Pharmacies and on-call pharmacies
Do you need to buy medication in Luxembourg? Whether it’s for minor ailments or to treat a more serious illness or condition, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about pharmacies in Luxembourg and which ones are open outside of regular business hours
The Role of the Pharmacist in Luxembourg
Seeking advice from a pharmacy for minor ailments
A pharmacist is a healthcare professional. Pharmacists are authorized to dispense medications and over-the-counter products. They will adviseyou on medication dosages as well as any potential contraindications.
Pharmacists can be consulted for minor ailments such as headaches, a cough, a minor injury, etc.
If you have any doubts or more serious symptoms, the pharmacist will refer you to a doctor. The doctor will be better equipped to make a diagnosis.
Pharmacies are also authorized to administer free COVID-19 vaccinations.
Dispensing of medications, purchase of over-the-counter products
The pharmacist provides advice on medication dispensing and dosage.
Certain medications can only be dispensed with a doctor’s prescription. It is also the doctor’s prescription that determines whether health insurance plans will cover the cost of medications and healthcare products .
Pharmacies also sell over-the-counter health products, beauty products, and hygiene items. You can find vitamins and other supplements, pediatric and pregnancy products, orthopedic items, first-aid supplies, and more.
You’ll also find masks to help prevent the spread of viruses, as well as at-home tests for COVID-19 and HIV.
Pharmacy opening hours in Luxembourg
Weekday hours (excluding holidays)
Pharmacies in Luxembourg are generally open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pharmacies located in Luxembourg City or in the larger cities are also open on Saturdays.
Some pharmacies are closed between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Opening hours are posted at the front of the store.
When visiting one of the many pharmacies in Luxembourg, it is important to understand your rights and obligations regarding sick leave. Consult our section on managing sick leave according to the CNS for comprehensive information tailored to your professional situation.
On-call pharmacies outside normal opening hours
Outside of business hours and in case of need, only on-call pharmacies dispense prescription medications. At night or on holidays, on-call pharmacies may appear to be closed. You will need to ring the bell and present your prescription through a closed window.
You can find the list of on-call pharmacies at www.pharmacie.lu, the official website of the Luxembourg Pharmacists’ Association.
You will also find a list of licensed pharmacies and their opening hours in Luxembourg.
Dispensing of Medications in Pharmacies
Over-the-counter medications
At the pharmacy, you can purchase all the medications you need for your treatment. However, some are available only by prescription.
If you do not have a prescription, you can still purchase certain lower-dose medications.
Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you have serious symptoms or concerns about your health.
Prescription Medications
If you have a prescription for medications, it is valid for up to 3 months.
Prescriptions must be filled within the timeframe specified by the doctor on the prescription. If the doctor does not specify a timeframe, a 3-month period applies for dispensing the medication starting from the date the prescription was issued by the doctor.
On-call pharmacies dispense only prescription medications.
All prescriptions for medications valid for 6 months or longer are dispensed in multiple doses by the pharmacy. To this end, the pharmacist will dispense the medications for a specific period and provide you with a copy of the prescription. You must bring this copy back on subsequent visits to receive the next necessary medications.
Medications for Animals
If you own a pet, pharmacies also dispense medications for animals. They mayneed to order them in advance. However, the turnaround time is very short.
Medication Reimbursement
Medications prescribed by your doctor may be fully or partially reimbursed by your health insurance provider. Reimbursement depends on whether or not they are listed on a positive list published in the CNS Gazette.
Reimbursement rates are 100%, 80%, or 40%, depending on specific criteria based on whether the medication is considered essential, the number of active ingredients that are irreplaceable, and other factors.
To improve your medication reimbursement, consider taking out supplemental health insurance.
Find details here on the healthcare system for cross-border workers.
Buying Medications Online
Since 2017, Luxembourg residents have been permitted to buy medications online. However, the sale of such medications is limited to those that can be dispensed without a prescription.
To purchase medications online, patients must first complete a health questionnaire on the website of the pharmacy selling medications online.
To sell medications online, pharmacies must first be expressly authorized by the Ministry of Health.
On the pharmacie.lu website, you will find pharmacies where you can order medications online by filling out a form.
Recycling of Unused Medications
To protect the environment, please do not throw away medicines, syrups, or ointments in the trash or down the drain in Luxembourg. This also applies to cosmetics and personal hygiene products.
You can return these medications and hygiene products for recycling through SuperDrecksKëscht, via mobile collection, or at recycling centers.
Some pharmacists also collect these medications for recycling. Ask your pharmacist for more information.
The best “medicines” are found first and foremost in our food. Choose a healthy diet—it’s better for your health.
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