Can you buy prescription medications at pharmacies in Sharm el-Sheikh without a prescription?
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 2 days ago
TL;DR
Many prescription drugs are available over the counter at Sharm el-Sheikh pharmacies, but availability varies — some medications are no longer stocked. Watch out for price manipulation: pharmacists may quote prices in dollars instead of the Egyptian pounds printed on the box.
What the community said
The anticonvulsant carbamazepine (a controlled substance in many countries) was purchased without a prescription at a random pharmacy. Minimum pack size available was 15 tablets per blister.
6 days ago Carbamazepine — no prescription needed, min. 15 tablets
A price scam was reported at one pharmacy: the box showed a price in Egyptian pounds, but the pharmacist quoted the amount in US dollars — significantly more expensive. When questioned, he claimed the box price was per blister only. Always check the printed price on the packaging before paying.
9 days ago Box price is in Egyptian pounds, not dollars
Certain blood pressure medications were unavailable — pharmacists said they are no longer supplied to Egypt. A substitute with a different active ingredient had to be purchased instead. However, another medication not in stock was successfully ordered and brought in by the pharmacy on request.
13 days ago Medications can be ordered on request if not in stock