I have the doctor's prescription.
ri-CHET-ta — 'ch' before 'e' is hard 'k'. Double 't'. Stress on second syllable.
Present your prescription at the pharmacy counter. Always say this before explaining what you need if you have a prescription.
'Ho la ricetta' (I have the prescription) is often the first thing you say. 'Del medico' = 'from the doctor'. The pharmacist will check the prescription and dispense the medication. Electronic prescriptions ('ricette elettroniche') require only your 'codice fiscale' — no paper needed.
Ho la ricetta elettronica. Il mio codice fiscale è...
I have an electronic prescription. My tax code is...
Electronic prescriptions are now standard in Italy — give your codice fiscale
Il medico mi ha mandato la ricetta via email.
The doctor sent me the prescription by email.
Show the email with the NRE (prescription reference number) code
Ho bisogno del farmaco in ricetta. Eccola.
I need the prescription medication. Here it is.
Hand over the paper prescription
Since 2017, Italy has moved to 'ricetta dematerializzata' — electronic prescriptions linked to your codice fiscale. The pharmacist retrieves it digitally. Paper prescriptions still exist (white or red) but are less common. Some medications require a 'ricetta speciale' (special prescription) — for controlled substances, antidepressants above certain dosages, etc. — with more strict regulations.