The UAE
Are common prescription medications available in UAE?
When we asked expats in UAE if common prescription medications are available in UAE, they wrote...
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in the UAE. Most medications can be purchased at pharmacies, with a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. Some medications may require additional approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention before they can be purchased. In addition, some medications may not be available in the UAE, and may need to be imported from other countries," commented one expat who made the move to UAE.
Allianz CareGet Quote
Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Allianz CareAllianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote
"There are no prescribed narcotics: codine and similar drugs are not legally available and traveling in with them can get you in big trouble. The UAE website has a detailed list of what is legal. There are pharmacies all over with an assortment of medicines. Some things like birth control and Voltorin are available over the counter but other things like cough syrup may require prescription. You may often skip the doctor and go to a trusted pharmacy and they will advise on what to take to get better," remarked another expat in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in the UAE?
- How do I meet people in the UAE?
- What is life like in the UAE?
- Is there a lot of crime in the UAE?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in the UAE accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in the UAE like?
- Is the cost of living in the UAE high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in the UAE?
- What are healthcare services like in the UAE?
- Is the cost of living in the UAE high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in the UAE?
- What is the weather like in the UAE?
- Are there good restaurants in the UAE?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in the UAE?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in the UAE?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in the UAE?
- What do I need to know when buying property in the UAE?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in the UAE?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
Are common prescription medications available in UAE?
If you live in the UAE, newcomers to the UAE would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
