Medications not allowed in Sweden

List of Medications Not Allowed in Sweden

1. Amphetamine, benzodiazepine, methylphenidate, and other euphoriants (import restrictions limited to a 5-day supply)
2. Medical marijuana (illegal in Sweden, can lead to arrest and deportation)
3. Over-the-counter cold medicines typically found in the U.S. (not available in Sweden)
4. Potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) for older people, as listed in the EU(7)-PIM list
5. Drugs administered in hospitals or nursing homes (not included in the National Prescribed Drug Register)
6. Vaccines and over-the-counter medicines (not included in the National Prescribed Drug Register)

How to get a prescription in Sweden

To get a prescription in Sweden, you have two main options:

1. Visit a Doctor in Sweden:

• To obtain a prescription, you need to make an appointment with a Swedish doctor who will assess your condition and determine if a prescription is necessary.
• It is essential to bring documentation from your home doctor about your condition and the specific medication you are taking to facilitate the conversation with the Swedish doctor.

1. Use an Existing Prescription:

• If you already have a prescription from your home country, you can use it in Sweden under certain conditions. You must either have a current paper prescription for cross-border use from your home country or get a new Swedish prescription.
• When using a foreign prescription in Sweden, you may be required to pay the full price at the pharmacy and then request reimbursement retrospectively from your home country’s health insurance system.

Remember that it is crucial to have valid identification when picking up prescribed medicines at a pharmacy in Sweden, whether it’s an existing prescription or one obtained locally. Additionally, for those covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Sweden, there is a maximum annual cost for medicines, beyond which the county council covers the expenses.

How to get antibiotics in Sweden

To get antibiotics in Sweden, you can obtain them through pharmacies, either over-the-counter or by prescription. Antibiotics are considered a finite resource, and their availability is crucial. The Public Health Agency of Sweden is working to ensure the availability of important antibiotics through agreements with pharmaceutical companies like MSD, Shionogi, Pharmaprim, and Unimedic Pharma. When purchasing prescribed medicinal products online, you need a Swedish personal identity number and e-identification. Over-the-counter medicinal products can be bought without these requirements.

In Sweden, if you need antibiotics that require a prescription, you must see a doctor at a health center to obtain one. It’s essential to note that some countries allow the purchase of antibiotics without a prescription, but this is not the case in Sweden. Pharmacies in Sweden, such as Loyds apotek and MEDS, provide services for purchasing prescription medicines. The high-cost threshold system limits the amount you pay annually for medicines covered under this scheme. When buying prescription medicines at a pharmacy or online, you must show valid identification. Pharmacies also offer services like handling prescription medicine for children and setting up powers of attorney to pick up medicine for others.

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Import Restrictions and Regulations

Sweden has strict regulations regarding the import of medications, particularly those containing amphetamine, benzodiazepine, methylphenidate, and other euphoriants. The Swedish Health Authority limits the amount of such medications that can be carried into the country to a 5-day supply. It is crucial to bring the medication in its original container, along with a copy of the prescription and a statement from the doctor explaining your condition.

Traveling with Medication

When traveling to Sweden, it is essential to ensure that your medication does not contain any euphoriants. Over-the-counter cold medicines commonly found in the U.S. may not be available in Sweden, so it is advisable to bring a limited supply of OTC medication for personal use abroad. If your medication does not contain euphoriants, you are generally allowed to bring your full supply through Swedish customs.

Unused Prescription Drugs

Sweden has a system where unused prescription drugs should be returned to a pharmacy rather than disposed of in the garbage or flushed down the drain. This practice aligns with Sweden’s commitment to responsible handling of medications and environmental protection.

Regulations for Bringing Medicines into Sweden

The Swedish Medical Products Agency regulates the rules for traveling to or from Sweden with medicines and syringes. When bringing medicines into Sweden for private use, different rules apply depending on whether the medicines are being brought from an EU country or a country outside the EU. Narcotic medicines and certain doping agents require a doctor’s certificate or a pharmacy label on the packaging.

In summary, when traveling to Sweden with medication, it is crucial to adhere to the country’s regulations and restrictions on importing medications containing specific substances. Ensuring compliance with these rules will help prevent any legal issues or repercussions during your stay in Sweden.

Popular pharmacies in Sweden

In Sweden, pharmacies play a crucial role in providing healthcare services and products. Here are some of the popular pharmacies in Sweden based on ratings and reviews:

1. Apoteket Korpen

• Rating: 4.3
• Reviews: 43
• Address: Västerlånggatan 16, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden.

1. Apoteket C W Scheele

• Rating: 4.2
• Reviews: 276
• Address: Klarabergsgatan 64, 111 81 Stockholm, Sweden.

1. LloydsApotek

• Rating: 3.5
• Reviews: 19
• Address: Centralplan 15, 111 20 Stockholm, Sweden.

1. Pharmacy Stockholm AB

• Rating: 3.2
• Reviews: 6
• Address: 111 52 Stockholm, Sweden.

1. Apoteket Ugglan

• Rating: 2.7
• Reviews: 55
• Address: Drottninggatan 59, 111 21 Stockholm, Sweden.

These pharmacies offer a range of health-related services and products, ensuring accessibility and convenience for customers in Sweden. Additionally, the pharmacy market in Sweden is diverse, with both state-run and private pharmacies like Apotek Hjärtat, Kronans Apotek, and LloydsApotek providing various products and services to cater to different customer needs.