Getting medications you need is crucial for maintaining your health when living abroad. Thankfully, filling a prescription in Turkey as an expat is a straightforward process when you know the basics. With a mix of local pharmacies, regulations, and online options, you can easily access both over-the-counter and prescription treatments.
Seeing a Doctor in Turkey
The first step to getting a prescription filled in Turkey is scheduling an appointment with a local doctor. Search for English-speaking physicians near you that specialize in treating your condition.
When visiting the doctor’s office, bring:
- Your passport for identification
- Any prior medical records you have
- Your insurance card if you have local insurance
Your doctor will examine you and determine if a prescription is needed. If so, they’ll write you a script with dosage instructions that you’ll take to the pharmacy.
How Prescriptions Work in Turkey
Turkey has a robust system for regulating medications. The Ministry of Health oversees the approval, distribution, and sales of all pharmaceuticals.
Prescriptions fall into three main categories
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Over-the-counter – No prescription needed. Sold directly to patients.
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Controlled – Require a special red or green prescription with additional tracking Used for opioids, stimulants, etc.
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Normal – Most common drugs Require a standard white prescription from a licensed doctor
For everyday prescriptions, your doctor will issue you a white script. Make sure they include dosage, duration, and refill allowances.
Filling Your Prescription at a Turkish Pharmacy
With your prescription in hand, you can take it to any licensed Turkish pharmacy. Look for a green cross outside that indicates they sell medications.
When visiting the pharmacy:
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Present your prescription and passport/Kimlik
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Double check they give you the generic version if it’s available
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Ensure all medications interact safely if you got multiple scripts
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Ask them to explain the dosage schedule if unsure
Turkey has mandated nationwide fixed prescription prices, so pharmacy costs are consistent. Your total bill will depend on your insurance coverage and number of medicines.
If the pharmacy is out of your specific medication, they can order it for you. You can also request they transfer the script to another pharmacy that has it in stock.
Buying Medications Online in Turkey
Purchasing prescription medications online is currently prohibited in Turkey. Websites based abroad cannot ship drugs directly to Turkish residents either.
However, you may order over-the-counter treatments online from pharmacies that have physical locations and offer pickup options. For example:
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Doktorum for cough, cold, pain relief, etc
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Maltepe Eczanesi for vitamins, supplements, devices
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Bayer Türkiye for aspirin, antacids, topicals
While convenient, double check active ingredients, dosages, and interactions when purchasing online. For serious conditions or complex regimens, visit an established local pharmacy for expert guidance.
Tips for Affording Prescriptions in Turkey
Medications can get pricey without insurance, but these tips can reduce costs:
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Always opt for generics which are cheaper but clinically identical
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Ask your doctor for free samples to get started
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Look into signing up for SGK if living in Turkey long-term
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See if your home country offers global health coverage
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Inquire about pharmacy loyalty discounts and savings cards
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Use a prescription savings app like GoodRx to locate deals
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Buy over-the-counter when possible instead of prescription
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Order from online pharmacies that offer promotions and sales
Ensuring Proper Medication Use
When taking any new prescription in Turkey:
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Carefully follow instructions for dose, timing, storage, etc
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Note any possible side effects and drug interactions
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Call your doctor with any concerns or questions
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Alert your pharmacist about other medications or supplements you take
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Never share or misuse prescription treatments
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Properly dispose of expired or unused medications
Staying informed and proactive will help ensure you safely receive the medications necessary for your health during your stay in Turkey.
Frequency of Entities:
Turkey – 23
prescription – 18
pharmacy – 10
medication – 7
doctor – 6
online – 5
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Turkey
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Turkey. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Some common medicines are controlled in Turkey. For more information and the documentation needed, contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate. Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad. British prescriptions are not accepted in pharmacies in Turkey. In some cases, you may be able to liaise with Turkish hospitals and your GP to arrange for a Turkish prescription for the equivalent medicine.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance card (GHIC) are not valid in Turkey.
Travel and mental health
Medical tourism is when people travel to have medical, surgical or dental treatment abroad. Cosmetic surgery, dental procedures and cardiac surgery are the most common procedures for medical tourists.
The standard of medical facilities and available treatments can vary widely globally and also within countries. We are aware of six British nationals having died in Turkey in 2023 following medical procedures. Some British nationals have also experienced complications and needed further treatment or surgery following their procedure.
If you are considering travelling to Turkey for medical, surgical or dental treatment, you should:
- read more advice on going abroad for medical treatment and elective surgery
- discuss plans with your UK doctor before going ahead with any medical procedures abroad
- do your own research – private companies have a financial interest in arranging your medical treatment abroad and the information they provide should not be your only source of information
The Turkish Ministry of Health provides a list of its approved medical providers on the HealthTurkiye website. This website is for information only. FCDO does not make any recommendation of or endorsement as to the competence or suitability of any individual or facility. It is important that individuals make their own enquiries and due diligence checks.
Dirt Cheap Prescriptions in Turkey. #Turkey #cheapprescriptions #travel
FAQ
Can you get prescription drugs over the counter in Turkey?
Can foreigners get prescription drugs?
How to get prescriptions when traveling internationally?
Is Turkey a good place to get a prescription?
Turkey has very strict regulations on both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. This ensures that you get the best care and service if you are treated by a local doctor and have your prescription filled by a local licensed pharmacist.
How do you know if a pharmacy is regulated in Turkey?
One way to ensure that you are purchasing safe and effective medication is to only buy from licensed pharmacies. Look for the “Eczane” sign, which indicates that a pharmacy is licensed and regulated by the Turkish Ministry of Health. What are hospitals in Turkey like?
Do you need a prescription back home in Turkey?
In Turkey, you might find that some medications that usually need a prescription back home are available over the counter. Here’s what to keep in mind: Navigating medication purchases in Turkey can differ from what you’re accustomed to back home. Here’s a helpful rundown to ensure you approach it safely: