Chemists are a state run monopoly. Virtually all their outlets are run as a dual function – part issues prescriptions that have been sent through from the doctor while the other part is a regular shop selling over the counter drugs and healthcare products. The hours they are open varies from store to store. Big cities should have at least one Apotek that is open 24 hours and smaller towns may only be open Monday to Friday and are often closed during the lunch period of 12.30 to 13.30.

When you see the doctor, the chances are he will ask whether you want him to send an electronic prescription (recept) – over half of all prescriptions are now electronically sent through. This means you will be able to go into any Apoteket to pick up the prescriptions (and minimises the errors traditionally caused by doctors’ terrible handwriting). You take a queue number for the prescription section of the store. When your number comes, you need to show your identification card so that they can pull up the electronic prescription.  If you have a paper prescription you hand this over now. A paper prescription might have to be issued if you have no personal number or if you have a repeat prescription. There is also normally a box available to drop in paper prescription requests so that you can pick them up later.

You will then be asked to wait while the pharmacist prepares your prescription. They may also suggest a cheaper alternative to the doctor’s suggestion and since the pharmacists are normally better informed on drug availability than the doctors, follow their advice. The pharmacist may also have questions about the prescription – for example, to check exactly what it is for – to ensure the instructions are correct. If in doubt, they should phone the doctor direct to confirm the requirements. 

Finally you will pay for the prescription – either the person who issues it or at the cash desk of the Apoteket. Up to a certain annual cost (currently 900 kr) you pay full price for the medicine. After that level, your contribution starts to step down - you pay only 50% of the price, then 25% and so on. Once you have spent a certain total amount (currently 1800kr), your total contribution is capped and you have to pay no more for medicine during that calendar year. In order to keep track of how much you have spent, you will need a chemist’s card – see below.