Buying Medicines in Türkiye 2026

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Buying Medicines in Türkiye 2026: Prescriptions, Equivalents and Controlled Medicines​

How you buy a medicine in Türkiye depends on its classification. Some require a medical prescription; some medicines and other pharmacy products can be supplied without one; others are subject to special controls and particular prescription requirements.

A medicine being available without prescription abroad does not establish the same status in Türkiye. Its Turkish classification governs dispensing.

1️⃣ Prescription medicines​

Medicines classified as Reçeteli İlaç require a doctor’s prescription. Examples include antibiotics and a range of treatments for chronic conditions or illnesses requiring medical supervision.

Prescriptions are commonly issued electronically. The patient usually receives an e-Reçete Kodu, an electronic prescription code, and presents this with their identity document or passport as appropriate to their registration.

Insured patients can check registered prescriptions through the e-Government electronic prescription enquiry.

2️⃣ Non-prescription medicines and products​

Some simple medicines, vitamins and supplements are available without a prescription. That does not make them suitable for everyone or free from harmful effects.

Tell the pharmacist about chronic conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medicine allergies, other medicines and supplements, and the patient’s age, particularly for children and older people.

Vitamins, herbal products and supplements can interact with blood thinners, blood-pressure medicines, diabetes treatments and other drugs. Do not use them indiscriminately.

NeedRoute
Prescription medicineClinical assessment and valid prescription
Alternative brandPharmacist verifies ingredient, strength and formulation
Controlled medicineSpecific prescription and dispensing requirements
Unavailable medicineClinician, pharmacist and lawful supply route

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A routine medical examination​

3️⃣ Coloured prescriptions and controlled medicines​

Türkiye uses coloured electronic prescriptions for certain medicines requiring special monitoring. These include red and green prescriptions, alongside other categories according to the treatment.

Medicines containing narcotic, psychotropic or other substances liable to misuse have stricter controls. An old box or a foreign prescription that does not meet the requirements is not sufficient authority for the pharmacy to supply them.

If you use a controlled medicine:
  • Carry a recent medical report and keep the original prescription.
  • Know its generic name, active ingredient and dose.
  • See a doctor in Türkiye before your supply runs out.
  • Do not wait until the final dose: a new prescription or report may require a medical assessment.

4️⃣ Is a foreign prescription enough?​

A foreign prescription documents your treatment, but does not automatically become a Turkish electronic prescription or establish SGK coverage. The pharmacist can review it and explain the required process. You may need a new prescription from a doctor licensed in Türkiye, particularly for controlled medicines or treatments requiring a medical report.

Ideally, the foreign prescription should show the patient’s name exactly as in the passport; medicine and active ingredient; strength and formulation; daily dose and treatment duration; diagnosis or reason for use; and the prescriber’s name, signature and contact details.

5️⃣ What if the same brand is unavailable?​

The medicine may have a different brand name in Türkiye. Ask the pharmacist to search by active ingredient:

Aynı etken maddeli eşdeğer ilaç var mı? — Is there an equivalent medicine with the same active ingredient?

An equivalent medicine, Eşdeğer İlaç, must meet the applicable equivalence criteria, including active ingredient, dose and compatible formulation. Do not assume every product is automatically interchangeable. Some medicines, delivery devices and individual conditions require particular care. Tell the pharmacist if your doctor has advised against switching or if you are allergic to an excipient.

6️⃣ Price differences when using SGK​

SGK permits pharmacy substitution within eligible equivalent groups. The amount SGK reimburses can differ from the price of your requested brand.

Fiyat farkı olmayan eşdeğeri var mı? — Is there an equivalent with no price difference to pay?

SGK’s official guidance dated 9 January 2026 describes an internal reference ceiling of up to 6% above the cheapest eligible reference price within the relevant group. This is a reimbursement calculation, not a promise that your total contribution is 6%. The actual amount depends on the medicine, the group and your entitlement.

Pharmacy chargeWhat explains it?
Medicine contributionSGK status or private-policy terms
Price differenceDifference from the reimbursed reference where applicable
Uncovered expensePolicy limits, reimbursement list or report conditions
Reimbursement claimDocuments, deadlines and payment share in the contract

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Organising documents and an online application​

7️⃣ Steps for buying medicine​

  1. See a doctor if a prescription is required.
  2. Obtain the electronic prescription code or an accepted paper prescription.
  3. Present your identity document or passport to the pharmacy.
  4. Explain allergies and other medicines you take.
  5. Ask about equivalents and any price difference before paying.
  6. Listen to the instructions on dose and storage.
  7. Keep the receipt, prescription and medical report.

8️⃣ Check before leaving​

Check the brand and active ingredient, strength and dose, tablet count or package volume, instructions, expiry date, storage temperature, leaflet and intact packaging. If the product differs from the one you know, ask the pharmacist to explain before using it.

9️⃣ Mistakes to avoid​

  • Buying prescription medicines through social-media accounts.
  • Using antibiotics left over from a previous illness.
  • Taking another person’s medicine.
  • Changing a dose or stopping a long-term treatment without your doctor’s advice.
  • Relying on a brand name without checking the ingredient and strength.
  • Splitting or crushing tablets without checking whether this is safe for that formulation.

1️⃣0️⃣ Useful Turkish phrases​

  • Bu ilaç reçeteli mi? — Does this medicine require a prescription?
  • Etken maddesi nedir? — What is its active ingredient?
  • Eşdeğer ilaç var mı? — Is there an equivalent medicine?
  • Fiyat farkı ne kadar? — How much is the price difference?
  • Bu ilaç diğer ilaçlarımla etkileşir mi? — Does it interact with my other medicines?
  • Bu ilacı günde kaç kez kullanmalıyım? — How many times a day should I take it?

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Discussing care during a medical consultation​

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