Pharmacies: Medications, Prescriptions, and On-Call Pharmacies
Do you need to buy medication in Luxembourg, find a pharmacy that’s open, or understand how a prescription works? Pharmacies in Luxembourg play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing advice, dispensing medications and health products, and sometimes administering vaccinations.
This page explains how to find a pharmacy in Luxembourg, when to consult a pharmacist, how prescriptions work, which pharmacies are on call, medication reimbursement, online purchasing, and the recycling of unused medications.
Pharmacies: What Expats Need to Know
- Pharmacies in Luxembourg dispense medications, advise patients, and refer them to a doctor if necessary.
- Some medications are available only by prescription.
- On-call pharmacies provide urgent medication outside of regular business hours.
- On-call service generally begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 8 a.m. the following day.
- Medications eligible for reimbursement must be included on the CNS’s positive list.
- Reimbursement rates for medications can be 40%, 80%, or 100%, depending on the case.
- Online sales are permitted only for over-the-counter medications, through licensed pharmacies.
What is the role of a pharmacist in Luxembourg?
The pharmacist is a healthcare professional. They dispense medications prescribed by a doctor, advise patients on their use, explain dosages, and point out possible contraindications or interactions.
They can also advise you on minor ailments: colds, coughs, headaches, mild pain, minor cuts or scrapes, digestive issues, or first-aid needs.
In the event of persistent symptoms, severe pain, high fever, pregnancy, chronic treatment, or if you have concerns about your health, the pharmacist will refer you to a doctor.
When should you go to the pharmacy, the doctor, or the emergency room?
For newcomers to Luxembourg, it’s not always easy to know who to turn to. The pharmacist can be a helpful first point of contact, but they are not a substitute for a medical diagnosis.
| Situation | Where should you go? | Point of Attention |
|---|---|---|
| Cold, mild cough, minor injury | Pharmacy | The pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter treatment |
| High fever, severe pain, persistent symptoms | Doctor | A medical diagnosis may be necessary |
| Need for antibiotics | Doctor, then pharmacy | Antibiotics require a prescription |
| Urgent need for medication at night or on Sundays | On-call pharmacy | You can request a prescription |
| Severe illness, accident, difficulty breathing | 112 | This is a medical emergency |
For medical advice, visit our page “Seeing a Doctor in Luxembourg.” In case of an emergency, consult our guide “Emergencies and First Aid in Luxembourg.”
How do I find a pharmacy in Luxembourg?
Pharmacies are located throughout the country, in both cities and smaller towns. You may see road signs pointing the way to the nearest pharmacy. Hours of operation are generally posted on the pharmacy’s storefront and on pharmacy search websites.
Pharmacies located in major cities or busy neighborhoods may have extended hours, particularly on Saturdays. Some pharmacies close between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Pharmacies are marked by a green illuminated cross; this light is on when the pharmacy is open.
Typical Pharmacy Hours
Pharmacies in Luxembourg are often open Monday through Friday, with hours varying by municipality. Before heading out, always check the pharmacy’s hours, especially on Saturdays, in the evenings, on Sundays, and on holidays.
On-call pharmacies: how to find them?
On-call pharmacies provide urgent medication outside of regular hours. They are essential at night, on weekends, and on holidays.
In Luxembourg, the on-call service generally begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 8 a.m. the following day. In case of a medical emergency, dial 112.
Where can you find the on-call pharmacy?
The list of on-call pharmacies is available on the official website pharmacie.lu. Pharmacies also often display on-call information on their storefronts.
How do on-call pharmacies operate at night?
At night or on holidays, the on-call pharmacy may appear to be closed. You’ll need to ring the bell and present your prescription or explain your urgent need. Medications may be dispensed through a secure window.
Are there any additional fees?
The pharmacist may charge a service fee during on-call hours. This fee covers the cost of providing service outside of regular business hours.
On-Call Pharmacy: Important
On-call pharmacies are intended for urgent needs. For a medical emergency, severe pain, an accident, difficulty breathing, or a life-threatening situation, call 112 directly.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
In Luxembourg, some medications can be purchased without a prescription. Others require a doctor’s prescription.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications can be purchased directly at a pharmacy. The pharmacist can advise you on the most appropriate product, dosage, precautions for use, and contraindications.
Do not continue treatment without consulting a doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.
Prescription Medications
Certain medications can only be dispensed with a prescription. This is particularly true for many antibiotics, chronic treatments, psychotropic drugs, hormonal treatments, or medications requiring special monitoring.
The prescription also triggers, when the conditions are met, coverage by the CNS or the relevant health insurance fund.
Validity period of a prescription
Medications must be dispensed within the timeframe specified by the doctor on the prescription. Unless otherwise indicated, a three-month period generally applies from the date the prescription was issued.
Long-term treatments
For treatments prescribed over several months, the pharmacy may dispense the medications in multiple installments. The pharmacist will then provide you with the quantities corresponding to a given period and may give you a copy of the prescription to bring back at the time of your next pickup.
Is a foreign prescription valid in Luxembourg?
For expatriates, cross-border workers, and newcomers, the question of foreign prescriptions comes up frequently. A prescription issued in another European Union country may sometimes be accepted, provided it contains the necessary information and complies with applicable regulations.
In practice, whether the prescription is filled may depend on the type of medication, the legibility of the prescription, the language, the dosage, the availability of the product in Luxembourg, and the regulations in effect.
For chronic conditions, it is advisable to make an appointment with a doctor in Luxembourg as soon as possible to obtain a local prescription and ensure continuity of care.
Reimbursement for Medications in Luxembourg
Prescribed medications may be reimbursed in full or in part by the CNS or the relevant health insurance fund, provided they appear on the positive list of reimbursable medications.
Reimbursement rates are generally:
- 100% for certain medications eligible for preferential coverage;
- 80% for many medications on the positive list;
- 40% for certain medications of moderate importance or intended for the symptomatic treatment of minor conditions.
At the pharmacy, direct billing may apply to reimbursable medications. In that case, you only pay any portion not covered by insurance.
To understand how reimbursements work, see our guide on healthcare reimbursement in Luxembourg.
Vaccinations, Tests, and Services Offered by Pharmacies
Luxembourg pharmacies may offer certain additional services, depending on applicable authorizations and regulations: preventive advice, vaccinations in certain cases, testing, or support related to treatments.
Vaccinations included in the Luxembourg vaccination schedule are free for patients as part of the universal vaccination program or for specific target groups.
For official recommendations, see our page on vaccinations in Luxembourg.
Medications and Special Circumstances
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy or breastfeeding, certain medications are contraindicated or should be used with caution. Always inform your pharmacist that you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and consult your doctor if you have any doubts.
See also our guide on pregnancy and prenatal care in Luxembourg.
Mental Health and Psychotropic Medications
Treatments for mental health conditions, such as certain antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or sleep aids, require medical supervision. Never change your treatment without consulting a doctor.
For support resources, visit our page on mental health in Luxembourg.
Children and Infants
For children, dosages must be adjusted according to age and weight. Ask your pharmacist for advice and consult a doctor promptly in case of a high fever, unusual symptoms, or if you have any concerns.
Medications for Animals
Pharmacies may also dispense certain medications for animals, sometimes by special order. Depending on the product, a veterinary prescription may be required.
For practical information, visit our page on adopting a pet in Luxembourg.
Buying Medications Online in Luxembourg
Buying medications online is permitted in Luxembourg only under strict conditions. Only medications that can be dispensed without a prescription may be sold online.
Prescription medications cannot be sold online. Pharmacies wishing to sell medications online must be licensed by the relevant authorities.
Online Medications: Important
Be wary of unauthorized online medication sales sites. Buying medications from an unlicensed site exposes you to the risk of counterfeit products, incorrect dosages, or dangerous products. Always verify that the online pharmacy is licensed in Luxembourg.
How can you verify that an online pharmacy is authorized?
Before buying a medication online, verify that the website belongs to a pharmacy officially authorized to sell medications online in Luxembourg.
Authorized pharmacies must display the official European logo for online pharmacies. When you click on this logo, you should be redirected to the official list of pharmacies approved by the relevant authorities.
If the website does not display this logo or if the link does not lead to an official source, it is best not to make your purchase. Medications purchased from unauthorized websites may be counterfeit, ineffective, or hazardous to your health.
Recycling Unused Medications
Unused, expired, or partially used medications should not be thrown in the trash, flushed down the toilet, or poured down the sink. They may contain active ingredients that can harm the environment.
In Luxembourg, you can contact your pharmacy, local municipality, recycling centers, or the SuperDrecksKëscht to find out how to dispose of medications and health products.
See also our page on home maintenance and waste collection in Luxembourg.
Pharmacy Checklist
Before heading to the pharmacy, a few simple checks can save you time and help you avoid mistakes.
- Bring your prescription if the medication is prescribed.
- Bring your Luxembourg social security card.
- Mention any allergies, current treatments, or contraindications.
- Let the pharmacist know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Ask about reimbursement procedures if the medication is prescribed.
- Check which pharmacy is on duty before heading out at night, on Sundays, or on a holiday.
- Keep the package insert and follow the dosage instructions.
- Return any unused medication according to recycling guidelines.
Pharmacies: Common Mistakes
- Going to an on-call pharmacy for a non-urgent need.
- Waiting until a chronic medication supply is completely used up before seeing a doctor.
- Assuming that a prescription from another country will always be accepted automatically.
- Buying medications from an unauthorized website.
- Changing or stopping a treatment without medical advice.
- Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the household trash.
Summary of Pharmacies in Luxembourg
Pharmacies in Luxembourg play a vital role in the healthcare system. They provide access to medications, offer health advice, allow for direct billing for reimbursable medications, and provide access to an on-call pharmacy in case of an emergency.
For expats and newcomers, the most important points are to clearly understand the difference between prescription and over-the-counter medications, to verify the validity of a prescription, to know the locations of on-call pharmacies, and to consult a doctor in case of persistent or severe symptoms.
FAQs About Pharmacies in Luxembourg
How do I find an on-call pharmacy in Luxembourg?
The list of on-call pharmacies is available at pharmacie.lu. On-call service generally begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 8 a.m. the following day.
Is an on-call pharmacy open all night?
Yes, an on-call pharmacy provides 24-hour service during its on-call period. At night, you may need to ring the bell and use a secure service window.
Can you buy antibiotics without a prescription?
No. Antibiotics require a doctor’s prescription. If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor.
Are foreign prescriptions accepted in Luxembourg?
A prescription issued in another European Union country may sometimes be accepted if it contains the necessary information. For chronic treatment, it is best to obtain a local prescription.
Are medications reimbursed by the CNS?
Yes, certain prescription medications are reimbursed if they appear on the CNS’s positive list. Reimbursement rates can be 40%, 80%, or 100%, depending on the case.
Can you buy medications online in Luxembourg?
Yes, but only over-the-counter medications and only through licensed pharmacies. Prescription medications cannot be sold online.
What should I do if I run out of my usual medication?
Contact a doctor as soon as possible to get a prescription. For chronic conditions, don’t wait until you’ve completely run out of your medication.
Can pharmacies administer vaccines?
Some pharmacies may offer vaccination services in accordance with current regulations. For official recommendations, visit our page on vaccination in Luxembourg.
Where can I return expired medications?
Check with your pharmacy, your local municipality, a recycling center, or the SuperDrecksKëscht. Do not flush medications down the toilet or throw them in the regular trash.
Learn more
- Healthcare System in Luxembourg
- Seeing a Doctor in Luxembourg
- Emergencies and first aid
- Reimbursement for healthcare
- Health Insurance, CNS, and Social Security
- Vaccinations in Luxembourg
- Pregnancy and Prenatal Care
- Mental Health in Luxembourg
- Healthcare for Cross-Border Workers
- Housing Maintenance and Waste Collection
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