In Italy, you can buy many medicines, both over-the-counter and prescription, at the pharmacy or pharmacy . Most over-the-counter medicines and vitamins are not available at the grocery store, although you can find basic first aid supplies in both. For over-the-counter and prescription medications, look for the cross sign, usually lit green, to locate a pharmacy. Your hotel reception should be able to direct you to the nearest pharmacy. If you are staying in an Airbnb rental or similar, be sure to ask your host when you sign up.
Most major cities have one or more 24-hour pharmacies, although these are not as common as in the United States. More typical is the concept of a ‘pharmacy around’, where pharmacies within a given area take turns being open at night and on Sundays. It means you may have to go out of your way to find an open pharmacy after hours or on Sunday, but one is usually available within a few miles.
Traveling with your medications
If you take prescription medications, be sure to take them with you (in their original containers) in your carry-on luggage when you fly to Italy. Do not keep them in your checked luggage. If you have more than three ounces of liquid medicine, bring your prescription or doctor’s note.
You should also bring a copy of your prescriptions or a list of the medications you take (the actual names of the medications, not the generic names) in case you need to buy them in Italy. If you take medications that are essential to you, it is also a good idea to give the list to one of your travel companions, as well as someone in your country that you can contact if you need to replace your prescription medications.
If you need medication while abroad
If you need medication while traveling in Italy, head to the pharmacy (not the drugstore, which is more of a grocery store). The pharmacist can replace your prescription drugs if you need more for any reason, even if you don’t have the original prescription. The exceptions will be opiates, narcotics, or other tightly regulated drugs; it will be difficult to refill them in Italy. The safest course of action is to bring your original prescription, the bottle or container with your name on it and, for strictly controlled substances, a note from your doctor stating that you need these medications.
While you will likely find that your prescription drugs cost less in Italy than they do in the United States, some over-the-counter drugs can cost more – up to $ 1 per pill for ibuprofen, for example. You may want to take them with you especially if there is a particular brand that you prefer. Other medications, such as aspirin, will generally cost the same as in the United States.
More than just medications
If you feel a little sick, the pharmacist can also give you advice. There are English-speaking pharmacists in most major Italian cities. If you have a minor health problem and explain your symptoms, a pharmacist will usually recommend an over-the-counter product.
Over-the-counter medications are generally not on display, so you will probably have to ask your pharmacist for help. They may not have the exact same medicine that you are used to taking. The pharmacist will usually be able to find an equivalent to give you that meets your needs.
Other essentials that you will easily find in a pharmacy are contact lens solutions (you can also get them in a store that sells glasses), sunscreen, mosquito spray, vitamins, toothpaste and mouthwash, feminine products, supplies for your baby and sometimes even special diet foods like gluten-free pasta.
When to go to the emergency room for medicine
If you run out of medication, do not have your original prescription, and / or cannot find a pharmacist willing to refill you, you will need to go to the help desk soon , or emergency room. There, an Italian doctor will be able to write you a prescription, assuming he can verify the medications you are currently taking. Whether you go to the emergency room or to a pharmacy, remember to always carry your passport or other photo identification with you.
