Can I get prescription medication in Hanoi with a foreign prescription?

From messages by 2 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 30 days ago

TL;DR

There's no single rule: common medications are often sold over-the-counter in Hanoi, but controlled substances (psychotropics, strong painkillers) require a prescription from a local or international clinic doctor.

What the community said

Vietnamese doctors prescribe hormones and antibiotics much more freely than in Russia — even for a common cold or flu.

Most common medications are sold without a prescription in Hanoi pharmacies — there's no strict uniform rule.

Controlled substances (certain psychotropics, strong painkillers) usually won't be dispensed on a foreign prescription — you'll need to visit a local doctor or international clinic to get a Vietnamese prescription.

international clinic

Before your trip, find out the international non-proprietary name (INN) of your medication and carry a prescription translated into English.

INN (international non-proprietary name)