You can only buy prescription drugs at a Pharmacy (Apotheek). Over-the-counter drugs can be bought at Chemists (Drogist) and supermarkets without a prescription.
Over-the-counter-drugs
Over-the-counter drugs, like antihistamines for hay fever, are available without a prescription. They are divided into three classes. Depending on their class, you can buy over-the-counter drugs at a Pharmacy, Chemist, supermarket or petrol stations. The three classes of over-the-counter drugs are:
- Those that may only be sold by a Pharmacy, where staff can explain how they can be used safely and correctly. This may depend on other medicines that you are using.
- Those that may be sold by a Pharmacy or Chemist. The shop assistant will be able to give you advice and instructions on using the medication.
- General retail. These medicines are generally recognized as safe and tend to be available in smaller package sizes only. Examples of these drugs are: nicotine patches, painkillers and some antacids.
Ordering online
If you want to order medicines online, do so from an authorized supplier. Only then can you be certain the medicines are safe.You cannot get prescription medicines without a prescription. A legal medicine supplier will never give you prescription medicines if you do not have a prescription from a Doctor.
Doctors, including online doctors, may only prescribe you medicines if they meet certain conditions. For example, they must have access to your medical records, which must be up to date.
FAQs
You can only buy prescription drugs at a pharmacy. Over-the-counter drugs can be bought at chemists and supermarkets without a prescription.
How to buy medicines in the Netherlands? ›
A pharmacy will provide medicines by prescription. You can local pharmacies if you search for “Apotheken” near you. You do not have to register with a specific pharmacy, but your doctor will need to know where to send your prescriptions for you to pick up.
Do Dutch pharmacies accept foreign prescriptions? ›
A prescription issued to a patient by a medical professional in another European Union country is valid in the Netherlands and can be filled at a Dutch pharmacy (apotheek).
Can you buy antibiotics over the counter in the Netherlands? ›
In the Netherlands, general practitioners do not often prescribe antibiotics; they carefully assess exactly what you need. In the Netherlands, antibiotics are available only on prescription. You can't buy them over the counter as you might be used to in your home country.
How do I get prescriptions internationally? ›
Contact a local pharmacist and show him or her the prescription (or prescription label), assuming language is not a barrier. Contact the embassy for assistance or check the embassy website; many US embassies list reliable local pharmacies.
How to get prescription drugs in Europe? ›
You can ask your doctor to give you a prescription to use in another EU country, also known as a "cross-border prescription".
Do you need a prescription in the Netherlands? ›
You can only buy prescription drugs at a pharmacy. Over-the-counter drugs can be bought at chemists and supermarkets without a prescription.
What painkillers can you buy in Amsterdam? ›
Paracetamol is available everywhere, including in supermarkets. Paracetamol with codeïne is however only available from pharmacies on prescription basis. There's a doctors office at the main train station if you need an opiate prescription.
What medications are not allowed in the Netherlands? ›
Medicines that have a narcotic effect require a certificate. These include sleeping pills, strong painkillers, ADHD medication and medicinal cannabis. Ask your family doctor or pharmacy whether you need a certificate for your medication.
Can pharmacies ship internationally? ›
TSA Guidance
Medication cannot be shipped to you overseas and overseas pharmacies cannot refill U.S.-based prescriptions.
Customs and other government bodies will monitor that you are complying with the rules.
- Pets. ...
- Counterfeit articles. ...
- Protected animal and plant species. ...
- Animal products and foodstuffs. ...
- Plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables (phytosanitary products) ...
- Weapons and ammunition. ...
- Medicines. ...
- Drugs (Opium Act)
You need a prescription from your GP for all methods of contraception, except for condoms and the morning-after pill. Once you have a prescription, you can buy birth control pills and get refills at your local pharmacy (apotheek). The most widely used form of contraception in the Netherlands is the birth control pill.
What are pharmacies called in the Netherlands? ›
In Dutch a pharmacy is called an apotheek. After you receive a prescription from your General Practitioner you will need to go to your registered pharmacy to collect your medicine. Over-the-counter drugs can be bought at chemists (Kruidvat, Etos, Trekpleister, etc) and supermarkets without a prescription.
How do expats get medications? ›
Find a Local Doctor
Your best bet would be to connect with the local health care system and set up an appointment with a doctor who can prescribe the medicine needed. How can I find a reliable doctor in a foreign country who speaks English? I suggest asking in expat or local FB groups for advice.
Is it legal to buy prescription drugs from another country? ›
In most circ*mstances, it is illegal for individuals to import FDA-approved drugs from other countries for personal use. However, based on changes enacted by the MMA, personal importation of prescription drugs that have not been approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. is permitted on a case-by-case basis.
What medications are not allowed in Europe? ›
What medication should I be careful bringing?
- ADHD/ADD medications (*Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin) *considered illegal narcotics in many European countries.
- Pain medications (Vicodin, Oxycontin, Demerol)
- Anxiety medications (Xanax, Ativan, Valium)
The medical degree programme at Maastricht University begins in the winter semester, so students usually start in September. Lessons are taught in English or Dutch. The degree programme is very practice-oriented and from the first semester you have Contact to patients.
