Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Sertraline in Brazil: prescription, brands, pricing
This page summarises the situation of Sertraline in Brazil under ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária): prescription status, available brands and generics, pharmacy dispensing, and online options in BRL. Sertraline belongs to the Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class.
- Regulator
- ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- Currency
- BRL
About Sertraline
Sertraline is approved for several psychiatric indications in adults: major depressive disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder… Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies.
Mechanism and action
Sertraline selectively blocks the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) by the presynaptic neuron, increasing the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft.
Brands and generics in Brazil
In Brazil, Sertraline is typically dispensed as 2 internationally recognised brands along with their corresponding authorised generics. Brazilian farmácias and drogarias range from major chains (Drogasil, Pacheco, RaiaDrogasil) to small independents. Pharmacist counsel is common but less central than in Europe. Brand-to-generic substitution is decided by the pharmacist under local ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) equivalence rules, and the price difference in BRL is usually substantial.
Online and tele-prescribing access
Online pharmacy is well-developed in Brazil through chain platforms; ANVISA-licensed channels handle Rx medication with verified prescriptions, while informal online sales of Rx are illegal but exist. For Sertraline specifically, the legal online options in Brazil depend on its Rx-or-OTC classification under ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária).
Frequently asked questions
Is Sertraline available in Brazil? ▾
Yes — Sertraline and its brands are available in Brazil through pharmacies authorised by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária), in various strengths depending on the commercial product. Authorised generics offer a lower-cost alternative with the same active substance.
Do I need a prescription for Sertraline in Brazil? ▾
Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies. The exact status of Sertraline (Rx or OTC) is determined by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária); most active ingredients in the Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class require prescription, although there are exceptions by country and formulation.
How much does Sertraline cost in Brazil? ▾
The price in BRL depends on the manufacturer (brand vs authorised generic), the strength and the pack size. Generics are typically substantially cheaper than brands and serve as the economic reference for ongoing use.
Products with Sertraline in Brazil
Sertraline in other countries
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.