Pharmacy-only - buying medication correctly

In Germany, there are strict rules for the purchase of medicines. Most medicines must be purchased in pharmacies. This protects patients and ensures good advice.

Many medicines require a prescription from a doctor. These rules are important to ensure safety. For example, medicines for headaches are often freely available.

Some medicines, such as vitamin supplements, can also be bought in drugstores. But you should be careful when ordering online. Choose reputable suppliers with an EU safety label.

The pharmacy obligation helps to use medicines safely. Pharmacists provide important information about effects and dosage. How to stay healthy.

Basics of prescribing medicines in Germany

There are strict rules for prescribing medicines in Germany. The Medicines Act stipulates which medicines can only be obtained with a prescription. This is to ensure that these drugs are only taken under medical supervision.

Prescription drugs

Medication that can only be obtained with a prescription is particularly important. They must be used correctly in order to stay healthy. A special committee decides whether a medication requires a prescription.

Pharmacy-only medicines

Many medicines can be bought in pharmacies, but you don't need a prescription for them. Pharmacies offer expert advice. You can buy some medicines yourself, for example for minor ailments.

Over-the-counter medicines

Some medicines can be bought over the counter. You can find OTC products such as vitamin supplements in drugstores and health food shops. These are usually safe if you use them correctly.

The drug guidelines of the Federal Joint Committee regulate which medications can be obtained with a prescription. Not all medicines are covered by health insurance companies. There are special rules for OTC medicines for children and adolescents.

Safe purchase of pharmacy-only medicines

Caution is advised when buying medicines. There are various ways to buy pharmacy-only medicines in Germany. The safety and quality of the medication is very important.

Stationary pharmacies as the first port of call

The local pharmacy is the first place to buy medication. There you can get personalised advice on use and dosage. Pharmacists also check whether the medication is safe and how to store it correctly.

This personalised advice helps you to use the medication safely.

Online pharmacies with an EU safety label

Alternatively, there are mail-order pharmacies. You need to be careful when buying medicines online. You can recognise trustworthy online pharmacies by the EU safety logo.

This logo shows that the provider is legal. This means you can safely order medicines online and receive them at home.

Advice and documentation

Advice from pharmacies is essential, no matter where you buy medication. The package leaflet provides important information on use. There is a medication plan for people with statutory health insurance who take several medications.

This plan makes it clear which medication you are taking. This increases treatment safety.

Marketing authorisation and quality control of medicinal products

The authorisation of medicinal products in Germany is complex. Finished medicinal products require authorisation before they can be sold. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) checks whether they are effective, of high quality and safe. This examination can take a long time.

There are many authorised medicinal products in Germany. In 2014, 43 out of 46 new active ingredients were authorised in the EU. The European authorisation of medicinal products is becoming increasingly important. It is intended to facilitate the pharmaceutical industry and create jobs.

After authorisation, pharmacovigilance monitors the safety of medicinal products. The BfArM carries out regular inspections. In this way, it ensures that medicines are safe. There are fast-track authorisation procedures for diseases such as cancer.

According to the German Medicines Act, medicinal products are intended to cure, alleviate or prevent diseases. They are different from foodstuffs or cosmetics, which do not require authorisation. Strict control guarantees quality and protection for consumers.

Cost aspects and reimbursement by the health insurance company

In Germany, the statutory health insurance scheme (GKV) covers most of the costs of medicines. Insured persons pay 10% of the price of prescription drugs. This amount is between 5 and 10 euros per pack.

Co-payment regulations

Children under the age of 18 pay no co-payment. For most insured persons there is a limit of 2% of their gross income. If this limit is reached, there is an exemption from co-payment.

SHI reimbursement normally covers 90% of the cost of prescription drugs.

Discount agreements and generics

Health insurance companies make discounts with manufacturers to reduce costs. The aut-idem regulation obliges pharmacists to dispense cheaper generics. Generics are often cheaper than original preparations.

Thousands of medicines are free of co-payment thanks to reference prices and discount agreements.

Special regulations for the chronically ill

The chronic illness regulation helps seriously chronically ill patients. The limit is 1% of your gross annual income. This regulation enables earlier exemption from co-payments and relieves the financial burden on those affected.

Responsible use of medication

The safety of medication is very important. Patients should read the package leaflet carefully. This will tell them about possible side effects.

Since 2016, people who take a lot of medication have been given a personal medication plan. This plan helps to avoid side effects and keeps patients better informed.

Storing medicines correctly is very important. Many medicines require a temperature between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. Some need to be kept cool or in the shade.

You should always check the expiry date. Changes in consistency, colour or smell may indicate that the medicine is perishable.

Care should be taken when disposing of old medicines. Medication must not be disposed of in the toilet or sink. They can be disposed of in household waste or in pharmacies.

Many cities offer special disposal options. For example, ‘medicine bins’. These measures protect our environment and increase the safety of medicines.

FAQ

What are pharmacy-only medicines?

Pharmacy-only medicines are medicines that can only be bought in pharmacies. You do not need a prescription. So you can be safe and well advised.

How do prescription drugs differ from pharmacy-only drugs?

Prescription medicines require a prescription from a doctor. Pharmacy-only medicines can be bought without a prescription. But only in pharmacies.

Where can I buy over-the-counter medicines?

You can buy over-the-counter medicines in pharmacies, drugstores or health food shops. These include medicinal teas, vitamins and light sleeping pills.

What advantages do over-the-counter pharmacies offer?

Over-the-counter pharmacies offer personalised advice and immediate availability. You can also have interactions checked. They are an important point of contact for health issues.

How do I recognise trustworthy online pharmacies?

You can recognise trustworthy online pharmacies by the EU safety logo. This logo shows that the provider is legal.

What is a medication plan?

A medication plan lists all medications. SHI-insured persons with long-term medication receive a personalised plan. This increases the safety of the medication.

How does the authorisation of medicines work?

Finished medicinal products must be authorised before they can be sold. Efficacy, quality and safety are tested. Authorities such as BfArM and PEI monitor this.

How high are the co-payments for prescription drugs?

Insured persons pay 10% of the price, a minimum of 5 euros and a maximum of 10 euros per pack. There are exceptions for children, adolescents and the chronically ill.

What are generics?

Generics are copies of original preparations after patent expiry. They are often cheaper. Pharmacists can dispense them instead of more expensive original medicines.

What special regulations apply to the chronically ill?

Chronically ill patients pay less in co-payments. The limit is 1% of income instead of 2% for others.

What should I look out for before taking a medication?

Find out about the risks and read the package leaflet. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Be especially careful if you are taking several medications.