Pharmacies
In Germany, pharmacies (Apotheke) sell a wide range of products, including:
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Prescription medicines - medications that can only be dispensed with a valid prescription from a doctor.
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Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, such as painkillers, cough and cold remedies, and allergy medication, can be bought without a prescription.
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Health and wellness products - including vitamins, supplements, probiotics, and herbal remedies.
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Skincare and beauty products - including moisturizers, cleansers, and sunscreen.
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First aid supplies - including bandages, gauze, antiseptics, and wound dressings.
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Medical devices include blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and diabetes testing supplies.
It's worth noting that some medications available over-the-counter in other countries may require a prescription in Germany, so it's always a good idea to check with a pharmacist. Additionally, prices for pharmaceuticals in Germany are regulated by law so that prices will be consistent across different pharmacies.
After-Hours Emergency Pharmacies
In Germany, pharmacies that offer emergency services outside of regular business hours are known as "Notdienst" pharmacies. These pharmacies must provide 24-hour emergency services on weekends and public holidays.
To find the nearest emergency pharmacy in Germany, you can use the following resources:
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Notdienstportal: This official government website provides a searchable database of emergency pharmacies in Germany, which can be filtered by city or postcode. Click on the picture below to take you directly to the database.
2. Apotheke vor Ort: This app is available for iOS (iPhone only) and Android and allows you to search for emergency pharmacies based on location.
Medications
aponet.de provides a searchable database of medications available in Germany. You can search by medication, disease, or symptoms. This database will give you information regarding the drug, including:
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If a prescription is needed or the drug is over-the-counter
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Uses
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Storage
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Dosage and instructions
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Contraindications
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Side effects
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And more
Translations
Most drugs worldwide have the same generic name, regardless of where they are sold. This means that if you know the generic name of your medication, you should be able to find it in another country.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, some countries may have brand names for specific drugs or use different dosages. It's always a good idea to double-check with a healthcare professional or a local pharmacist if you're unsure.