An American woman visits a Spanish pharmacy and is amazed by what she finds
The way healthcare professionals operate in pharmacies and the way Spanish healthcare management has astonished the American community.
The American content creator known for her account Extensive Move Abroad has shared her experience with Spanish pharmacies in one of her latest TikTok videos. Since moving to Barcelona from the United States, she’s discovered a lifestyle very different from the one she was used to back home.
It’s not just the culture, cuisine, climate, or language. One of the things that surprised her most about Spain is the sheer number of pharmacies. “There’s one on every street,” she says in her video.
Another thing that caught her attention was how pharmacies sell beauty products — and how knowledgeable pharmacists are about them. But what surprised her the most was that pharmacists in Spain can, in some cases, act almost like doctors. They’re allowed to recommend medications for certain minor ailments without the need to visit a health center or make a doctor’s appointment.
Headaches, sore throats, and menstrual pain are among the most common reasons people visit pharmacies. There are also cases where customers come in asking for a specific medication, though not everything is available over the counter.
While pharmacists can dispense non-prescription drugs or suggest treatments without a prior medical exam, some medications can only be provided with a doctor’s prescription. According to Spanish regulations, having this accreditation not only allows for the dispensing of prescription medications but also makes them eligible for discounts through government subsidies.
@broadmovingabroad Spanish Pharmacies have so much good stuff! #moveabroad #abroadlife #movetospain #livingabroad #abroad
♬ original sound - broadmovingabroad 🇺🇸 -> 🇪🇸
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In the United States, as the content creator explains, different regulations determine which medications can be purchased without a prescription. Pharmacists’ advice on common symptoms can be especially helpful for many people. “If you’re here on vacation and get sick, you can just tell them your symptoms, and they’ll often give you medication that would require a prescription in the U.S.,” she explains in her video.
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