meds; provide me with enough to be able to finish my journey safely. If I had asked for month's supply, rather than a week, the story may have been different, but I have no idea of knowing what would have happened.

I agree, each EU country will probably treat this differently.

Hi Christine:

Check with your medical plan. Most have a mail order service that allows you to order a three month supply for a smaller copay. Fill you regular one month supply and order a three mail order to be delivered before you leave. You will have to coordinate the pharmacy order and her mail order. As an example if you are leaving in March. Get the pharmacy order filled at the end of FEB and send in the mail order at the beg of Feb. That way you get the three month before you go. It takes a little bit of coordination but it can work. Also call the pharmacy provider for your medical plan and tell them you will be out of the country and need medication for the trip before you go. Most medical plans make accommodation for people who are traveling. And as the other posters have said take a copy of your RXs with the drug name in the generic version, if no generic, the non-brand name. In some countries the brand names are not the same and you might get the wrong drug.