How to Get Prescription Medications in Costa Rica

Arcadia
Aug 2
4 min read

pharmacist in Costa Rica giving prescription to expat customer

A Practical Guide for Expats, Travelers, and Long-Stay Guests

Whether you’re staying for a season or relocating for good, knowing how to refill or replace your medications in Costa Rica is essential. This guide answers the exact questions raised in our Arcadia WhatsApp community and clears up common myths about prescriptions, regulations, and local pharmacies.

Spoiler: it’s easier than you think.

Costa Rica’s Pharmacy System: Flexible, Accessible, Local

In Costa Rica, pharmacists are trusted frontline providers—more than dispensers, they’re often your first stop for minor health issues.

You can walk into almost any farmacia and, without a prior prescription:

Describe your symptoms
Request a specific medication
Receive both guidance and the medication itself on the spot

This applies to a wide range of medications, including:

Penicillin and amoxicillin
Tetanus vaccines (vacuna contra tétano)
Birth control pills
Emergency contraception (Plan B)
Anti-inflammatories and steroids
Topical antifungals or antibiotics
Antihistamines, antacids, and antiparasitics

“I just walked in with a bottle or a photo, told them what I needed, and they gave it to me—no issues.”– Arcadia community member

You don’t need an appointment. And in many towns, especially tourist or expat areas, the pharmacist speaks English.

When You Do Need a Prescription

Some medications in Costa Rica are more tightly regulated and require a Costa Rican doctor’s script:

Opiate pain medications (e.g., morphine, tramadol)
Psychotropic medications (e.g., Xanax, Rivotril, antidepressants)
Certain antibiotics depending on strength or intended use

If your medication falls into this category:

Most pharmacies have a medical clinic on site or next door
A short consult usually costs $30–$60 USD
You’ll walk out with a valid script and your medication the same day

“Even if something needs a script, there’s almost always a doctor right next to the pharmacy who’ll write it immediately.”– Sandra, long-term expat in Uvita

Bringing Medication from Abroad

When arriving in Costa Rica:

Keep your medication in its original labeled bottle
Bring a copy or photo of your prescription
Carry a list of your medications (with dosage, frequency, and generic name)

You’re legally allowed to enter Costa Rica with up to a 90-day supply of medication for personal use. Controlled substances may require supporting documentation, especially if traveling with large quantities.

Learn more: Expatriate Healthcare – Traveling with Meds

Brand Names vs. Generic: What to Ask For

Most Costa Rican pharmacies stock generic medications, often manufactured in Latin America or Europe. Brand names may differ from those in the U.S., Canada, or Europe.

To make the process smooth:

Use RxList.com to find the active ingredient of your medication
Write the name in Spanish if possible
Ask the pharmacist: “¿Tiene el genérico de [drug name]?”

Example: Instead of asking for Synthroid, ask for levothyroxine.

Medication Costs in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s healthcare system offers affordable medications for most common needs:

Generic medications: 50–75% cheaper than in the U.S.
OTC meds (ibuprofen, antacids): May cost more per pill but sold in small quantities
Vaccines or injectables: Can often be administered by the pharmacist directly

Pharmacy prices can vary, so feel free to compare between chains like:

Fischel
La Bomba
Farmacia Saba
Ibarra Pharmacy (known for English support and online catalog)

Find Ibarra online: ibarrapharmacy.com Compare system: Expatsi – Costa Rica Healthcare Report

Do You Need Insurance to Get Medication?

No. You can purchase almost any medication directly without health insurance.

But if you're staying long-term:

Caja (CCSS) covers meds through public clinics and pharmacies (for residents)
Private insurance (like Cigna, INS, or Blue Cross) can reimburse meds at private pharmacies or clinics

Many expats use both systems—public for basics, private for speed and flexibility.

Healthcare overview: CRIE – Costa Rica Healthcare

Quick-Reference Table

Medication Type	Prescription Needed?	Where to Get It
Penicillin, amoxicillin	❌ No	Any pharmacy
Tetanus shot	❌ No	Pharmacy, often administered on site
Birth control, Plan B	❌ No	Any pharmacy
Xanax, Rivotril	✅ Yes	MD at or near pharmacy
Tramadol or morphine	✅ Yes	Controlled meds require a local script
Anti-inflammatories	❌ No	Any pharmacy
Vaccines (e.g. B12, anti-rabies)	❌ No (most)	Ask pharmacist for availability & admin

Final Tips from Arcadia’s Community

Act before you run out—start the refill process a week early
Photograph all your meds and prescriptions before you travel
Keep a list of your meds in English and Spanish
Ask the pharmacist first—they may save you a doctor visit entirely
If unsure, email the pharmacy ahead of time to confirm availability

“It’s different from Canada or the U.S. It’s better. The pharmacist actually helps.”– Dr. Gary, part-time Osa resident

Living in Costa Rica Is Simpler When You Know Where to Ask

At Arcadia, we don’t just sell listings—we help you land smoothly, stay well, and feel confident in your new life here. If you need a long-term rental near a good clinic, want help navigating residency or insurance.

Let Arcadia Guide More Than Just Your Move

Prescription refills. Trusted clinics. Walkable access to reliable pharmacies. These details matter when you're planning life abroad.

At Arcadia, we don’t just market homes—we help you choose where to live based on how you want to live. Whether you're settling in Uvita, Ojochal, San Isidro, or the Central Valley, we know: