Which medicines are sold only by prescription in Georgia, including antibiotics?
Three medicine groups under the law and what that means at the pharmacy.
Short answer
In Georgia a prescription is required for second-group medicines, which include antibiotics, and for special-control drugs, while only third-group products are sold freely. Article 112 of the law splits products into three groups, and the minister approves the list of the third, over-the-counter group. All other medicines automatically fall into the second group.
Why
- Article 16(10) of the law prohibits selling first- and second-group products over the counter.
- Article 17(7): second-group products must not be accessible to consumers without the designated personnel.
- Article 16(9): first- and second-group products may not be sold to minors.
Details
The Law of Georgia on Medicines and Pharmaceutical Activities (Article 112) splits products into three groups: the first is special-control products (narcotic and psychotropic substances and precursors), the second is prescription products, and the third is over-the-counter products that may be used as the leaflet directs without a physician's prescription. The minister defines the lists of the first and third groups, and all others automatically fall into the second. A prescription under Article 11 is a written notice from a physician to a pharmacist. The law is cited as amended on 30 November 2023 (Law No. 3807).
From 1 September 2014 pharmacies may not sell Group II drugs without a prescription: this group includes antibiotics, cardiovascular, hormonal, endocrine and oncology products. Under rules announced by the Ministry in 2022, the doctor prescribes the active substance and the pharmacy offers the three cheapest options from the ministry's list. For other travel basics, see the questions on emergency numbers and travel insurance.
Tip
If a doctor in Georgia prescribes a medicine, ask for the name of the active substance: the prescription is written for it, and the pharmacy will offer several options.
What may differ
The minister approves the lists of medicines by group and they change, so check a specific medicine at the pharmacy. Under Article 112(2), products with the same generic name, form and dosage cannot belong to different groups. The Ministry changed the prescription rules (electronic prescriptions, prescribing by active substance) in 2022.
Common misconception
In Georgia you can buy antibiotics in any pharmacy without a prescription.
What actually happens
The law says otherwise: Article 16(10) prohibits selling second-group products without a prescription, and antibiotics belong to this group from 1 September 2014.
People also ask
- Which medicines need a prescription in Georgia?
- Can you buy antibiotics in Georgia without a prescription?
Sources
- Law of Georgia on Medicines and Pharmaceutical Activities (matsne.gov.ge), version amended 30 Nov 2023Checked at:
- Agenda.ge: news on Group II prescription drugs from 1 September 2014 (reference, citing the Ministry of Health)Checked at:
- Agenda.ge: news on the Ministry of Health prescription rules, 2022 (reference)Checked at:
This answer is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
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How can a foreigner get health insurance in Georgia, and how much does it cost?
A foreigner can buy health insurance from insurers and banks: visitor cover costs from 2 GEL a day and the annual Med+ plan (Credo Bank, Imedi L) 600 GEL.
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No vaccination certificate is listed among the entry requirements for Georgia, while hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are recommended for most travellers.
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Can you bring your own medicines into Georgia?
You can bring up to 10 standard packs of ordinary medicines into Georgia without papers, while special-control drugs need a prescription and documents and a 31-day limit.
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Foreigners give birth in Georgia at private clinics and maternity wards on a paid basis, usually through packages covering the delivery, the hospital stay and newborn care.