Is Metformin for diabetes, prescription free?

[Anikje]

Hi There!
My family and I will soon be spending our holiday in Kalkan, and looking very much forward 
I'm taking Metformin for my diabetes and, Euthyrox for hypothyroidism.

I heard that some drugs are much cheaper in Turkey. Therefore I thought of avoiding the hurdle of bringing it, and instead buying it, when we are there 

My question is: Do I need a prescription for these drugs, or will I be able to get it "OTC"?

Best regards
Anikje

Linkback: https://www.enjoykalkan.com/forum/index.php?topic=13414.0

[Mayday1]

The drugs may be cheaper in Kalkan...........but my advice would be to possibly spend a little more,buy them in the UK,and you are then 100% re assured that you have the exact medicine to treat your conditions.If you get to Kalkan,and the products are not identical to those at home then they may not act the same.........id rather be safe than sorry personally.

[DRBD]

Bring an empty box with you with the details of your medication, the pharmacist will then check it on the computer, no doubt you will get the equivalent here. There are many Turkish people it appears suffer like yourself with diebetes so sure you will be ok & it will be OTC, you will not be able to puchase antbiotics here without a prescription.    Obviously it depends how you feel about it but the pharmacists here are very highly qualified, my OH has to have medication some of it very strong & he has no problems. 

[pattaya]

Hi

I always stock up on meds when I come to Kalkan .. However this year they've had a change in the law and they wont sell you prescription drugs over the counter .. so my advice would be fetch what you need . As you would have to go to the medical centre otherwise .. I needed antibiotics for a toothache and was refused in the 2 that I tried
P x

[kalkan4eva]

We were able to buy Frusemide which is only available on prescription in UK in the Pharmacy opposite Lime Bar, so maybe just certain drugs....?

[pattaya]

Was that recently as I went in there too ?? As I said I always brought meds in kalkan as a back up for when I'm home and can't always get my prescription filled. But this time no one would sell them to  me .. Very strange as even in May I brought some diflofenic which is a prescription painkiller, So yes maybe they have just resricted certain items .

[DRBD]

The new resitructions came in at least 18 months ago on some drugs namely antibiotics  being sold OTC, as we found out when trying tp purchase some for Turkish friends living in the UK. If anyone is in urgent need of anything am sure they pop up to the heath centre on Kalamar Rd, they will help out.

[Blue Lizard]

Tried last year to buy Nurofen cold & Flu in 3 different pharmacies none would sell it to me  over the counter but the young bar lad who is  a kid was able to buy 4 boxes for me? this year I got a stinking cold in our second week...same again young bar boy who was even younger than last years got me them!!! and yes they really are cheaper than Asda  & 24 in a box not 12.....hardly a strong drug so really makes no sense
I have loads they must have thought the young bar boy was very ill

[samson]

bought lansoprazole yesterday over the counter. only on prescription in UK