When I first came to Spain, getting sick was my biggest fear. It wasn’t just the language barrier, but also the worry of being shocked by the prices at a pharmacy. After a few years and visiting many different pharmacies, I’ve gathered some experience. Today, I’m sharing a price reference for common medical supplies and over-the-counter drugs to help those in need, especially students and newcomers who have just arrived.
It’s important to note that medicine prices in Spain are not standardized. They can vary depending on the pharmacy, the brand, and even promotional offers at different times. The prices I’m listing here are a general and common price range. You can use this as a reference for medical supply prices, but always check the price listed at the pharmacy when you’re actually buying.
Common Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
These are essentials for any home medicine cabinet and can handle most minor ailments like headaches and fevers.
Pain Relievers / Fever Reducers
These are the two most commonly used types of medication, and you can learn more about checking medication prices online. Ibuprofeno and Paracetamol are the absolute star products. Pharmacies usually sell 600mg or 400mg Ibuprofeno and 1g or 500mg Paracetamol. The prices are generally very affordable.
| Medication | Common Specs | Reference Price |
|---|
| Ibuprofeno | 600mg, 40 tablets | 2.00€ - 3.50€ |
| Paracetamol | 1g, 40 tablets | 1.50€ - 3.00€ |
| Aspirina | 500mg, 20 tablets | 3.50€ - 5.00€ |
Daily Protective and Care Supplies
Besides medications, it’s also useful to know about everyday items like bandages and disinfectants, which are essential Spanish medical supplies.
- Band-aids (Tiritas): A small, regular box costs about 2€ - 4€. Waterproof or specialized ones will be more expensive.
- Disinfectant Alcohol (Alcohol): A 250ml bottle is very cheap, usually around 1€.
- Saline Solution (Suero Fisiológico): It has many uses, like rinsing eyes or nose. A box of 30 single-dose vials is about 3€ - 5€.
- Iodine (Povidona yodada): For example, a brand like Betadine. A small bottle costs around 4€ - 6€.
- Face Masks (Mascarillas): The price has stabilized now. A box of 50 surgical masks is about 3€ - 6€. FFP2 masks are a bit more expensive.
Basic medical supplies in Spain are really not expensive; many are cheaper than you might think. Of course, the prices for specific, patented, or prescription-only drugs are a different story. I hope this list helps you feel less anxious and more prepared when you need these items. Feel free to add your own findings and prices in the comments to help each other out!
