Can I get prescription medication in Hanoi with a foreign prescription?
Based on 2 discussions with 2 participants · Last activity: 4 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.
4 days ago
Most common medications are sold without a prescription in Hanoi pharmacies — there's no strict uniform rule.
4 days ago
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.
4 days ago international clinic
Before your trip, find out the international non-proprietary name (INN) of your medication and carry a prescription translated into English.
4 days ago INN (international non-proprietary name)