Rx Medicines in Latvia — everything you need to know

In Latvia, prescription medicines, or Rx medicines, are an essential part of healthcare. They help to effectively treat various diseases and alleviate symptoms that affect patients' quality of life. These medications cannot be purchased without a prescription from a doctor, ensuring their responsible and controlled use.

What are Rx medications?

Rx stands for “prescription,” which means that certain medications may only be used according to a doctor's instructions. Such medications are usually used to treat more serious illnesses or to control conditions that require precise dosing and specialist supervision.

State-compensated medications

A large proportion of prescription medications in Latvia are included in the list of state- compensated medications. This means that patients can receive medicines at a significant discount or even completely free of charge, depending on their diagnosis and social status. The current list of reimbursable medicines can be found on the website of the State Agency of Medicines.

Generic drugs — a reliable alternative

Generic drugs are also becoming increasingly available on the Latvian market. These are equivalents of original medicines that provide the same active ingredient and effect, but often at a significantly lower price. Generic medicines are carefully tested and certified to ensure their safety and effectiveness.

How to choose safe medicines?

To choose the most appropriate medicines, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist. They will provide professional advice on dosages, frequency of use, and possible side effects. It is also advisable to regularly check the information in the Medicines Register to ensure the availability and quality of medicines.

Availability of medicines in Latvia

Thanks to the work of the State Agency of Medicines, a wide range of high-quality medicines is available in Latvia. However, there are cases when certain medicines may be temporarily unavailable, so it is important to consult your doctor in good time about the possibility of replacing them with equivalent preparations.

Pharmaceutical care and patient safety

Pharmacists play an important role in providing patients with professional advice on the use of medicines. They also help to select the most appropriate products, explain possible interactions with other medicines, and advise on storage conditions.