Pharmacies

Besides giving out medicines according to prescriptions, pharmacies also sell over-the-counter medicines, first-aid and medical supplies, lotions and creams. Most pharmacies belong to one of the four major chains, but there are some independent ones.

Apotek 1

Boots

Ditt Apotek

Vitus Apotek

Prescriptions

If your doctor needs to prescribe medicines to you,  there is a system of e-prescriptions  which is in place in Norway. All states in Norway will gradually change over to this new system.

Here is how the system works when at the doctor:

• When you are at the doctor and receive a prescription, you will be informed verbally about it.
• The doctor will make and send the prescription electronically to the central database (Reseptformidlaren) which all pharmacies have access too.
• There will be no way to receive a paper copy*. But you can request an overview form of all your current prescriptions for your personal records. (*exception: If you will be traveling to a Kommune that is not yet on the e-prescription program. )

Here is how the system works when at the pharmacy (apotek):

• Take a number and wait in the line.
• When it is your turn, say you have a prescription to collect and give your name and date of birth.
• You may be asked for an ID.
• The Pharmacist will collect your prescription.
• You can ask the Pharmacist to inform you of how many refills you have left.

You can access your prescriptions online on My Prescriptions.