When running your typical errands, you might expect to run into a wellness section in your local market; however, if you need any type of medicine or a drug like ibuprofen, you will have to travel to a pharmacy. Practically anything stronger than soap and toothpaste is sold in the stores with the green crosses out front. Lucky for you, at least two pharmacies (farmacías) line each street, and some are even open for 24 hours. Sickness is inevitable, so it is important to know what to do when it strikes.
What are they Like?
If you are moving to Spain from the United States, you might be surprised by the stark differences between the pharmacies, among many other things. Pharmacies in Spain are not like US drugstores where you can pick up prescription medication, food, school supplies, and even alcohol. Spanish pharmacies are strictly for medication and some hygiene, beauty, and baby products. The number of products that the store has beyond medication depends on the size of the store, so be sure to go for larger pharmacies if you are looking for a broader product pool. If you have any problem or ailment that you want to keep private, prepare yourself for a few minutes of uncomfortable conversation with your pharmacist. This is because every single health and wellness product that you need is kept behind the counter. While you may want to simply grab-and-go, Spanish pharmacists are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Many drug names are different in Spain, and your pharmacist will take the time to listen to what you need, explain any differences, and answer any questions which you may have.
How Do They Work?
Where Spanish pharmacies lack the efficiency of grabbing painkillers off of the shelf, they make up for it with the efficiency of filling a prescription. Once you hand the prescription to the pharmacist, it will be filled in 30 seconds to one minute. This is because they will not give you individual doses, rather, you will be handed the manufacturer’s entire pack. So, if you only need 7 doses, you may end up with 10 or 20. If you are finished with the dose and do not want to save the rest, simply take the excess back to the pharmacy and they will safely dispose of them. Spanish pharmacies are also very low-cost, in fact, Spain one of the least expensive places in the European Union for medication. Because of this, many people find it inefficient to send a claim to their insurance since their medication only sets them back 5 euros! Spain also has very loose rules for prescriptions compared to other countries, for example, codeine and birth control pills can be purchased here without a prescription.
Summary
Spanish pharmacies are little goldmines hidden on street corners and behind glowing green crosses. They contain everything that you could possibly need when it comes to sickness prevention, treatment, and general wellness. Be sure to locate the nearest one to you and take advantage of all that they have to offer!
Read all there is to know about the Spanish healthcare system here. To schedule a free consultation with our Moving to Spain expert team, click here.
1 Comment.
I totally agree with all you have said regarding Spanish Pharmacies and their lovely Staff, absolutely brilliant. UK Pharmacies (especially ones such as Boots the ”Chemist” which is just really a fancy goods shop!) should sort themselves out and model themselves on the Spanish Pharmacies!
Well done to you folks for recommending the lovely Spanish Pharmacy folks.