Can you find specific medications (e.g. eye drops, European brands) in Sharm el-Sheikh pharmacies, and are they cheaper?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 23 days ago
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 23 days ago
TL;DR
Many specific medications, especially European brands like Hilo Comod, are unavailable in Sharm el-Sheikh. Local generics are cheaper, but imported drugs are not. Veterinary medications are sold only at clinics, not pharmacies.
By Egyptian law, medication prices in licensed pharmacies must match the price printed on the package by the manufacturer — overcharging is illegal and fined. Real state pharmacies only serve patients of state clinics, not tourists. Some tourist-area pharmacies brand themselves as 'state pharmacies' as a marketing trick and may overcharge — always check that the receipt matches the price stamped on the box.
Buying medication directly at a pharmacy counter is relatively safe — low risk of counterfeit or substitution. Getting medication hand-to-hand from an unofficial seller, rather than through the pharmacy till, is risky.
European and imported medications in Sharm el-Sheikh are not particularly cheap. Local generic equivalents can be significantly cheaper, but specific brand-name products like Hilo Comod are simply not available here.
There are no standalone veterinary pharmacies in Sharm el-Sheikh. Veterinary medications are sold exclusively at vet clinics. One clinic is located at coordinates 27.914711, 34.322193.
Many medications are currently out of stock across Egypt due to supplier shortages — this is a systemic issue, not a problem with individual pharmacies. It is advisable to bring necessary medications from home.