While the situation isn’t the same as in the big cities in Thailand, even in Vientiane, there are really many pharmacies. Just look around, and we’re sure you’ll find one. If not, head to one of the hospitals. Usually, there are many pharmacies opposite or inside hospitals. The good thing about pharmacies is that you usually can not only buy medication, but also get valuable advice. For smaller health problems, they’re a good point of contact. If the language barrier is too much, just go to another pharmacy or ask a local for help. There’s always a solution, and if you’re nice, people usually want to help.
Equipment of the pharmacies in Vientiane
There is no denying that many pharmacies in Vientiane are well equipped. Most of them have a surprisingly good stock. Drugs like Doxycycline and Metronidazole are almost always available – that applies for virtually all often-prescribed drugs. However, far fewer drugs are prescription-only than is the case in other countries. So if you know what you need, you can usually get it without difficulty. Of course, this shouldn’t encourage you to do something irresponsible. Whatever the case, if you’re feeling sick and it’s not an emergency, you should probably visit a pharmacy first. Often, there’s no reason to go to a hospital. Well, in the end, it’s your decision. You know your body best
Products available at the pharmacies in Vientiane
Like in many other countries, the pharmacies in Laos are not restricted to selling pharmaceuticals and often offer additional products. Especially in Vientiane, the variety is impressive. Some of the products you can find are:
- Baby care items
- Beauty products
- First aid supplies
- Medical devices like blood pressure monitors
- Prescription and OTC medication
- Sexual products like condoms
These are just some of the products available, and as you can see, nothing is out of the ordinary. However, some shops also offer traditional Chinese medicine, which may include remedies and ingredients you’ve probably never seen before. Do they help? Well, traditional Chinese medicine has been around for thousands of years, and while some treatments may not have any effect, there are many that show promising results.
What about prescriptions?
A common question regarding prescriptions in Laos is whether they are actually required to buy medication. As you may have already noticed, far more medicines are available over the counter than in most Western countries. Unless you’re looking for something very specific or controlled, there’s a good chance the pharmacy will sell it to you without a prescription. Prices are generally affordable. Common medications tend to be cheap, but certain imported drugs, especially specialized or brand-name medicines, can be more expensive.
Communication problems aren't uncommon
While the situation in Vientiane is definitely better than in rural areas, not all pharmacists speak English well. Almost all of them understand basic phrases, since they have a certain level of education and training. However, communication problems may arise. If that happens, just be creative and show pictures of your problem or the medicine you’re looking for. You’ll be surprised how well that works.