Turkey – Prescriptions and Medications

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

In Turkey, a pharmacy is called an eczane. This word appears prominently on the signage of every authorised pharmacy, making it one of the most practical terms to learn before you relocate. Pharmacy signs are consistently red and feature a large red letter “E”, making them immediately recognisable and easy to distinguish from surrounding shops.

Turkish pharmacies occupy a unique and central position in the healthcare landscape, holding exclusive legal authority to dispense all medications. This is a meaningful contrast to many other countries, where basic painkillers and similar products can be picked up at supermarkets or convenience stores. In Turkey, all pharmaceutical products — regardless of strength — must go through a licensed eczane. Cosmetics retailers such as Gratis or Watsons operate freely but are not permitted to stock or sell any medicines.

Every qualified pharmacist (eczacı) in Turkey completes a five-year degree programme. They are entitled to offer basic health consultations at the counter, and these consultations are provided free of charge. In major cities and popular tourist destinations, English-speaking pharmacists are quite common.

Turkey does not permit pharmacy chains, meaning every eczane operates independently. Before any pharmacy may dispense medications, it must be fully licensed and approved by the Ministry of Health (MOH), which also oversees the approval, regulation, and distribution of all drugs — both prescription and over-the-counter — sold in Turkey.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Turkey?

Most pharmacies are open Monday through Saturday, typically from around 09:00 to 19:30. Exact hours vary by region, and some pharmacies operate on different schedules in summer compared to winter. In smaller towns, it is not unusual for pharmacies to close a little earlier, so it is worth taking note of your local eczane’s hours shortly after settling in.

On Sundays and public holidays, the majority of pharmacies are closed. The exception is the Nöbetçi Eczane system — a rotating on-duty arrangement that guarantees at least one pharmacy per neighbourhood remains open around the clock. The duty rota changes daily, so a different pharmacy takes on the role each day.

Tracking down your nearest Nöbetçi Eczane is simple. Any closed pharmacy is required by law to display — either in a lit panel or a printed notice in the window — the name, address, and directions to the currently open duty pharmacy in the area. Alternatively, searching “Nöbetçi Eczane” alongside your neighbourhood or district name on Google Maps is increasingly effective, and most local municipality websites publish daily listings.

Duty pharmacies are not scaled-back operations — they provide the full range of services, including dispensing prescription medications and offering pharmacist consultations, just as you would receive during normal business hours.

Which medicines can I buy over the counter in Turkey, and which require a prescription?

Under the Regulation on the Classification of Human Medicinal Products, pharmaceuticals in Turkey fall into two categories: prescription and non-prescription. Over-the-counter (OTC) products are those deemed safe for use without healthcare professional supervision, and they may be purchased directly by consumers without a prescription. Typical OTC items include common painkillers, cold and flu remedies, and stomach medicines.

Expats arriving from countries with stricter dispensing rules may be surprised to discover that certain medications requiring a prescription back home — some erectile dysfunction treatments, for instance — can be obtained over the counter in Turkey without a prescription or any formal record of sale. Conversely, it is equally important to note that no medications of any kind can be bought at supermarkets or convenience stores in Turkey; all pharmaceutical products are sold exclusively through licensed eczane.

Antibiotics are among the medications that do require a doctor’s prescription in Turkey, and controls in this area are firmly applied — reflecting broader international efforts to combat antibiotic resistance. Herbal medicinal products are also subject to MOH approval and regulation, and dietary supplements fall under strict oversight that prevents them from making any claims related to diagnosing, treating, or rehabilitating health conditions.

One rule that catches many newcomers off guard: regardless of whether a medicine is prescription or non-prescription, it can only be sold at a licensed pharmacy or pharma-organisation. Turkish law explicitly prohibits the sale of pharmaceutical products over the internet or through any electronic channel. Any website claiming to ship prescription drugs to addresses in Turkey is operating illegally. Legitimate online retailers may sell vitamins, baby care items, and dermocosmetics — but a site offering to mail antibiotics or cardiovascular medication is a black market operator and should be avoided entirely.

Will my prescription from another country be accepted in Turkey?

Prescriptions issued in other countries are not legally recognised in Turkey. No bilateral or multilateral agreement currently exists that would allow a foreign-issued prescription to be honoured directly at a Turkish pharmacy. This sets Turkey apart from certain regional arrangements — EU member states, for example, share frameworks that support some cross-border prescription recognition — but Turkey does not participate in equivalent schemes for this purpose.

In practice, there is a workaround for a number of medications. Because many drugs that are prescription-only elsewhere can be obtained over the counter in Turkey, simply showing the pharmacist your foreign prescription or telling them the name of the medicine may be sufficient. For anything that genuinely requires a Turkish prescription, the pharmacist can point you towards a suitable local clinic or GP.

The standard route for newly arrived expats is to visit a local doctor — either at a private clinic or a public health centre (sağlık merkezi) — who can issue a Turkish prescription that is accepted at any licensed pharmacy. In most cases, obtaining the medications you need while living in Turkey should not prove difficult. Turkish pharmacies are generally well-stocked, and when a specific product is not immediately available, pharmacists can usually order it, including from international suppliers if necessary.

How do I get a prescription in Turkey?

Obtaining a prescription in Turkey is a fairly manageable process, whether you use the public or private healthcare route. The following steps outline the typical journey for an expat accessing prescriptions in Turkey for the first time.

1. Register with a family doctor (aile hekimi): Those enrolled in the public SGK system are entitled to register with a family doctor (aile hekimi) at their nearest community health centre. This acts as your primary care entry point, comparable to registering with a GP in healthcare systems that use a gatekeeper model.
2. Alternatively, visit a private clinic or hospital: During the first year of residency — before SGK eligibility begins — most expats rely on private clinics. Doctors at private facilities are well-qualified and frequently speak English. Walk-in appointments are generally available without the need for prior registration.
3. Attend your appointment and describe your condition or medication requirements: Doctors may issue multiple prescriptions during a single appointment, and it is not uncommon to receive a prescription before a formal diagnosis has been confirmed. Where possible, bring documentation of any existing conditions and a translated list of your current medications.
4. Receive your e-prescription (e-reçete): Turkey operates a fully electronic prescription system linked to the national İlaç Takip Sistemi (İTS — Drug Tracking System). Rather than a paper prescription, your doctor will generate an electronic code that the pharmacist can retrieve directly from the system.
5. Present your prescription at any licensed eczane: Turkish prescriptions are not tied to a single dispensing pharmacy. You are free to take your prescription to any licensed eczane you prefer.
6. Collect your medication: The pharmacist will dispense your medicine, review it for potential interactions, and advise you on proper dosage and usage. Pharmacist consultations are always free of charge.

Prescription validity varies depending on the medication involved. Routine prescriptions are generally valid for a defined number of days to weeks — confirm the exact timeframe with your prescribing doctor. For chronic conditions, repeat prescriptions will usually require regular follow-up appointments to be renewed.

How much do prescriptions cost in Turkey, and is there a subsidised medicines scheme?

Turkey does not use a fixed per-item prescription charge in the way that some European systems do — England’s NHS, for example, applies a standard per-item fee. Instead, Turkey operates a co-payment model linked to the public insurance scheme. Patients covered by SGK typically contribute around 20% of the cost of their prescribed medications, while retirees benefit from a reduced rate of approximately 10% (figures as of 2025). These rates are subject to revision, so it is advisable to check the latest figures on the official SGK website.

With active SGK coverage, patients can access care at private facilities participating in the SGK network and obtain prescription drugs at significantly reduced cost — in some cases receiving them free of charge, depending on the specific medicine. The SGK’s Drug Reimbursement Commission is responsible for maintaining a list of medicines that qualify for subsidy. The Reimbursement Regulation defines the categories, quantities, treatment durations, and payment procedures for drugs funded through the Social Security Institution, with the commission determining which products are included and under what conditions.

Expats who have not yet joined SGK — covering the first twelve months of residency — must pay all prescription costs out of pocket or through their private insurance policy. Medication prices in Turkey are generally considerably lower than those in Western Europe or North America, meaning that out-of-pocket costs for most everyday medicines tend to remain reasonable. Specialist or branded drugs can, however, be more costly. The Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK) website is the authoritative source for current drug pricing information.

Are brand-name and generic medicines both available in Turkey?

Both branded and generic medications are readily available at Turkish pharmacies. The Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK) actively works to align the country’s regulatory framework for medicines and medical devices with EU legislation, which means standards governing generic drug approval broadly mirror European norms.

One important practical consideration is that familiar international brand names may not be available under the same product name in Turkey. Well-known international brands such as Tylenol, for example, are not sold in Turkey — instead, you should ask for the active ingredient (such as paracetamol). Before relocating, it is strongly recommended that you note down the International Non-proprietary Name (INN) — the active ingredient name — for every regular medication you take, as this will allow pharmacists to identify and supply the correct equivalent.

Doctors in Turkey may prescribe by either brand name or generic name, according to their own practice. There is currently no specific regulation governing the prescribing or dispensing of biosimilars in Turkey, meaning biologics and biosimilars are treated without formal distinction in this regard. In practice, if the exact brand specified on your prescription is out of stock, pharmacists will discuss substitution options with you. Generic alternatives to common drugs are typically noticeably cheaper than their branded counterparts, which can be a significant advantage for anyone managing an ongoing condition without comprehensive insurance cover.

What should expats know about bringing medications into Turkey from abroad?

Turkey enforces strict regulations on the personal importation of medications, and these rules tend to be applied more rigorously than in many other countries. Prescription medication may be brought into Turkey, but you must carry a valid prescription that clearly states your name, the name of the medicine, and the prescribed dosage.

Any medication you bring must be legally available in Turkey, kept in its original packaging with clear labelling intact, and carried in quantities appropriate for your intended stay. Having the prescription translated into English or Turkish can help ease the customs process. Bringing excessively large quantities of any medication is likely to attract scrutiny, so limit what you carry to a reasonable amount.

Controlled substances are subject to additional requirements. Medications that contain certain narcotics or psychotropic substances — including some painkillers, anxiety medications, and sleeping pills — are strictly regulated. Even if you hold a valid prescription, you may need supplementary authorisation from the Turkish Ministry of Health, along with a letter from your doctor explaining the medical necessity, the prescribed dosage, and the expected duration of treatment.

It is also worth noting that some drugs freely available over the counter in other countries may be restricted or prescription-only in Turkey. Medications containing codeine — certain painkillers and cough syrups among them — cannot be brought into Turkey without a prescription. Products containing high doses of vitamin A are also prohibited.

Before travelling, it is advisable to contact the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country, as they can supply specific guidance and, where necessary, help obtain any required approvals for the medications you plan to bring. Regulations can change, so always verify requirements directly with Turkish customs or the nearest Turkish diplomatic mission prior to departure. The Turkish customs authority (Gümrük ve Ticaret Bakanlığı) and the TİTCK are the definitive sources for up-to-date rules.

How do private health insurance and public healthcare affect prescription costs in Turkey?

Turkey’s healthcare system operates across two parallel tracks: a universal public insurance scheme administered by the Social Security Institution (SGK / Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu), and a separate private insurance market. Understanding which tier applies to you at any given stage of your residency will have a direct bearing on what you pay for medications.

To access subsidised or free services through SGK, expats must either be registered residents or have contributed to the SGK system for a minimum of one year. During the initial year of residency, private health insurance is a legal requirement, after which residents may choose whether to transition to public coverage or continue with private insurance. This contrasts with arrangements in countries such as Australia or the UK, where bilateral agreements may grant overseas nationals faster access to certain public services; in Turkey, the one-year qualifying period for public healthcare is a firm and consistent requirement.

After completing one year of residency in Turkey, foreign nationals may apply to join the SGK. Following 30 days of contributions, they gain access to public healthcare on the same terms as Turkish citizens. As part of the application, foreign nationals must demonstrate that they are not covered by, or entitled to benefits from, an insurance scheme in their country of origin.

For those with private insurance, prescription coverage differs considerably from one policy to the next. Some private health plans reimburse pharmacy costs up to 100%, while others provide no pharmacy benefit at all. Many insurers operating in Turkey offer plans specifically tailored to expats, typically encompassing inpatient and outpatient care, prescription drug coverage, and optional extras such as dental, vision, and maternity. It is essential to review the policy terms carefully before committing — paying particular attention to whether prescription costs are covered and whether annual limits apply.

Many expats in Turkey prefer to receive treatment at private hospitals, where facilities are generally superior and English-speaking staff are more readily available. Although private care is more expensive than the public system, costs remain comparatively affordable by international standards. Some expats choose a combined approach, using SGK for fundamental coverage while maintaining a private policy for enhanced benefits and access to private hospitals — an arrangement that can deliver strong overall coverage in a cost-effective way.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I need medication urgently and it is the middle of the night?

Every neighbourhood in Turkey has at least one nöbetçi eczane (duty pharmacy) open around the clock — the specific pharmacy on duty rotates daily, and these outlets provide the full range of services, including prescription dispensing and pharmacist advice. Turkish law requires every closed pharmacy to display a lit panel or printed notice in its window showing the name and address of the nearest open duty pharmacy. You can also search “Nöbetçi Eczane” alongside your district name on Google Maps or check your local municipality’s website to find the current duty pharmacy quickly.

How do I find a pharmacist who speaks my language?

English-speaking pharmacists are fairly common in major cities and tourist areas. In smaller towns or rural locations where language may be a barrier, showing the pharmacist your existing medication packaging, the active ingredient name, or a written note from your doctor in Turkish will usually resolve the communication gap. Translation apps on your phone can also be a useful bridge. For more complex medication queries, visiting a pharmacy at a larger private hospital — where multilingual staff are more likely to be on hand — may be the most practical solution.

How do I manage a chronic condition during the transition period before I am enrolled in SGK?

Private health insurance is legally required during the first year of residency, which is the period before SGK eligibility begins. Make sure your policy specifically covers prescription medications for any pre-existing or chronic conditions, as some plans exclude these. It is also wise to bring an adequate supply of your regular medications to cover the initial settling-in period, carry translated copies of your prescriptions, and arrange a consultation with a local doctor early on in order to obtain a Turkish prescription for any long-term medicines you depend on.

Can I order medicines from an overseas pharmacy and have them shipped to Turkey?

No. Turkish law prohibits residents from ordering pharmaceutical products or supplements from foreign-based websites that ship directly to consumers. Online sales of medications are illegal in Turkey — any website offering to mail prescription drugs such as antibiotics or heart medication is a black market operation. All medicines must be purchased in person at a licensed eczane.

What happens in a medical emergency — is treatment free?

Emergency departments are available around the clock at both private and public hospitals throughout Turkey, and emergency treatment is provided to everyone free of charge, although private hospitals may levy an admission fee. In an emergency, call 112. Bear in mind that operators may not speak English, so having a Turkish-speaking contact to hand or a translation app readily accessible on your phone can be extremely helpful in a crisis.

Are there medicines available in Turkey that are not licensed or available in my home country?

Turkey’s medicines regulator, TİTCK, maintains its own national list of approved drugs, which does not perfectly overlap with the approved lists of other countries. Some medications not formally authorised for sale in Turkey can still be obtained for individual patients on a named-patient basis through a formal special import programme, provided a valid prescription is held. By the same token, some medicines commonly available elsewhere may not hold a Turkish marketing licence. For guidance on specific products, consult your doctor and refer to the TİTCK website.

Do I need to see a specialist to get a prescription, or can a general practitioner prescribe most medications?

General practitioners — aile hekimi in the public system, or GPs at private clinics — are able to prescribe a broad range of medications, including those used to manage common chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Multiple prescriptions may be issued during a single appointment. For more specialised medications — including those used in oncology, complex psychiatric treatment, or certain rare diseases — a referral to a specialist may be required before the prescription can be issued and reimbursed through SGK.

Are herbal remedies and food supplements subject to the same pharmacy rules?

Yes. Herbal medicinal products in Turkey must be approved and regulated by the Ministry of Health before they can be sold, and dietary supplements are subject to strict controls that prohibit any claims that they diagnose, treat, or rehabilitate health conditions. Those that have received MOH approval are sold through licensed pharmacies. Any product that has not been authorised by the MOH cannot legally be offered for sale in Turkey, so always check that any supplement you wish to purchase carries the appropriate Turkish regulatory approval marking.