Stockholm - Pharmacies

Under the social insurance scheme, the patient pays the entire cost of the prescribed medicine up to Sek900. Above this a rising scale of subsidy operates with a high cost ceiling which means that the patient never has to pay more than Sek1800 in any 12 months (prices are under review).

You can buy your medicines and other types of drugs which may be sold over the counter in other countries, including pain relievers, only in the Apoteket (a government owned retail chain for pharmaceuticals).

Many types of medicine must be prescribed by a medical doctor due to their narcotic content. Even to buy needles and cannulae you need a doctor prescription. If you need the antibiotics and other medicines a doctor will provide you with a prescription which is sent directly to the Apoteket of your choice.

Note:
If you need to bring your own medicines into Sweden make sure to have with you a doctor’s prescription and a note from your pharmacy.

The opening hours for the vast majority of the Apoteket (a government owned retail chain for pharmaceuticals) are:
Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 18.00 (or from 9.00 to 17.00)
Saturdays from 10.00 to 14.00

In Stockholm there is one Apoteket/pharmacy that is open 24 hours a day at Klarabergsgatan 64  across from Central Station and close to the City Bus Terminal. The Apoteket "Enhörningen" on Söder is open until 22.00.

When you enter a pharmacy do not forget to take a ticket at the ticket machine usually located near the entrance. You will be served when your number appears in the display. In some Apotekets your ticket has an additional number for paying.

In the Apoteket you can collect a free booklet of about 150 pages which lists names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors, pharmacies, dentists, opticians, mother care clinics and laboratories. The title in Swedish is "Läkare, tandläkare 2002." (Doctors and Dentists 2002). It is updated every year but it is in Swedish. Even if you do not know the language you can still make sense out of it and find useful information.
website: www.apoteket.se         
Find a pharmacy near you or get information about medication