I forgot my medication in the UK: can a pharmacy in Spain help?
First, find out the exact medicine, strength and directions. In Spain, medicines are dispensed through pharmacies (farmacias), not an ordinary supermarket medicine aisle. A supermarket may stock first-aid supplies or supplements; that is different from an authorised medicine. A pharmacist can tell you whether the same active ingredient and strength are available locally, whether a prescription is needed and whether a particular brand is stocked. Brand names, pack sizes and rules may differ from the UK.
UK prescriptions may be used to obtain medicines in Spain, subject to the pharmacist checking the prescription, local rules and availability. A medicine label or NHS App screenshot is supporting evidence, not itself a new Spanish prescription. Do not substitute a different strength or stop an essential treatment without speaking to a clinician. If your treatment has special controls, needs monitoring or has been interrupted, a fresh medical assessment may be needed.
What proof should I send for a repeat prescription?
Costa's repeat service is for a medicine you already take regularly. New patients and tourists should provide supporting evidence if Costa does not already hold it. A clear photograph of a dispensing label, a current prescription or an NHS App medication screen can help the clinician match the medicine. Include your name, medicine name, strength, dose and directions, and the date shown. If the pack or record does not show all of this, send another supporting record; the clinician may ask questions.
- Patient
- Alex Example
- Medicine
- Samplemed (example only)
- Strength
- 10 mg tablets
- Directions
- One tablet each morning
- Dispensed
- 15 October 2026
- Pharmacy
- Example Pharmacy, UK
- Patient
- Alex Example
- Medicine
- Samplemed (example only)
- Strength
- 10 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Last issued
- 15 October 2026
- Status
- Regular treatment
Use your own genuine record when requesting care. Do not edit a real label, expose someone else's details or send health information through a public form.
When does Costa's €25 repeat-prescription service fit?
It is designed for established long-term medicines you have forgotten, lost or run out of while travelling in Spain. Costa's doctor reviews the evidence and may issue a spanish prescription if clinically appropriate. There is no routine phone or video call for this pathway. Costa lists up to four regular medicines per appointment; the €25 is for the review, and pharmacy medication is paid separately. A prescription is never guaranteed, and availability depends on the pharmacy.
New illness, a changed dose, an antibiotic request, a new medicine or a complicated controlled medicine belongs in an assessment with a doctor. Some medicines cannot appropriately be prescribed remotely. If you are also feeling ill, read the holiday illness guide.
What can I buy without a prescription?
Common non-prescription products may include some pain relief, antacids and remedies for minor symptoms, but the legal status of a specific product depends on the medicine and the country. Ask the pharmacist about the active ingredient, dose, interactions, allergies and whether your symptoms need a doctor. Antibiotics are prescription medicines. See the antibiotics guide.
Quick answers for tourists
I lost my tablets on holiday — can Costa replace them?
Costa can review a request for an established regular medicine using suitable evidence. The doctor decides whether a new local prescription is safe; it is not an automatic replacement.
Is my NHS App screenshot enough?
It can be useful supporting evidence when it clearly identifies you, the medicine, strength, dose and date. A clinician may ask for more information.
Can I take a UK prescription directly to a pharmacy?
UK prescriptions may be used to obtain medicines in Spain, subject to the pharmacist checking the prescription, local rules and availability. A medicine label or NHS App screenshot is supporting evidence, not itself a new Spanish prescription.
Can I buy my prescription medicine in a supermarket?
In Spain, medicines are dispensed through pharmacies (farmacias), not an ordinary supermarket medicine aisle. A supermarket may stock first-aid supplies or supplements; that is different from an authorised medicine.
Can I get antibiotics as a repeat prescription?
Not for a new illness. Antibiotics require a doctor to assess the symptoms and decide whether they are indicated. Read the antibiotics guide.
Official sources, checked 8 November 2026
- AEMPS: medicines and pharmacy rules
- UK government: health in Spain
- UK government: prescriptions in Spain
- UK government: insurance documents and receipts
Written by the Costa Medical Services editorial team. This general information is not a diagnosis or individual prescription. Read the Portugal version.