When I first moved to Spain, I always thought the healthcare benefits were great and buying medicine was easy, so I rarely stocked up at home. However, on my last few trips to the pharmacy, I’ve found that the situation has completely changed! Many items that were once readily available are now either subject to purchasing limits or simply out of stock. I wonder if anyone else has had the same experience?
It feels like over the past few years, from face masks and alcohol to various common medicines, the shelves of Spanish pharmacies have been on a roller coaster, with stock levels being completely unpredictable. It’s been particularly noticeable recently. I went to several pharmacies trying to buy some ibuprofen and Dalsy for my child, only to be told they were out of stock, or only had specific small sizes. The pharmacists also seemed helpless, explaining that their suppliers couldn’t provide the products, and there was nothing they could do.
A List of Commonly ‘Missing in Action’ Items
Based on my own experiences and chats with neighbors and friends, I’ve compiled a list of supplies that have become quite elusive in pharmacies lately. You can use it as a reference to see if your own home medicine cabinet needs restocking to be prepared for any eventuality. This situation is something to be aware of for all residents, and even for those exploring options like medical immigration.
Medications
- Ibuprofen / Paracetamol
These are the top items on the shortage list! Specifically, 600mg ibuprofen and 1g paracetamol, as the most common fever reducers and painkillers among Spanish medical supplies, are in huge demand and often fly off the shelves as soon as they’re restocked.
- Amoxicillin
This is a prescription medication, but I’ve heard that its supply is also very tight. If your doctor prescribes it, it’s best to get it filled immediately, or you might have to visit several pharmacies.
- Children’s Fever Reducers
Like the Dalsy and Apiretal mentioned earlier, any parent will know these are essentials, but they are also among the most frequently out-of-stock items.
Supplements and Others
Besides medications, some daily supplements haven’t escaped the shortages either. For instance, melatonin, which many people now rely on for sleep, is often found on empty shelves. Certain vitamins, like Vitamin D, which is in high demand during the autumn and winter months, also frequently go out of stock.
| Category of Scarce Item | Specific Name | Notes |
|---|
| Fever & Pain Relief | Ibuprofeno / Paracetamol | Both adult and children’s formulas may be out of stock |
| Antibiotics | Amoxicilina | Prescription required, supply is unstable |
| Supplements | Melatonina / Vitamina D | High seasonal demand, prone to shortages |
| Other | Ozempic | Although it’s a diabetes medication, its misuse for weight loss has led to a global shortage |
So that’s the current situation. For many items, we can no longer wait until we need them to go out and buy them. I suggest everyone regularly check their home medicine cabinet. For common, over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol, which are among the [medicines in short supply in Spain], it might be wise to stock up a reasonable amount when you find them available. Of course, be sensible about stockpiling—always check the expiration dates to avoid waste. Have you encountered shortages of any other medicines? Feel free to leave a comment below to share and remind each other!
