I haven’t been in Spain for long, and with the change of seasons, I caught a slight cold. Plus, I needed to stock up on some basic medical supplies for the house, so I went to a nearby pharmacy. I’ve always heard that regulations for medicine and medical supplies are very strict here in Europe, so the quality is supposedly top-notch. I decided to see for myself and share my experience with everyone here.
This time, I bought a few main items, all with CE certification: masks, plasters, disinfectant alcohol wipes, and a box of Ibuprofen. For the masks, I specifically chose the pharmacy’s own brand—the ones in simple packaging with the green pharmacy cross logo. They were FFP2 masks. Putting one on, I could immediately feel the difference. The fit was excellent, and while breathing was a bit more strenuous than with a regular mask, it felt securely sealed. The material was noticeably thick, giving a sense of maximum protection, and my ears didn’t hurt even after wearing it for a long time, unlike some others I’ve used where the straps would dig in painfully.
I really want to focus on the plasters! I have to rave about the ones I got in Spain. I’ve used many brands before that either wouldn’t stick properly and would fall off after washing my hands, or they would tear off a layer of skin when removed, leaving behind a sticky, black residue that was hard to clean. This time, I bought the brand Compeed. It was a bit pricey, but the results were absolutely amazing. The waterproof seal is incredible; I could wear it on my finger while showering and washing dishes without any issues, and it stayed firmly in place. The most magical part is its hydrocolloid material, which not only helps the wound heal but also makes it painless to remove, leaving no residue and not damaging the skin. It’s true what they say: you get what you pay for.
As for the disinfectant supplies, I didn’t notice much difference. I bought the pharmacy’s own brand again; the alcohol concentration was sufficient, and they were convenient to use. Ibuprofen, being a common medication, is highly standardized in terms of effect and dosage, so no surprises there. Overall, I feel very confident buying from Spanish pharmacies. Even the lesser-known, simply packaged own-brand products have excellent quality, sometimes even exceeding expectations. It seems that when it comes to things related to Spanish healthcare, quality control is taken very seriously.
I’ve also put together a quick summary of my thoughts on the items I bought, for anyone who might find it useful. You can find more discussions about Spanish healthcare here:
| Product Category | Brand/Type | My Experience |
|---|
| Masks | Pharmacy-brand FFP2 | Sturdy material, great fit, feels very protective |
| Plasters | Compeed | Excellent waterproofing, sticks well without harming skin |
| Disinfectant Wipes | Pharmacy-brand | Standard, gets the job done, affordable |
| Painkiller | Ibuprofen | Standard effect, no different from common brands |
Has anyone else in Spain found any particularly great or disappointing medical products? Let’s share our experiences so we can help each other find the good stuff and avoid the duds!
