Pharmacies in Buenos Aires
Pharmacies in Buenos Aires are modern and well-stocked. You will be able to find prescription and over-the-counter medicine as well as other items such as shampoos and skin care products. Most pharmacists, who will likely have a working knowledge of English, will be able to guide you to the right medicine if you don’t have a prescription, so just ask if you’re unsure. Keep in mind, though, the majority of the staff at any of the pharmacies won’t speak fluent English.
To be safe, if you have a regular prescription, be sure to have your doctor write down the name of the drug, not just the brand name. Many drugs are available over-the-counter, such as antibiotics. Most of the time, the pharmacists here will accept prescriptions from doctors in other countries. However, there may be some cases, like with psychotropic drugs, where a pharmacist will want a local doctor’s prescription. With the healthcare system in Argentina, you don’t need a referral to a specialist, and even private doctor visits are incredibly inexpensive (AR$50. Be prepared to go to a local doctor, with your prescription information from your home doctor, and have the local physician write or call-in a prescription. For most cases, however, this will not be necessary as the majority of drugs here do not require a prescription at all.
Pharmacies are easily found throughout the city; they appear with higher concentration in the blocks surrounding large hospitals. The symbol indicating a pharmacy will usually be a conspicuous green-and-white cross. The largest and most common pharmacy chain is Farmacity, with locations every few blocks, that are frequently open 24 hours. They are easy to spot; just be on the look out for their obvious blue and orange decor.
