Pharmacies in Turkey | Full Guide | Medicine Prices | Working Hours | Pharmacies On Duty | Locating Pharmacies

In this article i am going to guide you through Pharmacies in Turkey, covering a lot of different topics including working hours, pharmacies on duty, buying medicine and more!

When travelling abroad, one pill can make all the difference. There’s nothing worse than not being able to find your medication while on holiday, whether it’s for jet lag or an illness that just won’t go away.

About Pharmacies in Turkey

I’ve found relying on pharmacies, known as eczaneler, to be a central part of living in Turkey. Here’s why:

• Eczaneler offer more than just medications; they’re a hub for over-the-counter remedies, medical supplies, and health advice.
• Pharmacists, either erkek eczacı (male) or kadın eczacı (female), are well-educated, having completed a rigorous beş yıl eczacılık eğitimi (five years of pharmacy education).
• These healthcare professionals provide valuable consultations, taking the time to understand and advise on various health concerns.
• Learn the generic name of any drugs you need—brand names might not be the same here.

Pharmacies In Turkey Working Hours

When you’re traveling in Turkey or living here, understanding pharmacy hours (eczane çalışma saatleri) can be crucial, especially if you need medication or health advice. Here’s what you need to know:

• Regular hours: Pharmacies generally open from 9 AM to 7 PM (09:00 – 19:00) on weekdays and Saturdays.
• Duty pharmacies: Every neighborhood has a designated duty pharmacy (nöbetçi eczane) that is open 24/7, even on Sundays and public holidays.

To find the nearest duty pharmacy, you can check local announcements or search online. Remember, this system ensures that you always have access to pharmacy services, no matter the time or day. Keep the phrase “nöbetçi eczane” in mind, as it stands for “duty pharmacy” and will be your lifeline in case of after-hours medical needs.

Pharmacies On Duty in Turkey

If you ever need a pharmacy outside regular hours while in Turkey, here’s a helpful guide to finding an open one, known as a “nöbetçi eczane”:

• Official Government Website: Simply go to the official government website. Select your province from the “İl Seçimi” drop-down menu, choose the date under “Nöbet Tarihi,” and hit “sorgula” (inquire). This user-friendly tool is quite efficient.

• Ask Someone Directly: If you’re not sure how to find an open pharmacy, just ask a local by saying, “Nöbetçi eczane nerede?” which means “Where is the duty pharmacy?” Turkish people are generally very friendly and will be happy to help.
• Check Pharmacies: Even if a pharmacy is closed, they usually hang a paper outside that shows the address of the nears pharmacy on duty

Common Pharmaceutical Terminology in Turkish

Familiarizing yourself with a few basic Turkish words related to pharmacies can be beneficial during your visit:

• Eczane – Pharmacy
• Nöbetçi Eczane – Pharmacy on Duty
• İlaç – Medicine
• Reçete – Prescription
• Hap – Pill
• Tablet – Tablet
• Şurup – Syrup
• Krem – Cream
• Merhem – Ointment
• Damla – Drops (e.g., eye drops)
• Aşı – Vaccine
• Tedavi – Treatment
• Yan Etki – Side Effect
• Doz – Dose
• Kapsül – Capsule
• Ağrı kesici – Painkiller
• Antibiyotik – Antibiotic
• Muayene – Examination
• Tansiyon – Blood Pressure
• Diyabet – Diabetes

Identifying a Pharmacy in Turkey

While roaming the streets of Turkey, there are a couple of signs and symbols to look out for that will indicate the presence of a pharmacy.

Recognizing Pharmacy Signs and Symbols

• Red “E” Sign: Keep an eye out for a bright red, rectangular signboard with a prominent white “E” in the middle. This is the universally recognized marker for pharmacies across Turkey. The “E” stands for “Eczane,” signaling that medical help and supplies are at hand.

Locating Pharmacies

Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore different methods to locate pharmacies in Turkey.

Using Online Resources

1. Google Maps: Simply open Google Maps, type “Eczane” or “Pharmacy,” and it will reveal the nearest options for you. It’s fast and reliable.
2. There are dedicated Turkish websites like Eczaneler.gen.tr and apps like Eczane Bul where you can find pharmacies based on your location.

Local Directories and Tourist Maps

Pick up a tourist map or look through local directories available at hotels, information centers, or even some cafes. These resources often have nearby pharmacies marked for your convenience.

Asking Locals or Hotel Staff for Recommendations

If you’re ever in doubt, just ask! Hotel staff are typically knowledgeable about the nearby facilities, and local residents are usually more than willing to point you in the right direction. Simply ask, “Yakınlarda eczane var mı?” meaning, “Is there a pharmacy nearby?”

Visiting a Pharmacy

Upon finding a pharmacy, or “Eczane,” in Turkey, here are some tips to ensure a smooth experience:

Communication Tips

Basic Turkish Phrases: Equipping yourself with simple phrases can be very effective. Here are a few:

• “Baş ağrısı için ilaç istiyorum” which means “I need medicine for a headache.”
• “Mide rahatsızlığı için ilaç var mı?” means “Do you have medicine for an upset stomach?”
• Using Translation Apps: For those moments when language poses a barrier, don’t hesitate to use a translator app. Apps such as Google Translate or Microsoft Translate can be lifesavers in facilitating a conversation with the pharmacist.

Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Medications

In Turkey, you might find that some medications that usually need a prescription back home are available over the counter. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Navigating medication purchases in Turkey can differ from what you’re accustomed to back home. Here’s a helpful rundown to ensure you approach it safely:

• Consult with the Pharmacist: Before making any purchase, talk to the pharmacist. They’re qualified to offer guidance on the right dosage and inform you of any potential side effects.
• Expert Guidance: Trust the expertise of Turkish pharmacists. They’re equipped to assist you with your healthcare needs and can suggest the best medication for your condition.
• Safety First: Just because a medication is available over the counter doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. Always verify that it’s suitable for your health issue and ask for proper usage instructions.

Lean on the pharmacist’s knowledge for advice—it’s a smart way to manage your health when you’re abroad and ensures you’re taking medications that are effective and safe. Remember, your well-being is paramount, no matter where you are in the world.

Common Medications Available in Turkish Pharmacies

When it comes to common ailments, Turkish pharmacies are well-stocked with a range of over-the-counter options. Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect:

• Painkillers: Widely accessible, with familiar options like Paracetamol (Parasetamol in Turkish), Ibuprofen, and Aspirin always on hand for relief.
• Cold and Flu Remedies: You’ll find a variety of products to ease your symptoms, whether it’s a runny nose or a cough.
• Allergy Medications: Antihistamines, including Loratadine or Cetirizine (Loratadin or Setirizin in Turkish), are readily available to help you manage your allergies.
• Stomach Remedies: For quick relief from heartburn or upset stomach, antacids and anti-diarrheal medications are typically stocked.

Payment Methods and Potential Insurance Coverage

Most Turkish pharmacies accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you have travel insurance, check with your insurance provider to determine if your policy covers medication expenses. You may need to pay upfront and submit a claim later for reimbursement.

Prices of drugs in Turkey

Turkey’s reference pricing system for pharmaceuticals, in place since 2006, is an important factor that helps keep drug prices more affordable compared to many European and American prices. Here’s a concise overview:

• Five Reference Countries: Turkey benchmarks its drug prices against Spain, Italy, Germany, and France. These countries are chosen based on their roles as manufacturing or importing countries.
• Regular Updates: Reference prices are regularly reviewed and updated, ensuring that prices in Turkey remain consistent with international standards.
• Milligram Basis Evaluation: The price changes might occur when drugs are compared on a milligram basis.
• Affordability: Due to this system, the prices for medications in Turkey tend to be cheaper, which can be a significant relief to both locals and visitors.

How To Know Medicine Prices in Turkey

Medications in Turkey are known for being more affordable than in many other European countries, thanks to regulated pricing by the Ministry of Health. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of medicines:

• Regulated Prices: The Ministry sets medication prices based on production costs and prices in other countries.
• Three Price Types:
• Wholesale Price: For pharmacy warehouses purchasing directly from the manufacturer.
• Pharmacy Price: For pharmacies buying from these warehouses.
• Pharmacy Retail Price: What you, as a consumer, pay at the pharmacy.

Finding Prices Online: You can easily check the prices of medicines in Turkey by visiting the official pricing website (Link provided by the user). Just enter the medication’s name or active substance in the search bar to find the cost, along with the date of the latest price update.

Requirements To Open A Pharmacy In Turkey

You need to have the following requirements to be able to open a pharmacy in Turkey:

• Being Turkish citizen
• Graduated from a Faculty of Pharmacy
• Having a diploma authorized by Ministry of Health
• Doesn’t have blindness in his/her eyes.
• Have never committed an infamous crime
• Have never sentenced to heavy imprisonment.
• Have never fined over one year due to occupational crime or have never disqualified from occupational crime more than two times in five years.

There is a quote for pharmacies in every city in Turkey that is proportional to the population.

Pharmacists in Turkey

Pharmacists in Turkey often take care of the medical problems of patients and fill prescriptions for them.

Both men and women can be pharmacists in Turkey.

The salary of a pharmacist is by law 1.5 times the minimum wage in Turkey for the yardimci eczaci and 3 times the minimum wage for the ikinci eczaci.

Being a pharmacist in Turkey means working long hours with no rest. Pharmacists often take one or two days off each week.

Pharmacists usually work between 09:00 and 19:00 every day if they take 2 days off a week. Others take only one day off plus half a working day.

Online Pharmacies In Turkey

Although It’s illegal to sell drugs online in Turkey, You can still buy vitamins and cosmetic products online in Turkey, you can read more about online pharmacies in Turkey in our article.

What does pharmacies sell in Turkey

Aside from medication and pharmaceuticals, you can also purchase items such as:

• Bandages
• Orthopedic devices
• Throat lozenges
• Aspirin
• Antiseptic cremes and sprays
• Mosquito repellent
• Condoms