If you are a little confused about how to get prescriptions for medications when you live in Portugal, you’re not alone. The Portuguese healthcare system is excellent and well-organized, but some things are done a bit differently in Portugal compared to the US and other countries.
There are some basic things you should know if you want to have access to the medicines you require, as the procedure for getting pharmaceutical prescriptions in Portugal can be different from what you are used to in your own country.
This article explains everything there is to know about how to get your medication prescriptions filled in Portugal stress-free:
Getting a prescription from a doctor in Portugal
In Portugal, you have to consult a qualified doctor before you can acquire a prescription. Depending on your medical requirements, you will be able to accomplish this by setting up an appointment with a general practitioner or a specialist. A hospital or health center, which is often prepared to manage a broad variety of medical ailments, is another option for seeking medical care.
You will be asked to provide identification upon arrival at the medical institution, along with any relevant medical records or test results. The doctor will thoroughly examine you to determine your ailment and the best course of therapy for you. If a prescription is required, the doctor will write one that you can fill at a pharmacy.
The good news is that prescription medication in Portugal is subsidized by up to 90% by the government, and 100% for insulin. To benefit from the subsidy, your prescription must include your numero de utente (health number). This applies to both the public and the private health systems.
All prescriptions must be written in Portuguese and adhere to a specified format per Portuguese legislation. The prescription must include the name and dose of the medication, the length of the recommended course of treatment, and any additional instructions.
Additionally, it’s necessary to keep in mind that certain prescriptions, including those for restricted narcotics or treatment for specific kinds of chronic diseases, may need a specialist’s prescription.
For the most part, getting a prescription from a doctor in Portugal is a rather simple procedure. You can make sure that your health and well-being are taken care of to the fullest degree possible by getting medical help as soon as you can and following your treatment plan.
Where to get your prescription medication in Portugal
You need a valid prescription from a qualified healthcare professional to fill a prescription at a pharmacy in Portugal. According to Portuguese legislation, the prescription must adhere to a certain structure and be written in Portuguese.
If you happened to bring your prescriptions from the US they can also be filled at most pharmacies in Portugal. However, it’s important to note that the cost of the medicine prescribed in Portugal is subsidized by the Portuguese government, while US-issued prescription medication is not.
If your prescription is still in effect, you can visit any pharmacy in Portugal to get it filled. It can be vital to ascertain the pharmacy’s business hours before going there since not all pharmacies in Portugal are open around-the-clock. By checking the website of the Portuguese Order of Pharmacists or contacting the National Health Service (SNS), you can also learn where and when pharmacies in your neighborhood are open.
You would provide the pharmacist with the prescription and your health number (numero de utente) when you visit the pharmacy. The pharmacist will verify the legitimacy of the prescription and determine if the medication is in stock. The pharmacist will offer you the drug and any important usage instructions if they have it in stock.
Most of the drugs in Portugal will come in blister packs, which can be very convenient when traveling.
How to fill your medication prescription in Portugal
In Portugal, you should receive both a written prescription for one or more medications and a text message for each specific medication. The text messages will not include the drug name, they only include a code. The code is used to help ensure privacy, in case you lose your phone, perhaps. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to easily identify from the text message which text is for which medication if you got several prescriptions.
To pick up your prescription medication in Portugal, you must present either the paper prescription or the text message. The pharmacy can enter the code from the text and identify what it is.
In Portugal, you cannot have prescription medicine delivered to a specific location, such as your address. This has its pros and cons. You can get your prescription filled anytime, anywhere in Portugal, but you will need to make sure you have the prescription text or paper.
Unlike in the US, you can’t walk into a supermarket pharmacy and tell them you have a prescription. You have to show the actual prescription to the pharmacist in order to get your medicine.
If you prefer to get generic medication and your doctor has not prescribed generic, you may ask the pharmacist and they usually provide it, if available. Sometimes, they even recommend the generic option without asking.
How to renew a prescription in Portugal
In Portugal, if you want to renew a prescription, you must first determine if you still need to take the prescribed drug. This will entail speaking with your doctor, who will evaluate your current health and decide if the medicine is still required and acceptable.
You will need a fresh prescription to get your medicine filled if it is decided that the drug should be continued. There are several methods to do this, depending on your unique situation. You will be able to arrange a follow-up consultation with your doctor to go over your care and get a fresh prescription, for instance.
If you are registered with the health service and the drug is eligible for renewal via this route, you could also be able to seek a renewal of your prescription using the online interface of the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS).
You should know that not all prescriptions can be renewed online; in certain circumstances, a new doctor’s appointment will be required.
It’s also important to keep in mind that in Portugal, prescription drugs have a set expiration date after which they must be renewed, often one year. It’s essential to remember when your medicines expire and to schedule a refill before they do. Ensuring you always have access to the drugs you need can help you prevent treatment interruptions or delays.
Resources for US Citizens:
Make the most of your life in Portugal. Read more helpful articles about living abroad in Portugal, from getting your NIF to getting a mortgage.
