European cross-border prescription
Recepta transgraniczna — everything you need to know
Why do I need a European cross-border prescription?
Most medicines in EU countries are sold only by prescription. Pharmacies are connected to a single EU prescription database. Prescriptions from doctors from non-EU countries are not accepted by pharmacies.
What is a European cross-border prescription?
A European cross-border prescription (Recepta transgraniczna) is a prescription for non-prescription medicines that is suitable for purchasing medicines in pharmacies of any EU country. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Sweden and Estonia.
A cross-border prescription can be of two types:
- Electronic or paper prescription.
- Electronic prescription in the IKP application for residents of Poland (valid in Croatia, Finland, Estonia, Czech Republic, Greece, Lithuania, Latvia, Portugal and Spain).
What medicines can I buy abroad?
The European cross-border prescription applies to:
- Medicines of the category „Rp” (by doctor's prescription).
- Medicines of the category „OTC” (over-the-counter medicines).
The prescription does not apply to the purchase of narcotic and psychotropic substances, medicines of the category „Rpz” (for limited use), special food products and medical devices.
Can I get a prescription for the original drug, not a generic?
According to Polish rules, the prescription specifies the international name of the active substance. The pharmacy will offer the cheapest option with this composition. If you need a specific commercial name, specify this when submitting the request. Original drugs can be significantly more expensive.
How quickly will I receive the prescription?
The processing time for the request is until the end of the next working day after its submission. The time of receipt depends on the form of the prescription and the requirements of the pharmacy in your country.
In what form can I receive a European cross-border prescription?
- PDF file in Polish or English.
- Scan of the prescription with the doctor's stamp and signature (can be sent to your email or directly to the pharmacy).
- Original prescription with stamp and signature, sent by postal service (InPost, DHL, UPS or registered mail).
Can a doctor refuse to issue a prescription?
Yes, a doctor has the right to refuse if the drug is not registered in Poland or in EU countries, if the prescription is requested without medical justification, if narcotic or psychotropic substances are required. Our doctors issue prescriptions only after evaluating your data.
How to check the availability of the drug in the pharmacy?
Before issuing a European cross-border prescription, make sure that the drug is available in pharmacies of the EU country where you plan to purchase it, and what forms of prescription the pharmacist requires.
What else do I need to know?
Before applying for a European cross-border prescription, check the availability of the drug, the form of prescription accepted in the pharmacy, and check the rules of your EU country on the europa.eu/youreurope website. Then fill out the request, indicating the country of purchase, and wait for confirmation from the secretary. Have questions? Write to us!