Analogues of Ukrainian medicines in Germany: what you need to know about the rules for buying medicines

When choosing analogues of Ukrainian medicines in Germany, it is necessary to take into account the rules for the sale and dispensing of medicines. Knowledge of the prescription system and health insurance will help you easily navigate the German medical system and receive the necessary treatment without any difficulties. In this article, we have tried to explain what analogues of Ukrainian medicines are available in Germany and what you need to know about the rules of their sale

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside of Ukraine

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Ukrainians who move to Germany may face challenges when looking for medications, as even the most common drugs can have different names. It’s also important to understand how the health insurance system works in Europe. We’ll explore these and other issues below.

Equivalents of Ukrainian Medications in Germany

Pain Relievers

Pain relievers are one of the most popular categories of medications. Below are equivalents of Ukrainian medications that can be found in German pharmacies.

Active ingredient Ibuprofen:

● Algofen;

● Advil;

● Nurofen;

● Brufen.

● Doc Schmerzsalbe — a medication that alleviates pain in joints or muscles.

Active ingredient Paracetamol:

● Acetaminophen;

● Panadol;

● Gelocatil;

● Calpol;

● Ben-U-Ron;

● Perfalgan;

● Buscopan;

● Thomapyrin Classic — an analogue of Citramon, while Thomapyrin Intensiv has a stronger effect.

Antiallergic medications

● Cetirizine — Cetirizin Hexal or Cetirizin-ratiopharm;

● Loratadine — Lorano or Loratadin-ratiopharm;

● Desloratadine — Aerius;

● Fexofenadine — Telfast or Fexofenadin-ratiopharm;

● Levocetirizine — Xusal or Levocetirizin-ratiopharm;

● Azelastine — Allergodil or Azelastin-ratiopharm;

● Clemastine — Tavegil;

● Ebastine — Kestine;

● Chloropyramine — Chloropyramin-ratiopharm;

● Diphenhydramine — Benadryl or Diphenhydramin-ratiopharm.

Nasal drops and cold remedies

● Xylometazoline — Nasenspray-ratiopharm or Otriven;

● Oxymetazoline — Nasenspray-ratiopharm or Olynth;

● Naphazoline — Nasivin or Privin;

● Azelastine — Allergodil or Azelastin-ratiopharm;

● Dexpanthenol — Bepanthen Meerwasser Nasenspray or NasenSpray-ratiopharm Panthenol.

You can also purchase Ambracsol or Abschwellendes Nasenspray.

If you have a sore throat, German pharmacies offer the following medications:

● Lemocin,

● Neoangin,

● Neoanginetten.

● Tantum Verde or Hexoral throat spray.

Sedatives

Bifren is one of the most popular sedatives in Ukraine, containing the active ingredient Phenibut. However, in Germany, it is classified as an unapproved medication and is not recommended for use due to safety concerns, including the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, you cannot buy this medication in Germany.

Here are analogues of other sedatives:

● Diazepam — Valium or Diazepam-ratiopharm;

● Lorazepam — Tavor or Lorazepam-ratiopharm;

● Xanax — Xanax or Alprazolam-ratiopharm;

● Bromazepam — Lexotanil or Bromazepam-ratiopharm;

● Phenobarbital — Gardenal or Phenobarbital-ratiopharm.

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Gastrointestinal medications

● Rennie;

● Gaviscon;

● Maaaloxan;

● Burlich Salz;

● Omeprazole — Omeprazol-ratiopharm or Omeprazol Hexal;

● Ranitidine — Ranitic or Ranitidin-ratiopharm;

● Pantoprazole — Pantoprazol-ratiopharm or Pantoprazol-Actavis;

● Esomeprazole — Nexium or Esomeprazol-ratiopharm;

● Domperidone — Motilium or Domperidon-ratiopharm;

● Metoclopramide — MCP-ratiopharm or Metoclopramid Hexal;

● Simethicone — Sab Simplex or Lefax;

● Lactulose — Lactulose-ratiopharm or Duphalac;

● Mebeverine, Duspatalin — Duspatalin or Mebeverin-ratiopharm;

● Bisacodyl — Dulcolax or Bisacodyl-ratiopharm.

In general, to find a German equivalent of a Ukrainian medication, you just need to know the name of the active ingredient. Local pharmacies will readily assist you in finding similar medications. However, keep in mind that some medications in Germany are available only by prescription.

By the way, if you plan to bring your first-aid kit from Ukraine, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the list of medications that are permitted for import into the EU. Some medications that Ukrainians can buy at any pharmacy may be prohibited in EU countries.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications in Germany

Over-the-Counter: In Germany, you can buy many medications for headaches, mild allergies, and mild stomach upset (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen) at pharmacies.

Prescription-only: Access to strong painkillers, antibiotics, and specific medications, such as insulin, is permitted only with a doctor’s prescription.

Types of prescriptions in Germany

1. Red prescription: This is the standard prescription for most prescription medications. Medications under this prescription are covered by the insurance company, but copayments may apply.

2. Green prescription: If a medication does not require a prescription but a doctor still wishes to recommend it to a patient, they may issue a green prescription.

3. Blue prescription: This is the standard prescription for privately insured individuals.

4. Yellow prescription: Used for psychotropic drugs and narcotics. Strict medical indications are required to obtain them.

How do you get a prescription in Germany?

In Germany, prescriptions are issued only by doctors following a consultation. The insurance system covers visits to general practitioners and specialists. To obtain prescription medication, you must consult a doctor who will assess the necessity of a particular medication.

Regarding insurance, citizens who have arrived in Germany without the intention of obtaining temporary protection status must obtain health insurance that covers treatment or other health-related services. Such an insurance policy can be obtained online in a few minutes.

Please note that having health insurance — not only in Germany but throughout Europe — is essential for accessing prescription medications and medical care in general. European insurance systems offer a wide range of options for covering medications, outpatient, and inpatient services. For Ukrainian citizens living in Germany, it is important to choose appropriate health insurance that covers the costs of prescription medications and treatment.

We remind you! For many years, Germany has attracted Ukrainians with opportunities for work, study, and a comfortable life. However, if you plan to move there in 2026, there are rules, document requirements, and procedural details you should be aware of in advance. Read more about visa types, legalization requirements, and the steps to obtain permanent residency in Germany.

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