Medications in Switzerland

Prescription rules

Switzerland classifies medicines into categories A and B (prescription-only), C (sold under pharmacist supervision), D (over-the-counter at pharmacies and Drogerien) and E (general retail). Health insurance (Krankenversicherung) covers most prescription costs subject to a deductible (Franchise) and co-payment.

Pharmacy practice

Swiss Apotheken/pharmacies are densely distributed with strict licensing; pharmacist counselling is integral to dispensing. Drogerien (drugstores) are unique to the Swiss system and sell category D and E medications without a pharmacist on staff.

Buying online

Swiss online prescription dispensing is regulated by cantonal law, with Swissmedic-licensed services offering tele-prescribing. Cross-border importation for personal use is restricted to small quantities and excludes some controlled substances.