Pharmacies
How to get medication in Finland
Medication in Finland is only available in pharmacies. This includes non-prescribed ‘over-the-counter’ medication.
Pharmacies (Apteekkit) are generally open during normal working hours, though each town has one pharmacy that stays open later than the others. A well-known chemist chain called Yliopiston Apteekki also remains open for longer hours and also on Sundays.
Prescribed medication is available at a subsidised rate, meaning you will only have to pay a part of the cost.
Pharmacies are legally obliged to offer patients a generic medicine if they are available. All generic medicines must contain the same ingredients as the medication prescribed by the doctor and are often cheaper to buy. It is entirely up to the patient to decide whether to buy the medication the doctor has prescribed or the generic alternative.
Also in this section
- Introduction: The Finnish health care system
- Public health system: Health centres, doctors and dentists
- Hospitals: Public hospitals and specialised clinics
- Private treatment: Private health care in Finland
- Health insurance: Which health insurance do you need in Finland?
- Pharmacies: How to get medication in Finland
