Prescription Medicines

Pharmaceuticals are subject to specific legislation in Spain, regarding standards such as their quality and price. The Spanish agency for medicines and health products, the 'Asociación Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios', monitors the safety and effectiveness of medicines. The Spanish national health system supplies all medicines, and tries to prevent overdoses and drug abuse by requiring medical prescriptions to be issued before patients can have access to certain drugs.

Certain drugs will not be available free of charge: these are typically prescription medicines related to the treatment of chronic illnesses. Spain's pharmaceutical system aims to provide medicines and medical devices at affordable prices. If you require medication, your doctor will write you a prescription. This enables you to buy the recommended drugs at any pharmacy, and pay much less than you would if you were to buy them without prescription. In most cases, pensioners and disabled people will not have to pay for their medicines.

Some basic medicines are available for purchase from pharmacies and large supermarkets. Although you will be able to purchase some basic medication without a prescription, certain drugs can be dangerous if taken without medical advice: some drugs are only available on prescription. Your doctor will prescribe you these restricted medicines if they are suitable to treat your particular malady.