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Are Medication Refills Possible Along the Way?

Debbye Jean

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
May 1, 2017
Hi, I'm having a problem getting more than a 30 day supply of my medications. Are refills possible along the Way and can I just present the empty bottles or do I need written prescriptions? If it's possible of course?
 
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I can only speak for me as a European resident but on my last Camino ( prior to this years Camino I did some mails to a pharmacy in Sahagun ) I needed at least give them a copy of my doc's prescription. But that was because the meds were also only sold in Spain ( like in my country ) with prescription.
Think you will be good though just bring some written material with you from your doc.
 
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It would largely depend on what the Meds are....... Some might be OTC (Over The Counter) in Spain and others might need a prescription. I would bring a copy of the prescription just to be safe.

When I walk, I just ask my Doctor for a double prescription to cover my time away. (so I can take 50-60 days of meds) If yours won't do that, maybe try another Doctor? To get an extra prescription or a double quantity one....
 
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I normally make a copy of my prescriptions and, when I presented the copy with the empty labelled container, the Spanish pharmacist filled the prescription without any fuss.
 
I think that many of us from the US, and maybe other places, are surprised to find how much independence and authority pharmacists in Spain have. I would say they are much more in the category of "respected professionals" than they are in the US. That means that they use their own judgment more, which means more flexibility in how they adhere to the rules. For the rule-bound forum member, this is not a good thing, for those of us who sometimes find ourselves in an unexpected medication pickle, it's a good thing. Though this may be changing, as a foreigner, I have never had a problem getting prescription medication, with or without a prescription. Knowing what medication I need, and being able to describe what it is for and why I need it now, have always been enough to get my medication.

A few years ago, in Oviedo, I met a young American who had run out of anti-depressants and had no prescription. I went with him to a pharmacy and explained his situation. The pharmacist was extremely helpful, looking up his medicine (they have different brand names so knowing the active ingredients may be crucial), and told me it was her professional duty not to cause harm, which is what certainly would have happened if this guy couldn't get his meds.

It's always a good idea to have the prescription with you, but know that in a pinch, you are likely to be ok without it. Buen camino, Laurie
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
As somewhat said, there is no easy answer. What is a prescription in the US may by OTC in Spain. You'll probably also find that the cost of drugs is significantly cheaper in Spain than the US. I had to get glaucoma eyedrops (since they have a short life span) and it was no problem. Just showed them the box and it was filled (at 50% of the cost of US drugs after insurance cost). I would use a belt and suspenders approach (i.e. take the boxes and take prescription from your doctor). My doctor had no problem writing a duplicate for me. Also you might want to become a member of IAMAT (iamat.org). It's cheap and they offer advice and access to English speaking doctors around the world. Then, if you need advice about a particular drug you can talk to a doctor via email or phone and get it sorted out. I've used them numerous times when abroad to both find a local doctor (although it is mostly in the larger cities) as well as get advice on drug availability (in Peru for instance they connected me to a local pharmacy that delivered a diabetes drug to my hotel door - all legal, quick, and reliable).
 
I've always brought a 2 month supply because I didn't want to find out once I got there that it couldn't be refilled using an international prescription. In Washington state I know we don't honor prescriptions outside of the US. If you are having a hard time getting a 60 day supply due to insurance and you have available refills on your current prescription, fill one month using insurance and then pay cash for the other 30 day supply. However, most insurance companies do allow a 'vacation supply'. It requires your pharmacist to plug in a code when billing it and override the 30 day supply. If it is a C-2 (most pain meds) have your doctor adjust the directions to read for example, 'Take 2 every 4-6 hours PRN' instead of 'take 1..' and double the quantity. That will bypass any insurance day supply limitations. Of course that is up to your doctor whether or not he/she is comfortable with that. Some will, some won't. Good luck!!
 
I've always brought a 2 month supply because I didn't want to find out once I got there that it couldn't be refilled using an international prescription. In Washington state I know we don't honor prescriptions outside of the US. If you are having a hard time getting a 60 day supply due to insurance and you have available refills on your current prescription, fill one month using insurance and then pay cash for the other 30 day supply. However, most insurance companies do allow a 'vacation supply'. It requires your pharmacist to plug in a code when billing it and override the 30 day supply. If it is a C-2 (most pain meds) have your doctor adjust the directions to read for example, 'Take 2 every 4-6 hours PRN' instead of 'take 1..' and double the quantity. That will bypass any insurance day supply limitations. Of course that is up to your doctor whether or not he/she is comfortable with that. Some will, some won't. Good luck!!
With the insurance I have, the pharmacies won't allow u to pay cash if u have my type of insurance.
 
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I would endorse Laurie's comment about Spanish pharmacists. Not only have I found them helpful on the medication side, but they have been a great resource on knee and minor first aid questions-- they can dispense a number of medications only available by prescription in North America. A Spanish friend told me that his grandmother said to first go to the pharmacist, but if was serious to see a nurse. If he needed a doctor, he should also call a priest at the same time.
 
I would endorse Laurie's comment about Spanish pharmacists. Not only have I found them helpful on the medication side, but they have been a great resource on knee and minor first aid questions-- they can dispense a number of medications only available by prescription in North America. A Spanish friend told me that his grandmother said to first go to the pharmacist, but if was serious to see a nurse. If he needed a doctor, he should also call a priest at the same time.

Indeed; Spanish pharmacies offer much more than medecine!

Walking into Molinaseca early one frosty Sunday morning in November 2014 I met another woman pilgrim who was worried since she had run out of funds. Upon arrival in town all appeared closed as we searched high and low for either an ATM or for someone to ask; nada.

Luckily one pharmacy was open 7/7 and the multi lingual pharmacist directed us to the village ATM hidden on the elementary school facade!! Her gentle kindness will be long remembered.
 
After leaving most of my supply at home I easily bought over the counter all my diabetic and other prescription medicines at a pharmacy in Madrid airport. I had a copy of the last prescription and they just made it up there and then on the spot - despite neither of us being able to communicate. It was also a lot cheaper then it is in the UK.
 
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Indeed; Spanish pharmacies offer much more than medecine!

Walking into Molinaseca early one frosty Sunday morning in November 2014 I met another woman pilgrim who was worried since she had run out of funds. Upon arrival in town all appeared closed as we searched high and low for either an ATM or for someone to ask; nada.

Luckily one pharmacy was open 7/7 and the multi lingual pharmacist directed us to the village ATM hidden on the elementary school facade!! Her gentle kindness will be long remembered.

I know I've said this before, but mspath's comment reminded me that I also use pharmacists regularly for one particular favor -- to find a good local restaurant. I have never been led astray. They know their communities, they have enough disposable income that they will have sampled most of the local fare, and they seem to have very good taste!
 
Hi, I'm having a problem getting more than a 30 day supply of my medications. Are refills possible along the Way and can I just present the empty bottles or do I need written prescriptions? If it's possible of course?

It really depends on what the medication in question is! If it is available in Europe, if a generic version is available, if it falls under certain laws (morphines etc.) There is really no way anybody here can answer your very general question with 100% certainty! If you state the exact type of medication you need - we 'Europeans' can help hunting down that kind of information. If you don't want to do that for whatever reason - feel free to contact me via PM. I am always happy to help.

Buen Camino, SY
 
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Rather than take the risk of being refused or them not having what you need, you could pick a centrally located pharmacy in say, LĂ©on (assuming you're walking the French way), and email the prescription, and see what they say.

Here's a nice looking family run place in LĂ©on with a contact form on the website: www.farmaciamartingranizo.com
 
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I really wouldn't take a chance. I felt much less stress knowing I had the medicine I need for the entire trip. Your doctor should be able to help you.
 
Rather than take the risk of being refused or them not having what you need, you could pick a centrally located pharmacy in say, LĂ©on (assuming you're walking the French way), and email the prescription, and see what they say.

Here's a nice looking family run place in LĂ©on with a contact form on the website: www.farmaciamartingranizo.com

That is exacty what I did this year with a pharmacy in Sahagun.
I mailed them the scanned prescription and my package was ready the day I came in.
The most friendly welcome and two kissess!!
 
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One trick, often useful, is to save a pdf of your prescription as an attachment to a message in the draft folder. Should all be lost, you can easily go to a locutorio or a public library, and print it out for the pharmacist.

As well, I usually suggest to anyone with a complicated medical situation (heart, diabetes, post-surgery etc) to have your specialist draw up a protocol of diagnosis and treatment (Ontarians! OHIP will not pay for this and you will likely be billed $150-$200), and have a qualified medical translator (names can be had from the local medical academy or association) prepare a Castilian translation. Should you need treatment, this document can save valuable time and complications.
 
As previously stated, pharmacists in Spain are super helpful. Many speak very good English. I've even used them to recommend where to get my hair cut. They really do know their communities and enjoy meeting pilgrims.
 
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Pharmacist today said no to antibiotics until I said they were for my dogs! :D

Anemone, I can't figure out what this means. You have sciatica and knee pain, so I'm not sure how antibiotics would be what you needed. Also not sure why a pharmacist would take on a vet's job and give you medicine supposedly for your dogs. Unless there is some hidden joke here that I'm not getting, which is very possible since I am not very good with subtlety.
 
Syates is accurate with her assessment. I had no problem refilling one prescription for thyroid meds, but the other, more controlled med was a "no-go"
 
Hi, I'm having a problem getting more than a 30 day supply of my medications. Are refills possible along the Way and can I just present the empty bottles or do I need written prescriptions? If it's possible of course?
you would need to have prescriptions
 
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Several of us were able to get our prescriptions refilled along the camino just by presenting our original prescription bottles.
 
Or just go to a medical clinic and tell them your problem. Let them give you a prescription if you can't refill yours from a bottle.
If it's an opiate you rely on-good luck with that.
 
Anemone, I can't figure out what this means. You have sciatica and knee pain, so I'm not sure how antibiotics would be what you needed. Also not sure why a pharmacist would take on a vet's job and give you medicine supposedly for your dogs. Unless there is some hidden joke here that I'm not getting, which is very possible since I am not very good with subtlety.
I always buy antibiotics for my dogs while in Spain, as well as prednisone. No hidden joke, just saying how easy it is to get prescription meds still in Spain.
 
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I always buy antibiotics for my dogs while in Spain, as well as prednisone. No hidden joke, just saying how easy it is to get prescription meds still in Spain.

Wow, I'm surprised to hear that. I know pharmacists in Spain exercise a lot of discretion, but I had always assumed they kept it on the human side of things. Hope your other ailments are healing, Anemone
 
Wow, I'm surprised to hear that. I know pharmacists in Spain exercise a lot of discretion, but I had always assumed they kept it on the human side of things. Hope your other ailments are healing, Anemone
Thank you Laurie. I had to smile when she said ot was ok if for the dogs.
 
Hi, I'm having a problem getting more than a 30 day supply of my medications. Are refills possible along the Way and can I just present the empty bottles or do I need written prescriptions? If it's possible of course?
You shouldn't have a problem getting your medications from your pharmacy before you leave. All I did was explain that I was going to be on vacation for two months out of the country and they filled them for me. There is a way to notify your insurance carrier of the reason for the early refill. This only works if your prescription is current and won't expire while you're away. Example: if you only have one refill left on your prescription then the pharmacy can't refill two. Or... you can call your MD and have him reorder the prescription in 3 mo supplies. Hope this helps.
 
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