Russian
Your guide to Russia

Your guide to Russia

Pharmacies in Russia: What You Need to Know

Availability
  • In Russia, and especially in Moscow, pharmacies are very common and easy to find.
  • Almost all major pharmacy chains have websites with online stores.
  • If you order medicines online in advance, they can often be cheaper than buying them directly at the pharmacy. Keep this in mind if you want to save money!
Payment
  • You pay for all medicines yourself. Their purchase is not covered by your medical insurance (VHI).
Prescriptions
  • Many medicines, especially strong painkillers, antibiotics, and others, are officially sold by prescription only.
  • If you have a prescription from a doctor at a clinic, you will be able to buy the necessary medicine at a pharmacy.
Useful Tip
  • Bring a supply of your usual cold, headache, or allergy medicines (if you have any) from home to last you for the initial period.
  • The names of international brands in Russia are often different. To find an equivalent, simply show the pharmacist the international non-proprietary name (INN) of the active ingredient written on the packaging (for example, "Paracetamol" or "Ibuprofen").

Stay healthy!

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