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16 Nov. 2024

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Drug analogues in Portugal: how to choose medicines

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Portugal
Drug analogues in Portugal: how to choose medicines

When searching for analogues of familiar medicines in Portugal, Ukrainians may face difficulties due to the peculiarities of the pharmaceutical sector. Find out more about the analogues of Ukrainian medicines in Portugal, how to choose medicines and what drugs are available without a prescription

Health insurance is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine
Health insurance is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine
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Ukrainians currently residing in Portugal may face some difficulties in choosing medicines. The fact is that the rules for the sale of medicines, as well as the names and forms of medicines in Portugal differ from those in Ukraine. We will tell you how to understand Portuguese medicines and choose the right medicines in this article.


Over-the-counter medicines in Portugal


In Portuguese pharmacies, you can buy basic medicines without a prescription to relieve common symptoms.


Over-the-counter medicines that are freely available in pharmacies in Portugal include:


- painkillers and antipyretics

- cold remedies

- antihistamines for allergies

- medicines for the gastrointestinal tract

- dermatological products for minor skin irritations

- vitamins and nutritional supplements


However, it is important to know that antibiotics and other more serious medicines, including antidepressants and high blood pressure medicines, can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.


It's also worth noting that Portuguese pharmacies are usually open from 9am to 9pm, and there are few 24-hour establishments.


You can find out what medicines cannot be imported to the EU countries and the list of prohibited medicines here.


How to get a prescription for medicines in Portugal?


Portugal has a clear system for purchasing prescription medicines, which requires a valid medical prescription. Those who regularly take certain medications should ensure that they have a prescription from their doctor in advance, and it is advisable to have the document translated into Portuguese or English to avoid misunderstandings at the pharmacy.


If you need new prescription drugs, you should consult a medical specialist. In order to use public healthcare, you must first register with the National Health Service (SNS) and receive a personal user number - Número de Utente. This will allow you to make an appointment with a family doctor (Médico de Família) at the nearest health centre to receive a consultation and the necessary prescription.


An alternative option is to go to a private medical centre. Although this option is subject to a fee, it usually allows you to get a consultation faster than in the public system.


It is also worth noting that the Portuguese healthcare system uses modern electronic prescriptions. After the examination, the doctor sends a digital prescription that can be used to pick up the medicine at a pharmacy by showing your Número de Utente and ID card.


Read more aboutwhere and how to look for medicines abroad and about the analogues of Ukrainian medicines in Europe here.


How to choose medicines in Portugal: analogues of Ukrainian medicines


Painkillers 


Analogues of Ibuprofen:


- Brufen;

- Nurofen;

- Advil;

- Ibalgin;

- Ibuprofeno Generis;

- Ib-u-ron.


Analogues of Paracetamol:


- Ben-u-ron;

- Panadol;

- Tylenol;

- Paracetamol Generis;

- Dafalgan.


Drugs for the gastrointestinal tract


- Pancreatin - Creon (available on prescription);

- Loperamide - Imodium;

- Activated white carbon - Carvão Ativado;

- Rennie - Rennie;

- Gastal - Maalox;

- Smecta - Smecta.




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Drugs against allergies


- Eden - Eden;

- Claritin - Claritin;

- Cetirizine - Zyrtec or Cetirizin Sandoz;

- Loratadin - Loratadin Teva;

- Alegra - Alegra;

- Bilastine - Bilastina.


Sedatives and drugs to improve sleep


- Novo-Passit - Novo-Passit;

- Persen - Persen;

- Valeriana - Valeriana Extra;

- Glycine - Tryptophan;

- Magnesium B6 - Magnesium B6;

- Sedafiton - Relaxan.


Drugs for rhinitis, cough and sore throat


- Nasivin - Nasivin;

- Otrivine - Otrivine;

- Strepsils - Strepsils;

- Ambrobene - Mucosolvan;

- Coldrex - Coldrex;

- Theraflu - Theraflu;

- Fervex - Fervex;

- Sinupret - Sinupret;

- Bronchoforte - Bronchoforte.


Keep in mind. Medicines should be taken only after consulting a doctor, as the optimal dosage should be chosen to avoid harm to health.


Analogues of other common Ukrainian drugs


- Corvalent - Validol;

- Levomicol - Baneocin (available on prescription);

- Fluconazole - Diflucan (available on prescription);

- Picolax - Guttalax;

- Atoxil - Enterosgel;

- Diclofenac tablets - Voltaren (available on prescription);

- Diclofenac ointment - Voltaren Emulgel.


Important! Self-prescribing medicines can pose a serious health risk. Therefore, to minimise the risks, you should consult a qualified medical specialist for the selection of medicines.


Take care of your health during your stay abroad with a comprehensive health insurance from Visit Ukraine.


Remember. When searching for medicines in Moldova, it is important to understand not only the names of the drugs, but also the peculiarities of the local pharmaceutical market. You can find out about the main differences in the names of medicines, the system of their prescription and the rules for purchasing them in Moldova here.


Photo: Freepik


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Frequantly

asked questions

Do Ukrainians have access to free medical care in Portugal?

Yes, Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection status in Portugal are entitled to free medical care within the state healthcare system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde - SNS). This includes basic medical care, visits to doctors, emergency care and hospital treatment. To do this, you need to have an SNS number, which is issued after registration in the healthcare system.

How do I make an appointment with a doctor in Portugal?

Are there any discounts on medicines in Portugal?

How much does private medicine cost in Portugal?

Do I need health insurance to work in Portugal?

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