How to Find Medicines Abroad in 2026: Ukrainian Drug Alternatives and Medication Delivery Across Europe

Finding the right medication abroad requires preparation and knowledge of local regulations. Find out how to find analogues of Ukrainian drugs in Europe, whether it is possible to order medications from Ukraine, and what to consider when buying medications abroad

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Moving to another country or even a short-term trip is often accompanied by everyday difficulties. One of the most common questions among Ukrainians abroad is where to find the necessary medicines and whether it is possible to purchase the usual Ukrainian drug in European countries.

The problem is that many medicines abroad are sold under other trade names, have different dosages or are generally only available by prescription. That is why before traveling, it is important to find out in advance about possible analogues, rules for purchasing medicines and alternative ways to obtain the necessary drugs.

Planning a trip abroad? Get reliable medical insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Preparing for departure: what else do you need to do in Ukraine?

If you regularly take certain drugs or undergo a course of treatment, be sure to consult a doctor before leaving. During the consultation, you should clarify:

- international non-proprietary name (INN) of the drug;

- active substance;

- recommended dosage;

- possible analogues available abroad;

- the need to obtain a prescription.

It is also recommended to take a picture of the medicine packaging, save the instructions and the prescription. This will greatly simplify the search for the drug in another country.

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Rules for transporting medicines across the border

Before traveling, you need to check the requirements of the destination country for importing medicines. For some medicines, you may need:

- a doctor's prescription;

- a medical certificate;

- translation of medical documents;

- confirmation of the need for constant medication.

You should be especially careful when transporting potent drugs, psychotropic substances and medicines that contain narcotic components. If the drug was legally purchased abroad for personal use, Ukrainian legislation allows its importation subject to compliance with the current customs control rules.

What medicines can be imported to Poland in 2026, read in our previous material.

Why is it difficult to find familiar Ukrainian medicines in Europe?

Ukrainians abroad most often face several problems.

Other trade names

The same drug may be sold under different brands depending on the country. Therefore, a familiar name often means nothing to the local pharmacist.

Prescription restrictions

In many EU countries, a significant part of drugs is available only by prescription. This applies to antibiotics, hormonal drugs, antidepressants, drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and other groups of drugs.

Language barrier

Not all patients can explain to the pharmacist the features of their treatment or correctly name the active substance in a foreign language.

Differences in dosage

Even if an analogue is found, the dosage and form of release may differ from the Ukrainian version of the drug.

How to correctly search for analogues of Ukrainian drugs abroad?

Experts recommend focusing not on the trade name of the drug, but on the active substance. The search algorithm is simple:

Step 1 - Find the international non-proprietary name of the drug (INN).

Step 2 - Check the composition and dosage.

Step 3 – Show the information to the local pharmacist or doctor.

Step 4 – Check for analogues in the country of residence.

To search, you can use:

1. Official register of medicines of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine;

2. Mobile application "Medicines Control";

3. National registers of medicines in the country of residence;

4. Online drug directories.

It is important to remember that self-replacement of antibiotics, hormonal drugs, antidepressants and drugs for continuous therapy can be dangerous to health.

Analogues of Ukrainian medicines in Germany in this material.

Is it possible to order Ukrainian medicines and health products abroad?

In recent years, the popularity of services that allow ordering health products from Ukraine to European countries has increased.

In particular, some international platforms, including Liki24.com, offer delivery of medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, medical cosmetics, children's products and other medical products to dozens of countries around the world. This option can be useful if the desired product is not available in local pharmacies, a person is used to a specific brand, or it is necessary to purchase specialized products for care or maintenance therapy.

At the same time, before placing an order, it is worth checking the rules for importing the relevant products to the country of residence and taking into account the terms of international delivery.

What to pay attention to before ordering medicines from Ukraine?

Before placing an international order, it is worth checking:

1. Is the import of a particular drug allowed;

2. Is a prescription required;

3. Expiration date of the product;

4. Delivery times;

5. Possible customs restrictions.

It is not recommended to order large batches of medicines, as this may cause additional questions during customs control.

Finding medicines abroad can be a difficult task, especially when it comes to drugs for continuous therapy or familiar Ukrainian brands. The safest approach remains consulting a doctor, searching for analogues by active substance and planning your needs for medicines in advance.

If necessary, Ukrainians can use specialized services for international delivery of health products, but before ordering it is important to consider the rules of the country of residence and the peculiarities of importing medicines.

When traveling or staying abroad for a long time, it is important to be prepared for unforeseen health situations. Medical insurance will help cover the costs of doctor's consultations, treatment, hospitalization, purchase of prescribed medicines and emergency medical care. Depending on the program, the policy may also include coverage for transportation costs, dental care, loss of luggage and other risks associated with travel. You can apply for an insurance policy online in just a few minutes and travel the world with confidence in your own safety.

Choose the optimal insurance package on Visit Ukraine and travel without unnecessary worries today!

Reminder! The rules for access to medicine for Ukrainians are gradually changing in EU countries. We have already told you which medical services for refugees in Europe remain free, and for which you increasingly have to pay yourself.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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Private Lawyer service – professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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