Medicines and Pharmacies in Lithuania

What is a pharmacy (vaistinė)?

In Lithuania, pharmacies are called vaistinė. They are widely available in cities, towns, and many villages. Pharmacies are regulated and staffed by qualified pharmacists who can offer general advice on medicines and minor health concerns.

Most towns have at least one pharmacy that is open in the evenings or on weekends. In larger cities such as Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda, 24-hour pharmacies operate around the clock, including on public holidays. You can usually find the nearest open pharmacy by searching online or asking at your local pharmacy for their network's duty schedule.

Prescription vs. over-the-counter medicines

Medicines in Lithuania fall into two categories:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines — available without a prescription. These include common painkillers, cold remedies, vitamins, and similar products. You can ask the pharmacist for advice and purchase these directly.
• Prescription medicines (receptiniai vaistai) — require a valid prescription from a doctor. Your family doctor or specialist will issue a prescription electronically through the Lithuanian e-health system. You simply present your identity document at the pharmacy to collect it — no paper slip is needed.

Reimbursed medicines

If you have active PSD health insurance, some prescription medicines may be reimbursed (kompensuojami), meaning the state covers part of the cost. You pay only a portion at the pharmacy counter. The level of reimbursement depends on the medicine and your health condition. Your doctor can advise whether a medicine you need is on the reimbursed list.

What to bring to the pharmacy

• Your identity document (passport or ID card) — needed to collect electronic prescriptions
• Your health insurance status is confirmed automatically through the electronic system if you are insured
• Cash or a payment card — most pharmacies accept both

Asking for help at the pharmacy

Pharmacists are generally helpful and used to explaining products. In larger pharmacies, especially in cities, some staff may speak English. If there is a language barrier, you can show the name of the medicine on your phone or ask your doctor to print the prescription name clearly.

If you are unsure whether a medicine is safe to take alongside another one you are already using, always ask the pharmacist before purchasing.