Ho una prescrizione medica straniera. La accettate?

I have a foreign medical prescription. Do you accept it?

Pronunciation

pre-skri-TSYO-ne — four syllables, stress on third. 'Straniera' — stra-NYER-a.

When to use it

Ask at Italian pharmacies when you have a prescription from another EU country or from outside the EU.

What it means

EU directive 2011/24/EU allows cross-border recognition of prescriptions within EU/EEA. Italian pharmacies should accept EU prescriptions for the same or equivalent medication available in Italy. Non-EU prescriptions are not automatically accepted — the pharmacist may dispense at their discretion for non-controlled medications. Controlled substances always require an Italian prescription.

Variations

Ho la ricetta del mio medico inglese. È riconosciuta in Italia?

I have my English doctor's prescription. Is it recognised in Italy?

Post-Brexit, UK prescriptions are non-EU — accepted at pharmacist's discretion

Il farmaco non esiste con questo nome in Italia.

The medication does not exist under this name in Italy.

Brand names differ — pharmacist can find the Italian equivalent by active ingredient

Posso avere il farmaco equivalente di questa ricetta?

Can I have the equivalent medication to this prescription?

Generic or equivalent request when exact product is unavailable

Mini Dialogue

— Ho una prescrizione medica tedesca. La accettate? — Sì. Le prescrizioni europee sono generalmente riconosciute. — Il farmaco si chiama diversamente in Italia? — Il nome commerciale è diverso, ma la molecola è la stessa. Glielo trovo. — Perfetto. Quanto costa? — Con ricetta europea è a prezzo di mercato, non al prezzo SSN. Circa dodici euro.

— I have a German medical prescription. Do you accept it? — Yes. European prescriptions are generally recognised. — Does the medication have a different name in Italy? — The brand name is different, but the molecule is the same. I will find it for you. — Perfect. How much does it cost? — With a European prescription it is at market price, not SSN price. About twelve euros.

Cultural Note

Italy implemented EU Directive 2011/24/EU on cross-border healthcare — EU prescriptions are accepted at Italian pharmacies for non-controlled substances. The pharmacist verifies the prescription is from an EU licensed practitioner. Italian pharmacies have access to European drug databases to identify equivalent products. Travellers who run out of medications should bring their original packaging, which shows the international non-proprietary name (INN/DCI) that pharmacists can use to find Italian equivalents.

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Come devo prendere questo farmaco?

Ho dimenticato il mio farmaco a casa.

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