# Foreign prescription at a Norwegian pharmacy: when can you use it?

A signed paper prescription from the EEA may sometimes be used in Norway. Learn about medicine restrictions and what to do with a prescription from outside the EEA.

Canonical: https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/utenlandsk-resept-pa-norsk-apotek
Language: en
Publisher: SamfunnPrep
Author: Hlib Suslov
Published: 2026-10-02T11:50:59.938+00:00
Modified: 2026-10-07T17:25:30.341861+00:00
AI use policy: https://samfunnprep.no/ai-policy.txt

## Key takeaways

- An EEA prescription may be accepted A Norwegian pharmacy can assess a paper prescription signed by a doctor in the EEA.
- Important exceptions apply A and B medicines and medicines not marketed in Norway may not be dispensed under such a prescription.
- Plan ongoing treatment For a prescription from outside the EEA or long-term medicine needs, ask a Norwegian doctor to assess the treatment before it runs out.

A **signed paper prescription from a doctor in an EEA country** may be valid at a Norwegian pharmacy, but not for all medicines. You normally cannot use a prescription from a country outside the EEA in the same way. Ask a doctor in Norway to assess your treatment if the pharmacy cannot dispense the medicine.

## Start with the country and the prescription itself

| Where is the prescription from? | What you can do in Norway |
|---|---|
| Doctor in an EEA country | Take the **original paper prescription signed by the doctor** to a Norwegian pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist to assess whether it can be dispensed. |
| Doctor outside the EEA | Take the prescription and information about the medicine to your GP or another doctor in Norway. The foreign prescription is useful treatment information, but normally does not by itself entitle you to collect the medicine. |
| Only a foreign e-prescription or a photo on your phone | Do not assume a Norwegian pharmacy can access or accept it. Ask the prescribing doctor for a paper prescription if the EEA rules may apply, or discuss it with a Norwegian doctor. |

Helsenorge specifies that an EEA prescription must be **on paper and signed**. A Norwegian pharmacist must still check whether the specific prescription and medicine meet the requirements. Do not plan treatment based only on a screenshot. [Pharmacies and prescriptions in Norway](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/apotek-og-resept-norge) explains how Norwegian e-prescriptions work; this is a different system.

A prescription that a pharmacy can use once is not automatically entered as a **Norwegian e-prescription** for later refills. If you need the medicine over time, arrange follow-up with a doctor in Norway. Also ask for the active ingredient name, not just the brand name used in your home country. This makes discussions with a Norwegian doctor and pharmacy more precise, especially when the package has a different name here.

## Three common reasons a pharmacy may say no

**1. The medicine is in prescription group A or B.** Helsenorge says that foreign prescriptions for these addictive medicines are not valid in Norway. Contact a doctor in Norway about continuing treatment. Do not try to solve the problem by having medicine sent by post from abroad.

**2. The medicine is not marketed in Norway.** A foreign prescription does not automatically give you access to a product that is not marketed here. A doctor can assess whether there is a suitable alternative or whether another lawful arrangement may be relevant. The pharmacy can explain what is possible in your specific case.

**3. The prescription is not on paper or is unsigned.** A message from the doctor or a photo may help a Norwegian doctor understand the treatment, but it may not meet the requirements for dispensing at a pharmacy. If possible, ask for the right documentation before you travel.

**Example:** Dawit has a signed paper prescription from a doctor in Poland for a medicine that is sold in Norway. He takes the prescription to the pharmacy. The pharmacist checks it before dispensing; Dawit cannot require the medicine just because Poland is in the EEA. If the Norwegian pharmacy cannot dispense it, he asks what is missing and contacts his GP with the prescription and medicine list.

## If you have just moved to Norway

Book an appointment with your GP or the healthcare service available to you **before you run out of medicine**. Bring the original packaging, active ingredient name, strength, dose, prescription, a short summary of how long you have used the medicine, and any medical information. The doctor will assess whether the same or equivalent treatment is right in Norway. Helsenorge advises refugees and asylum seekers already taking medicine to discuss it with a doctor to find the same or an equivalent medicine.

If the old package is empty, a clear photo of the label may help the doctor identify the strength and active ingredient. The photo still does not replace a valid prescription at the pharmacy.

If you do not yet have a GP, ask the municipality or reception centre how to get healthcare. [The GP guide](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/fastlege-norge) explains registration and choice. If you need healthcare that cannot wait, call the out-of-hours medical service at **116 117**; in a life-threatening emergency, call **113**. A foreign prescription should not be a reason to delay necessary healthcare.

Write down how many doses you have left and mention this when booking an appointment. This helps the doctor’s office understand how quickly you need an assessment. Also bring information about side effects, allergies, or previous treatment changes. A new doctor must assess your health and medication as a whole, not simply copy a foreign prescription.

## Cost and reimbursement are separate questions

The fact that a pharmacy can dispense an EEA prescription does not automatically mean that you pay the Norwegian patient charge or receive a blue prescription. Ask the pharmacy and, if relevant, Helfo/NAV about payment and reimbursement in your situation. Different arrangements apply to people who live in Norway, tourists, and other groups. Do not confuse this with the rules for **bringing your own medicines across the border**, which have separate documentation and quantity requirements.

You may want to write down these four questions before going to the pharmacy:

1. Is the prescription from a doctor in the EEA, and do I have the original paper copy with a signature?
2. Is the medicine in group A or B, or is it not marketed in Norway?
3. What does the pharmacy need to assess this prescription?
4. If the prescription cannot be used, which doctor should I contact, and how soon?

**Short message to the doctor’s office:** “I use [name/active ingredient, strength, and dose] under a prescription from [country]. I have the prescription and medicine list. I need an assessment of continued treatment in Norway before [date]. How can I get an appointment?” Bring the documents to your appointment; send health information only through channels the office accepts.

SamfunnPrep has more practical explanations about [healthcare as a newcomer in Norway](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/helsesystem-norge) and [rights when receiving healthcare](https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/pasientrettigheter-og-klage-norge). The actual medical assessment is made by the pharmacy and healthcare professionals. Do not change your dose or stop necessary treatment based on a general article.

**Sources checked 2 October 2026:** Helsenorge on foreign prescriptions, medicines when travelling, and healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers.

## FAQ

### Can I use a foreign prescription in Norway?

A signed paper prescription from a doctor in the EEA may be valid. The pharmacy must check the prescription and medicine. Prescriptions from outside the EEA generally cannot be used in the same way.

### Is a photo or foreign e-prescription enough?

Do not assume so. Helsenorge says an EEA prescription used in Norway must be on paper and signed by the doctor.

### Does an EEA prescription work for strong painkillers and other A or B medicines?

No. Helsenorge says prescriptions for medicines in groups A and B are not valid as foreign prescriptions in Norway.

### What if the medicine is not sold in Norway?

According to Helsenorge’s guidance, a foreign prescription for a medicine not marketed in Norway is not valid. Contact a doctor about alternatives or another lawful arrangement.

### What should I bring to a Norwegian doctor?

Bring the prescription, original packaging or a clear photo, the active ingredient, strength, dose, medicine list, and relevant information from your previous doctor.

## Sources

- [Medisiner på utenlandsreise: utenlandske resepter i Norge](https://www.helsenorge.no/medisiner/medisiner-pa-reise/)
- [Her får du helsehjelp som flyktning eller asylsøker](https://www.helsenorge.no/utlendinger-i-norge/flyktninger-og-asylsokere/her-far-du-helsehjelp/)
- [Import av legemidler til personlig bruk](https://www.dmp.no/tilvirkning-import-og-salg/import-av-legemidler-til-personlig-bruk)
- [Legevakt 116 117](https://www.helsenorge.no/hjelpetilbud-i-kommunene/legevakt/)

Citation: Hlib Suslov, "Foreign prescription at a Norwegian pharmacy: when can you use it?", SamfunnPrep, 2026-10-02T11:50:59.938+00:00, https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/utenlandsk-resept-pa-norsk-apotek