Repeat Prescriptions

alanjolly65 · 2025-09-27T13:41:38+02:00

Discover how repeat prescriptions work in Bulgaria for non-residents, including tips on pharmacy practices and registration for medications.

alanjolly65 Active member

Member since 02 September 2021

alanjolly65Active memberYesterday 11:41:38

I'm not a resident in Bulgaria but I visit for 4 or 5 months per year.

On my last visit, I needed a聽 prescription for drugs I get in the UK.

I visited a doctor who wrote me a prescription and I was surprised after I bought the drugs that the pharmacist gave me the prescription back.

I have used it again with no issues.

There are options at the top for single / repeat prescription but neither are ticked. In fact there are no details completed at all. Just the name and quantity of the drugs and a stamp and signature.

I told my daughter who is a nurse what a great service it was but she quite rightly disagreed.聽 I聽 didn't even have to give my name to the doctor abs no medical history. I wasn't asked about any allergies I had etc.

Anyhow, I just wanted to to know generally how repeat prescriptions work in Bulgaria? Do you keep using the same paper prescription? Is there some Central register or can you register it with a pharmacy??聽 It all seems too simple

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

Member since 30 June 2020

gwynjBulgaria ExpertYesterday 13:26:13

2510

@alanjolly65

(a) I think the official system is now electronic, at least from your official GP (if you have one). This ensures you don't sneakily repeat your prescription. :-) However, many docs are still writing paper ones.

(b) Most/many pharmacies will give you almost whatever supplies you want, rather than insisting on the appropriate prescription. The already-used prescription certainly looks a lot more official than nothing at all. :-) As you've (surprisingly) found, most pharmacies give the prescription back to you after filling it.

(c) Even if you're not a resident (and hence not in NHIF, the Bulgarian public health system), you can have a regular GP. In this case, they're not your official GP and you'd pay their private consultation fee. (My GP charges 25 lv, but it's commonly in the 50-150 range.) For 4-5 months a year here, it would be wise to have a doc you can call on when needed, and he/she could issue you a paper prescription as required, and guide you to appropriate specialists if something serious has to be dealt with.

(d) Superdoc (dot bg) is very good and has doctor info and feedback (and sometimes language skills), plus appointment booking. This is probably the best option for seeing who's available in your area, both general docs and specialists.

(e) I'd imagine there are many docs who are absolutely by the book. But, in my experience here of doctor formalities (certificates for general health/eyesight/mental health or prescriptions) many/most docs will do whatever you want/need for the appropriate private consult fee and a fast in/out. Yes, your daughter would be appalled, but you're happy, the doc's happy, and nobody gets hurt. Unless you're allergic to the penicillin you asked him for. :-)

JimJ ViP

Member since 07 December 2015

JimJViPToday 09:23:33

1297

Some drugs are available with a paper prescription, others - like antibiotics and drugs likely to be used "recreationally" - are on electronic prescription, ie your prescription is on the central register and the pharmacist can't give the drugs to you if it isn't.

Most "paper prescription" drugs will be dispensed without a prescription, especially if you're a regular or speak Bulgarian. If you're asked whether you have a prescription, a simple "Da!" is usually sufficient...馃榿