Just wanted to report I have had several excellent experiences with pharmacists ithrough Italy fom a cold in Udine, low prescription pills in Rome to traveler’s constipation in Ascoli Piceno. Typically encounter very helpful staff with excellent English and seemingly a strong desire to help. Just want other travelers to be aware,
Posted by
Boston
1806 posts
They are indeed very professional and helpful and often speak excellent English. In our case, we found they are allowed to provide small quantities of prescription drugs w/o a prescription in some situations. If you want to give them a good laugh, try asking for medicine for a runny nose.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8162 posts
I think compared to the US, most people really underestimate what a Pharmacist in most European countries can do and what help they provide. For most walking illnesses, and some where your partner may be confined to a room, they can get you over-the-counter, and some prescription (at least in the US) to help.
My own recent experience was with my wife, needed some OTC meds, was able to get her a 28 count Omeprazole (Prilosec), and a 20 some count of 600 mg Ibuprofen in a couple minutes in Spain, all for under $5 (She went back and got more, to bring home).
It is advisable, if you go to get a specific drug, you know the generic name, since brands will be different.
They are also a good first point of contact, if they can't help you, they know the Doctors, or a medical clinic, in the area that can.
Of course if it is something serious, just go to an emergency services, it is no where near the second mortgage experience it is here in the US (probably at no or little cost likely).
Posted by
11647 posts
We have found pharmacies in Europe and Chile can provide so many prescriptions without an MD’s script. And at lower prices!
The full cost per RX in Chile was lower than my co-pay in the US.
Posted by
Boston
1806 posts
Here's a useful website for searching for pharmaceuticals available in Italy. https://www.federfarma.it/Farmaci-e-farmacie/Cerca-un-farmaco.aspx
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA
46 posts
I traveled all over France and Italy with an awful UTI, went to 2 hospitals, one clinic and kept getting different antibiotics. Stopped in a pharmacy in Rome as last resort before getting to to return to the states. Spoke to a pharmacist who understood my problem and was given a specialized drug which cured me in 6 hours. He was an amazing guy. Saved our trip.