When the pharmacist can help instead of a GP visit

Key rules

• Scope: Pharmacists can advise on minor problems and recommend non-prescription treatment.
• Prescription medicines: A pharmacist cannot give you a prescription-only medicine without a prescription, apart from specific emergency cases.
• Referral: If symptoms last or get worse, the pharmacist will send you to a doctor.
• Emergency: For emergency signs, call 112 or go to a hospital instead of the pharmacy.

What a pharmacist can do for you

For a minor problem, you can walk into any pharmacy (farmacia) and ask for advice. No appointment is needed. The pharmacist asks about your symptoms, then does one of three things: gives you a non-prescription medicine or health product, gives you advice, or sends you to a doctor. This service is called indicación farmacéutica.

It suits minor problems that usually pass by themselves, such as:

• colds
• mild pain
• heartburn
• mild diarrhoea
• minor skin problems

Many pharmacies also check your blood pressure and offer some simple tests. Ask at the counter what yours offers.

What a pharmacist cannot do

A pharmacist cannot give you a prescription-only medicine without a prescription. The law allows a few specific emergency exceptions, but do not count on them. If you need a prescription medicine, you need to see a doctor first.

How to ask

Say what the symptoms are, how long you have had them, and who they are for. Mention any illness you have, any medicines you take, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This helps the pharmacist choose something safe for you.

When the pharmacist will send you to a doctor

The pharmacist sends you to a doctor when the problem is not minor. Typical reasons are:

• symptoms lasting more than a few days, or getting worse (often around 3 days for fever and 7 to 14 days for other problems)
• high or persistent fever
• severe pain
• blood in your stools, urine or phlegm
• difficulty breathing or chest pain
• signs of a serious infection
• a sudden change in how you feel

Who the patient is also matters. Babies, small children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, older people, and people with a long-term illness or on many medicines are more likely to be sent to a doctor.

If you have emergency signs, call 112 or go to a hospital. Do not wait at the pharmacy.

Using the decision guide and FAQ

The decision guide below helps you choose between the pharmacist, a doctor and emergency help. The FAQ covers prescription medicines, emergencies at the pharmacy, and babies, pregnancy and older people.

Choosing between options

Should you ask the pharmacist or see a doctor for your symptoms?

• Ask the pharmacist: Your symptom is minor and should pass by itself, such as a cold, mild pain, heartburn, mild diarrhoea or a minor skin problem.

• See a doctor: Your symptoms last more than a few days, get worse, or come with high fever, severe pain, blood, or signs of a serious infection. Also choose this if you need a prescription-only medicine.

• Call 112 or go to hospital: You have chest pain, difficulty breathing or a sudden serious change in how you feel.

If the problem is minor and short, start with the pharmacist, who can advise on non-prescription treatment and will tell you when to see a doctor. Go to a doctor if symptoms last more than a few days (often about 3 for fever and 7 to 14 for others) or get worse. Babies, small children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, older people and people with chronic illness should lean towards a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Can a pharmacist give me a medicine that normally needs a prescription?

No, a pharmacist cannot give you a prescription-only medicine without a prescription, except in specific emergency cases set by law. For a minor problem, they will suggest a non-prescription product or advice instead. If you need a prescription, they will send you to a doctor.

What happens if I have an emergency sign when I am at the pharmacy?

Tell the pharmacist straight away, because emergency signs mean a call to 112 or a hospital visit, not pharmacy treatment. Chest pain, breathing difficulty and blood in your stools, urine or sputum are examples of signs that need a doctor.

Do pharmacists treat babies, pregnant women or older people in the same way?

No, pharmacists are more careful with these groups and are more likely to send you to a doctor. This applies to babies, small children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, older people, and anyone with a chronic illness or taking many medicines. Mention these details when you explain your symptoms.