In Ukraine, from April 1, 2023, prescription medicines will be dispensed by e-prescription. Specialists of the Ministry of Health on their Facebook page disproved common myths regarding the introduction of an electronic prescription.

Myth 1: All medicines will now require a prescription..

No, a prescription is only needed for prescription drugs. The Ministry of Health did not change the list and conditions for the release of prescription drugs. All medicines that were previously subject to medical prescription can now be purchased not only with a paper prescription, but also with an e-prescription.

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Myth 2: Prescription drugs will be dispensed exclusively by e-prescription.

No, medicines can be purchased with both paper and e-prescriptions.. At the same time, an electronic prescription has a number of advantages over a paper form, and therefore is more convenient, including when taking medicines regularly..

Myth 3: In the absence of light, it will be impossible to get a prescription for drugs.

In the absence of light, the doctor can write a paper prescription. During the transition period during martial law, pharmacies are required to use both electronic and paper prescriptions.

Myth 4: These are unnecessary changes during the war.

Dispensing of prescription drugs must always be carried out according to the doctor's prescription, this requirement is not new, since April only an additional tool has been added - e-prescription. E-prescription will be introduced gradually with the possibility of using paper prescription forms.

Myth 5: Many IDPs will not be able to get medicine because they have lost access to their family doctors.

To receive an e-prescription, you do not need to have a declaration with your family doctor. Any doctor who is responsible for your care - a surgeon, internist, cardiologist or oncologist - can write a prescription for a prescription drug..

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Myth 6: Now it will be impossible to get medicines because the appointment with the doctor is several days in advance.

If you experience a deterioration in well-being, you should definitely consult a doctor. He will be able to assess your state of health, conduct a clinical diagnosis and prescribe a treatment that will be effective and safe for you..

And you can get all repeated prescriptions for the right medicine remotely. In case of emergency, the patient can call an ambulance. Avoid or delay treatment.

Myth 7: now doctors will prescribe only expensive drugs.

In fact, the e-prescription does not contain the trade names of drugs, but only the international non-proprietary name, that is, the active substance.

A person can independently decide on the brand of a drug with the corresponding substance in accordance with his budget. Neither the doctor nor the pharmacist can influence the choice.

Myth 8: It is no longer possible to buy blood pressure/allergy/painkillers without a prescription.

If this drug, in accordance with the instructions, is to be dispensed exclusively by prescription, then a prescription is really needed..

However, this is not a new norm, the Ministry of Health does not change the rules for dispensing medicines. At the same time, you can always get a recommendation from a pharmacist in relation to over-the-counter analogues of this medicine, or even better, contact a doctor who will prescribe you an effective treatment..

Myth 9: It is inconvenient for patients with chronic diseases.

Using an e-prescription, you do not need to go to the doctor every time for an appointment in order to get a prescription for medicines.

This can also be done remotely.. Medication prescriptions will always be available on your smartphone. This is another advantage of an electronic prescription over a paper one..

Myth 10: It will no longer be possible to purchase even ordinary ethyl alcohol without a prescription.

Indeed, there are certain restrictions on the sale of alcohol solutions.. However, in the assortment of pharmacies you can find packages that are not subject to prescription.

There are options available in a different volume, or there are other antiseptics that can be freely bought at a pharmacy.

Myth 11: Combined oral contraceptives and emergency contraceptives will now be prescription.

Basically, all hormone-containing drugs are prescription drugs in many countries of the world, since they can have a serious impact on the hormonal health and well-being of a woman..

That is why their use should be supervised by a medical specialist.. This rule is not new and is a common world practice.. In the case of long-term use of COCs, the doctor can write a prescription for drugs remotely, which will greatly simplify the prescribing process.

Myth 12: It is now impossible to buy medicines for animals in a regular pharmacy.

There are no additional changes or restrictions on the dispensing of medicinal products for animals..

Earlier we wrote how Ukrainians can get an electronic prescription for medicines.