Starting in August, pharmacies will dispense antibiotics only with a prescription. The exceptions are occupied territories and areas of active hostilities
Starting in August 2022, patients will receive an e-prescription to buy antibiotics at their own expense. The rule that antibiotics may be dispensed only as prescribed by a doctor is not new in Ukraine; from August, a digital tool, the e-prescription, is simply being added. Moreover, the decision is part of Ukraine's European integration, as in many countries around the world antibiotics are dispensed only with a prescription.
Every year it becomes harder to treat bacterial infections (for example, pneumonia or tuberculosis). Very soon, irrational use of antibiotics may mean that infectious diseases that are currently treated quickly and without complications with antibacterial drugs become deadly.
According to the Public Health Center, almost 64% of Ukrainians mistakenly believe that acute viral infections and colds can be treated with antibiotics, and they buy them without a doctor's prescription. The risk of antibiotic resistance also increases when the dosing regimen is not followed in cases where antibiotics are needed. That is why antibiotic treatment should be prescribed and monitored only by a doctor.
That is why introducing e-prescriptions for antibiotics will be the first step toward solving the problem of uncontrolled use of prescription medicines.
The new rule will start working with a transition period in healthcare facilities that use the electronic health care system (eHealth). If the healthcare facility the patient visits is not connected to eHealth, the doctor must issue a paper prescription.
During the transition period, the patient will be able to buy the prescribed medicine at any pharmacy. To do so, they only need to show the pharmacist the information note that the doctor issues to confirm the prescription.
The exception will apply only to pharmacies located in territorial communities in areas of military operations (hostilities) or under temporary occupation or encirclement (blockade), as listed in the relevant order of the Ministry for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories. For the duration of martial law, such pharmacies will be temporarily allowed to dispense antibiotics to patients without a doctor's prescription.
Do I need a declaration with a family doctor to get a prescription?
You will be able to get a prescription from any doctor, whether or not you have signed a declaration with a family doctor.
Can a doctor at a private clinic issue an e-prescription?
Doctors at all levels of care, regardless of the facility's form of ownership, will be able to issue e-prescriptions, provided the facility and its staff are connected to eHealth.
What if the healthcare facility the patient visits does not work with eHealth?
In that case, a paper prescription for antibiotics will be issued during the transition period.
Can an e-prescription be filled partially? Will it be possible to buy less of the medicine than stated in the prescription?
Yes, the e-prescription system allows a prescription to be filled partially, meaning you can buy less of the medicine than stated in the prescription.
Does the e-prescription requirement apply to eye drops, topical antibiotics, etc.?
Yes, all medicines classified as antibacterial drugs (ATC code J01 according to the State Register of Medicinal Products of Ukraine) are dispensed only with a prescription, at the patient's expense. This rule applies to all forms of antibacterial drugs that belong to this group.
Will paper prescriptions still be valid for medicines dispensed on preferential terms?
Yes, for the transition period, healthcare facilities that do not yet have the technical capability, that is, are not connected to eHealth, may issue paper prescriptions. In addition, medicines dispensed on preferential terms will be prescribed on paper prescriptions.
Under the new rules for dispensing antibiotics, how can I buy medicines for animals?
As before, veterinary medicines can be bought with a veterinary prescription.