As patient mobility increases across Europe, pharmacists are more frequently asked about the validity of prescriptions across borders. Whether supporting patients travelling abroad or assessing foreign prescriptions presented in Ireland, it is essential to understand the rules governing cross-border prescriptions.
Under EU legislation, prescriptions issued in one EU member state may be dispensed in another EU or EEA country, provided specific requirements are met. However, dispensing remains subject to local laws and professional judgement.
What is a cross-border prescription?
A cross-border prescription is one that is issued in one EU or EEA country and dispensed in another. The EEA includes all EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
While mutual recognition applies, pharmacists should be aware that:
- Medicines may not be authorised or marketed in all countries
- Products may be available under different names or strengths
- Local substitution and reimbursement rules apply
Using an Irish prescription abroad
Prescriptions issued by Irish-registered doctors, dentists or nurses may be dispensed in:
- Other EU member states
- EEA countries
- The United Kingdom
This is conditional on the prescription containing all mandatory cross-border information (see below “Required information on a cross-border prescription”). Pharmacists should advise patients travelling abroad to request prescriptions that meet these requirements in advance.
Accepting foreign prescriptions in Ireland
Pharmacists in Ireland may dispense prescriptions issued by:
- EU or EEA-registered health professionals
- UK-registered health professionals
Only if the prescription contains all required cross-border details.
⚠️ Prescriptions issued online by a UK-registered prescriber to a patient resident in Ireland are not valid and must not be dispensed.
Electronic prescriptions and Healthmail
In Ireland, Healthmail allows prescribers to securely email prescriptions to pharmacies. However, this system cannot be used outside Ireland.
For cross-border use, pharmacists should ensure patients have a paper prescription that meets EU requirements and check that all required information (see the “Required Information on a Cross-Border Prescription” section below) is included.
While ePrescription services are being introduced across the EU, they are not available in all countries.
Required information on a cross-border prescription
There is no standard EU prescription template, but the following information must be present.
Patient details
- First name and surname (written in full)
- Date of birth
Prescriber details
- First name and surname (written in full)
- Professional qualification
- Contact details (email and telephone or fax, including international prefix)
- Work address, including country
- Signature (handwritten in ink or electronic)
- Date the prescription is issued
Medicinal product details
Prescribed product information
- Common name of the medicine (not brand name, unless medically necessary)
- Format (for example, tablets or solution)
- Quantity and strength
- Dosage or instructions for use
National rules still apply
When dispensing a cross-border prescription, pharmacists must comply with the regulations of the country of dispensing, including:
- Validity periods after issue
- National controlled drug legislation
- Authorisation status of the medicine
Some medicines, particularly controlled drugs such as strong opioids and certain sedatives, should not be prescribed cross-border for dispensing in Ireland.
Travelling with controlled medicines
Pharmacists should advise patients that additional documentation may be required when travelling with certain medicines, including narcotics and psychotropic substances.
Travel from the Schengen Area to Ireland
Patients carrying Schedule II or III medicines must have a Schengen Article 75 Certificate, issued by the relevant national authority.
- One certificate may be required per controlled drug
- A maximum 30-day personal supply is permitted
Further professional guidance
For regulatory or enforcement queries relating to medicines:
📧 Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA)
enforcementcontrol@hpra.ie
Additional guidance is available from: