Italy – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in Italy, and how do I recognise one?

In Italy, a pharmacy is called a farmacia (plural: farmacie, pronounced roughly “phahr-muh-chee-ah”). These are far more than simple dispensaries for medicines — they serve as genuine health and wellness hubs, staffed by qualified professionals capable of offering advice on a broad range of health concerns, conducting consultations, and supplying an extensive variety of products and services.

Every Italian farmacia displays the same immediately recognisable symbol: a four-armed green cross, almost always illuminated. A sign bearing the word farmacia is typically also visible on the storefront. The use of green is enshrined in law specifically to make pharmacies easy for the public to identify, and the colour itself carries longstanding associations with health and wellbeing.

In many cases the green cross takes the form of a glowing ‘+’ shape positioned prominently at the entrance, lit while the pharmacy is open and switched off when it is not. Some versions of the cross also incorporate the caduceus — the classical medical emblem depicting serpents coiled around a winged staff. Other establishments simply display the word ‘FARMACIA’ in bold lettering above the door.

You may also come across blue crosses while travelling around Italy. These mark parafarmacie — a different category of health retailer. While a green cross signals the full range of pharmaceutical services, a blue cross indicates a more limited offering. A parafarmacia is not permitted to dispense prescription-only medicines, though it can sell non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements, health and beauty products, medical devices, and similar wellness items. Staff may hold relevant qualifications, but are not licensed to provide the same depth of medical guidance as a fully registered pharmacist.

One of the most noticeable aspects of Italian pharmacies is just how much they stock. In addition to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, a typical farmacia may carry organic infant nutrition, gluten-free food products, premium cosmetics, and a range of medical equipment. The placement of pharmacies across Italy is governed by regulations linked to local population size, ensuring that both urban and rural communities have access.

Running the farmacia is a farmacista — a pharmacist who has completed a four-to-five-year university degree covering the preparation, dispensing, and clinical use of medicines. These professionals are well placed to suggest treatments for minor complaints and, where the situation calls for it, will promptly direct patients toward the appropriate medical care. This makes an Italian pharmacy an excellent first stop when seeking an initial opinion on a health matter.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Italy?

A standard Italian pharmacy is typically open Monday to Saturday, running from approximately 8:30 in the morning until 12:30 in the afternoon, before reopening from around 3:30 to 7:30 in the evening. A midday closure for several hours — generally from noon or 1:00 PM through to around 4:00 or 4:40 PM — is the norm. Exact hours differ between regions and individual establishments, so confirming times in advance is always advisable.

Italian pharmacy hours are governed by legislation, and the system is designed so that the public is never left without access to pharmaceutical services, even at night or on public holidays. The mechanism that makes this possible is the rotating duty arrangement, known as the farmacia di turno.

Under this system, pharmacies take turns remaining open outside standard hours, including through the night, ensuring round-the-clock access seven days a week. Whichever outlet is currently on duty carries the designation farmacia di turno, and all Italian pharmacies are legally required to post the rota schedule at or near their entrance. If you arrive at a closed pharmacy, checking the notice on the door will point you towards the nearest open one.

Beyond the posted notices, the duty rota is published in local newspapers, on the Federfarma website, and through the dedicated “Farmacia di Turno” app. When visiting a duty pharmacy outside its regular trading hours, you may need to ring a bell to gain entry and show some form of identification. Be aware that an out-of-hours surcharge — referred to as the diritto di chiamata — may be applied to your purchase during these periods.

In larger cities and at some hospitals, fully 24-hour pharmacies operate continuously throughout the day and night without restriction, offering a broad range of products and services. These are particularly valuable during emergencies or for travellers requiring immediate access. In many Italian cities, the pharmacy located within the main railway station often fulfils this role, while in smaller towns the duty obligation may rotate among all local pharmacies in turn.

Which medications can I buy over the counter in Italy, and which require a prescription?

Italian medicines fall broadly into two categories: those requiring a prescription and those available over the counter (OTC). Understanding which category applies to any given product is important, as it directly determines how you can obtain it.

Even for products considered OTC, the process in an Italian pharmacy differs markedly from what many people are used to elsewhere. Rather than selecting items from open shelves, you must wait your turn and speak directly with the pharmacist to obtain what you need — even for something as common as ibuprofen. Medicines are not displayed for self-selection in the way they might be in a supermarket or drugstore in other countries. In Italy, pharmacies hold a legal monopoly over many medicinal products, including everyday items such as aspirin and decongestants, which means you will not find these on supermarket shelves.

This arrangement frequently comes as a surprise to newcomers. A medication you are used to picking up freely in your home country may require a prescription here, or may simply not exist under the same brand name. Diphenhydramine, for instance — sold without a prescription as Benadryl in some countries — is prescription-only in Italy. Certain painkillers, antihistamines, and sleep preparations similarly have a different availability status from what you may expect.

Antibiotics are another area where Italy takes a strict approach. No pharmacist may dispense systemic antibiotics without a valid medical prescription. While a basic topical antibiotic cream can be obtained without one, oral or injectable antibiotic treatments require a doctor’s authorisation without exception.

It is also worth noting that Italian pharmacies stock products under both their international non-proprietary (generic) names and local brand names. The active ingredient you rely on at home may be marketed under an entirely different name in Italy. For this reason, always make sure you know the generic name of any medicine you take regularly — not just the brand name you are familiar with.

For online purchases, only AIFA-approved internet pharmacies are authorised to sell OTC medicines within Italy. Legitimate sites display a logo showing a white cross on a green background as proof of certification. You can verify approved online pharmacies through AIFA’s website at aifa.gov.it. Prescription medicines may not be purchased via online pharmacies; a valid prescription issued in person by a licensed Italian doctor is mandatory for those products.

How does the prescription system work in Italy?

The authority to prescribe medicines in Italy rests exclusively with licensed medical doctors. Not every doctor can prescribe every category of drug, however — certain medications subject to a restricted prescribing regime may only be issued by designated specialists. Italian pharmacists are not permitted to prescribe; their role is to dispense medicines prescribed by an authorised physician and to advise patients on non-prescription products.

Once you have enrolled in the SSN, you will be allocated a medico di base — a GP or family doctor — who handles routine prescriptions for everyday health needs. Prescriptions for specialist treatments are issued separately, usually after a GP referral to an appropriate consultant. Pharmacists dispense medicines presented on a valid prescription from a licensed Italian physician, and can suggest OTC remedies for minor ailments.

Italy operates an electronic prescription system. Since 2024, every region is required to allocate at least 2% of its health budget to e-health infrastructure, which includes the electronic prescribing platform and the Fascicolo Sanitario Elettronico (electronic health record). In practical terms, this means your GP will in most cases transmit your prescription directly to a national database, and the pharmacist retrieves it by entering your tax identification number (codice fiscale). It is advisable to keep your Codice Fiscale readily accessible, as the pharmacist is likely to ask for it.

The intent of this digital approach is broadly comparable to electronic prescribing systems operating in countries such as Scotland and parts of Scandinavia, though the pace of implementation across Italy’s regions continues to vary. Emilia-Romagna and Veneto consistently rank highly on digital readiness measures, while progress elsewhere has been more uneven.

For patients managing long-term or chronic conditions, GPs may issue recurring prescriptions covering multiple dispensing cycles. Unlike systems such as Australia’s PBS — where a single prescription can authorise a series of repeats collected over time — the Italian model generally requires patients to return to their GP at regular intervals to renew their prescription. For repeat or chronic treatments, enrolment in a regional healthcare database may also be a prerequisite.

Opiates, narcotics, and other tightly controlled substances present particular challenges. Obtaining these in Italy typically requires a prescription from an Italian specialist, and in some cases may prove extremely difficult without one. If you depend on such medications, it is essential to plan well ahead and engage with your local ASL or a specialist before your supply runs low.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in Italy?

Italy’s healthcare system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), was established in 1978 and operates on the principles of universal coverage, equity, and collective solidarity. It provides comprehensive medical care to residents, largely without charge at the point of delivery, though modest co-payments (ticket) apply to certain services including specialist appointments, diagnostic tests, and some prescription medicines.

The cost of any given medicine depends on its classification. Class A medicines are reimbursed by the SSN; patients pay only the regional co-payment, which currently amounts to a maximum of around €4 per pack (as of 2025), or nothing at all if they qualify for an exemption. Class C medicines — which include most OTC products and certain prescription-only drugs not covered by the SSN — must be paid for in full by the patient. Co-payment rates are set at the regional level and are subject to revision, so it is worth checking the most current figures with your local ASL or on AIFA’s pricing and reimbursement page.

Where a branded medicine costs more than the established reference price for that drug, the patient is responsible for paying the difference. The pharmacist will automatically offer the lowest-cost equivalent available unless the prescribing doctor has indicated on the prescription that no substitution is permitted. Generic medicines undergo the same quality and safety assessments as branded products and are listed on AIFA’s Transparency List, which is refreshed on a monthly basis.

Co-payment exemptions exist for a number of groups. Older people below a certain income threshold, individuals living with chronic conditions, and young children may pay reduced or no co-payments at all — the maximum charge for eligible groups currently stands at around €3.50 (verify the current threshold with your ASL). To give a concrete example, a person diagnosed with hypertension — a condition that carries a recognised exemption status — would pay no ticket on the medications prescribed to manage that condition.

Certain critical or life-saving medications are available free of charge or at the standard co-payment level. OTC medicines, by contrast, are purchased at the full retail price and do not require a prescription. It is occasionally the case that an OTC product is cheaper than its prescription equivalent, so it is always worth asking your pharmacist which option makes most financial sense in your circumstances.

For the most reliable and up-to-date information on co-payment levels, exemption categories, and the National Pharmaceutical Formulary, refer directly to the AIFA website (aifa.gov.it) or contact your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale).

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in Italy?

This question is among the most frequently raised by people arriving in Italy with ongoing medication requirements, and the answer requires some nuance. As a general rule, prescriptions issued in another country are not automatically valid for dispensing at an Italian pharmacy. To have a prescription filled in Italy, it must be a prescription that is valid and recognised under Italian law.

The practical route for someone arriving with a foreign prescription is to visit a guardia medica — an urgent care doctor — at no charge. The doctor will review your situation and, where appropriate, issue an Italian prescription for your medicine. In effect, your original prescription serves as supporting documentation to inform the Italian doctor’s decision, rather than being presented directly to the pharmacist for dispensing.

EU citizens may be able to draw on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) during temporary stays to access the healthcare system. For ongoing medication needs, however, the most reliable course is to register with a local GP through the SSN as quickly as possible after establishing residency, and to transfer your medical history and prescription records to them.

Carrying copies of your prescriptions, along with a letter from your treating doctor listing all your medications and their dosages, is valuable not only for potential checks at the airport or border. It also assists Italian pharmacists in identifying suitable local equivalents. Where possible, have documents available in both your native language and Italian, or obtain a certified translation.

Knowing the generic (international non-proprietary) name of every medicine you take regularly is particularly important when moving abroad. Brand names vary significantly from one country to another, and what you know as one product at home may be sold under an entirely different name in Italy — or may not be marketed at all. Before relocating, compile a comprehensive list of your medications including both brand names and generic names, dosages, and the conditions they treat. This greatly simplifies the process of matching your medication with an approved Italian equivalent.

Can I bring my medications into Italy?

Italy maintains specific rules regarding the import of medicines by travellers, and understanding these requirements is essential for anyone intending to bring medication into the country — whether for a short visit or a longer stay. Failing to comply with Italian import regulations can result in legal complications or delays at the border, so preparation in advance is strongly advisable.

As a member of the Schengen Area, Italy applies certain common rules to the movement of goods across its borders. In general, travellers are permitted to bring up to a 90-day supply of prescription medication into Italy without requiring any special authorisation. Over-the-counter medicines — such as common pain relievers or cold treatments — are similarly permitted in quantities that would be considered reasonable for personal use, also up to approximately a 90-day supply.

For prescription medicines, travellers should carry a prescription or a medical certificate written in either English or Italian. This document should confirm the medical necessity of the medicine and specify the dosage and full name of the product.

Certain medicines are subject to heightened scrutiny because of their potential for misuse or their significant clinical effects. Opioids and some sedative or hypnotic medicines, for example, fall into a more tightly regulated category. Travellers carrying these must bring a clear prescription stating the medical reason for use, and in some cases must provide a declaration to the Italian Ministry of Health before arrival. As of March 2024, the permitted travel period for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is 30 days. For controlled substances, refer to the Italian Ministry of Health’s guidance on travelling with controlled substances before you travel.

Medical devices and injectable treatments — such as insulin pumps or adrenaline auto-injectors — require documentation comparable to that needed for prescription medicines, confirming their necessity for the individual’s health. Always keep medicines in their original labelled packaging, as this enables customs officials to verify the contents and confirm the legitimacy of the products. All supporting documentation — prescriptions, authorisation letters, and any official permissions — should be kept with you throughout your journey.

Regulations in this area are subject to change, so it is prudent to check the latest guidance from the Italian Ministry of Health, or to contact the nearest Italian embassy or consulate, before you depart. The authoritative official source is salute.gov.it.

Step-by-step: how to prepare your medications for travel to Italy

1. List your medications. Write down every medication you take, including the brand name, generic (INN) name, dosage, and frequency of use.
2. Obtain a doctor’s letter. Ask your prescribing doctor for a letter — in English and ideally in Italian — confirming your conditions, medications, dosages, and the medical necessity of each drug.
3. Check quantities. Ensure you are bringing no more than a 90-day supply of standard prescription medications, or a 30-day supply if the medication is a controlled substance.
4. Keep original packaging. Do not remove medications from their original labelled packaging; this helps customs verification significantly.
5. Check controlled substance rules. If you take opioids, strong sedatives, or psychotropics, consult the Italian Ministry of Health or your nearest Italian embassy well in advance for specific documentation requirements.
6. Carry documents in your hand luggage. Keep all prescriptions, the doctor’s letter, and any authorisation documents in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage.
7. Verify current rules before departure. Regulations change. Always confirm the latest requirements at salute.gov.it before you travel.

How do expats access prescription medications through health insurance in Italy?

Italy’s Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), established under Law 833/1978, is the country’s national public healthcare system. Grounded in the values of universality, equity, and solidarity, it guarantees broad-based medical coverage to all Italian citizens and to foreign nationals who are legally resident in Italy. For expats, the practical impact of SSN enrolment is perhaps most tangible when it comes to the cost of prescription medicines.

Access to medicines for EU nationals or citizens of third countries depends on the possibility of registering with the SSN. EU citizens who hold a valid EHIC (TEAM) card can access the SSN and obtain prescriptions using the regional prescription form, on payment of the applicable co-pay fee. EU citizens who have formally registered with the civil registry or hold a regular employment contract are entitled to full SSN registration, and may obtain prescriptions for specialist services and medicines within the national health service on the same terms as Italian citizens — including access to the same co-payment exemptions.

Non-EU nationals who are lawfully present in Italy for a period exceeding three months are similarly entitled to register with the SSN. Depending on individual circumstances, this registration may be mandatory and therefore free of charge, or voluntary and subject to payment of an annual fee. Once registered, such individuals may access prescription services and medicines on the same basis as Italian citizens, and are equally entitled to any applicable co-payment exemptions.

One of the practical advantages of the SSN model over private insurance systems is its simplicity at the point of dispensing. Rather than filing reimbursement claims and waiting for refunds, eligible residents simply pay the applicable co-payment directly at the pharmacy counter — no further paperwork is required.

Private health insurance can complement SSN coverage, particularly for medicines classified as Class C (not reimbursed by the SSN) or for branded drugs priced above the SSN reference level. It is worth reading your policy carefully, especially if you anticipate incurring significant medication costs during your time in Italy, to understand what is and is not covered.

Non-EU nationals legally present in Italy for fewer than three months, or those whose immigration status is supported by a private health insurance policy for the duration of their stay, do not qualify for SSN registration. They can still access healthcare facilities and purchase medicines, but must pay the full cost out of pocket. If you arrive before your residency documentation has been finalised, plan for the possibility of meeting medication expenses yourself in the interim, and retain receipts in case your travel or private insurer is able to reimburse them.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication in Italy?

Should you exhaust your supply of a prescription medicine, the immediate step is to visit a guardia medica (urgent care doctor) or your registered GP. Take along whatever documentation you have — your original prescription, a letter from your physician, or even the empty packaging showing the name of the active ingredient. The Italian doctor can use this information to issue a valid local prescription. If you need something available without a prescription, head to any farmacia and explain your symptoms directly to the pharmacist, who will be able to advise on suitable options.

Are brand-name drugs available in Italy, or only generics?

Both branded and generic medicines are available in Italy. Generic products undergo the same rigorous quality and safety testing as their branded counterparts and are listed on AIFA’s Transparency List, which is updated monthly. Unless your prescribing doctor has specifically noted that no substitution is permitted, the pharmacist will offer you the most affordable equivalent. Branded versions remain accessible but, where they are priced above the official reference level, you will be responsible for covering the difference yourself.

How do I find a pharmacist who speaks a language other than Italian?

In major cities and popular tourist destinations, it is quite common to find pharmacy staff with a working knowledge of English or other widely spoken languages. If you are in a smaller or more rural location, a translation app can be invaluable, or you can write down the generic name and dosage of the medicine you need to show the pharmacist directly. Your hotel or accommodation provider may also be in a position to direct you to the nearest pharmacy with multilingual staff.

What happens if I have a medical emergency and need medication urgently?

A pharmacy is not the appropriate destination in a genuine medical emergency. Dial 118 for medical emergencies or 112, the general European Union emergency number. At a hospital emergency department (pronto soccorso), any medicines you require will be administered as part of your treatment. If your situation is urgent but not life-threatening outside of regular pharmacy hours, locate the nearest farmacia di turno by consulting the rota notice posted on the door of any closed pharmacy, or by using the Farmacia di Turno app.

Can I get contraceptives over the counter in Italy?

Emergency contraception — the morning-after pill — is dispensed at Italian pharmacies, but the regular oral contraceptive pill is classified as a prescription-only medicine and requires a doctor’s authorisation. Condoms and other barrier contraceptive methods are freely available without a prescription. If you were already taking a contraceptive pill prescribed in another country, you will need to obtain an Italian prescription before you can continue — so it is advisable to register with a GP as promptly as possible after joining the SSN.

What is the AIFA, and why does it matter for expats?

The Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA) is Italy’s national regulatory authority for medicines. Its responsibilities include negotiating the prices of medicinal products, administering the National Pharmaceutical Formulary (PFN), maintaining the list of approved online pharmacies, and publishing the monthly Transparency List of generic medicines. For expats, AIFA’s website — aifa.gov.it — is the definitive resource for confirming whether a specific medicine is authorised for use in Italy and understanding how it is classified for reimbursement purposes.

Do I need my Codice Fiscale to collect a prescription?

It is always sensible to have your Codice Fiscale to hand when visiting a pharmacy, particularly for prescription or SSN-reimbursed medicines, as the pharmacist will frequently need to verify it. The Codice Fiscale is Italy’s tax identification number and acts as your key to accessing SSN services. Apply for one as soon as you register your residency — it connects you to your prescription records and to any co-payment exemptions you may be entitled to claim.

What does it cost to see a doctor to get a prescription if I am not yet enrolled in the SSN?

Before your SSN registration is in place — for example, immediately after arriving in Italy — your options include consulting a private doctor (medico privato) or attending an urgent care clinic. Private consultation fees are not fixed and may range from approximately €50 to €150 or more, depending on the practitioner and their location. Once you are registered with the SSN and allocated a medico di base, GP appointments are free of charge and prescriptions are covered at the subsidised SSN rate. For current fee information, contact your local ASL directly.