Medication & Pharmacies

Bringing Medication to Italy

Italy follows EU and Schengen rules for personal medication. Here is what you need to know before you pack.

• Keep medication in its original packaging. Italian customs agents may ask to identify your medication. Having it in the original box with the pharmacy label makes this straightforward.
• Bring your prescription or a doctor's letter. Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor listing the medication name (use the generic/chemical name, not just the brand name), dosage, and reason for use.
• Controlled substances require extra documentation. For strong painkillers, ADHD medication, benzodiazepines, or other controlled drugs, bring a signed letter from your doctor on official letterhead. For travelers from within the Schengen area, a Schengen certificate signed by a health authority in your home country is required. This certificate is valid for up to 30 days.
• Quantity limit. You may bring up to three months' supply of personal medication into Italy.

Italian Pharmacies (Farmacie)

Pharmacies in Italy are called farmacie. They are recognizable by the distinctive green cross sign, which is illuminated when the pharmacy is open. Italian farmacie are common throughout Milan, with multiple pharmacies in every neighborhood.

Italian pharmacists (farmacisti) are trained to advise on minor health issues and can recommend over-the-counter treatments for pain, allergies, digestive problems, and minor injuries. You do not need a doctor's visit for these basic needs.

Important: Prescription-Only Rules

Italy has specific rules about what requires a prescription (ricetta medica):

• Antibiotics - Always prescription-only.
• Stronger painkillers (beyond basic ibuprofen and paracetamol) - Prescription-only.
• Most allergy medications (beyond basic antihistamines) - May require a prescription.
• Heartburn/reflux medications (such as omeprazole in larger doses) - May require a prescription.

Basic painkillers (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Aspirin), basic antihistamines, cough drops, and cold remedies are available without a prescription at any farmacia.

Opening Hours

Most farmacie in Milan are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM (note the afternoon break). Saturday hours are typically 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Most are closed on Sundays. Some pharmacies in busy commercial areas, train stations, and near the Duomo have continuous hours without the afternoon break.

Farmacia di Turno (Duty Pharmacies)

Outside regular hours (nights, Sundays, and public holidays), the farmacia di turno system ensures that pharmacies rotate night and weekend duty across each neighborhood. Italian law mandates continuous pharmacy coverage throughout Milan.

• To find the nearest open pharmacy: Check the door or window of any closed pharmacy. A posted notice will list the nearest farmacia di turno with its address and opening times.
• Online: Visit farmaciediturno.org to find the nearest open pharmacy by location.
• Ask your hotel: Hotel front desk staff can direct you to the nearest open pharmacy at any time.
• Google search: Searching "farmacia di turno Milano" on your phone will show the nearest option.
• Surcharge: Duty pharmacies charge a small after-hours surcharge (typically 3 to 5 euros) on top of the regular medication price.

Notable 24-Hour or Night Pharmacies in Milan

• Farmacia della Stazione Centrale - Located in or near Milano Centrale train station. Extended hours.
• Farmacia Carlo Erba - Piazza del Duomo 21. Central location near the cathedral.

Prescription Rules for Tourists

How you get prescription medication in Italy depends on where you are from:

• EU/EEA citizens: A prescription from a doctor in another EU or EEA country is generally valid at Italian pharmacies. The pharmacist may verify it and may substitute an equivalent Italian brand if your exact brand is unavailable.
• Non-EU visitors (US, Canada, Australia, etc.): A prescription from outside the EU is not valid in Italy. If you run out of medication, you will need to visit an Italian doctor. You can go to a general practitioner (medico di base) at a public health center (ASL - Azienda Sanitaria Locale) or a private clinic.
• Emergency exception: In cases of genuine urgency, Italian pharmacists may dispense certain medications without a prescription, but only in the smallest available quantity. This is at the pharmacist's discretion and is not guaranteed.

Medical Supplies

Standard farmacie carry basic medical supplies (bandages, antiseptics, thermometers). For specialized supplies:

• Catheters and ostomy supplies: Ask at a larger farmacia or contact a medical supply store (sanitaria or ortopedia). Bring enough supplies from home for your entire trip, as brands and sizes may differ.
• Respiratory equipment (CPAP, nebulizers): Contact your hotel in advance to confirm they can provide an extension cord or bedside outlet for CPAP use.
• Basic mobility aids: Some farmacie sell walking canes, crutches, and compression stockings. For wheelchairs and scooters, see our Equipment Rentals page.

Health Insurance

EU/EEA Citizens

Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card gives you access to state-provided healthcare at the same cost as Italian residents. You may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement.

UK Citizens

Bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It works similarly to the EHIC. Travel insurance is still recommended as backup.

Non-EU Visitors

You need travel insurance that covers medical expenses in Italy. Without insurance, medical care is expensive. A private doctor's visit costs approximately 80 to 150 euros. Emergency room visits (Pronto Soccorso) can cost several hundred euros for non-urgent conditions, and hospital stays are priced accordingly.

Something wrong or outdated on this page? Let us know and we will update it.