Can you buy prescription drugs over-the-counter in India?

In India, till date there are no guidelines for licensing of OTC medicines. There is no separate category allotted for OTC medicines in India and the drugs which do not come under the prescription medicines schedule are generally sold as over-the-counter medicines.

How do I get a 90 day supply of medication?

Ask your doctor to write you 90-day prescription (instead of a 30-day one), which can often be cheaper in the long run. Ask your doctor if they have any free samples of the medication. Check if the manufacturer of your drug has a savings card or patient assistance program.

How can I get prescription drugs for free?

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance can help qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need through the program that is right for them. Many will get their medications free or nearly free. For more information, call 1-888-477-2669.

Is it legal to buy drugs in India?

Legal Background The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Bill, 1985 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 23 August 1985. Under the NDPS Act, it is illegal for a person to produce/manufacture/cultivate, possess, sell, purchase, transport, store, and/or consume any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance.

Why are 90 day prescriptions cheaper?

Instead of just one month, a 90-day refill is enough medication to last you three months. That means you’d only need a refill four times a year. Essentially, purchasing 90-day refills means you’re buying your meds “in bulk”—similar to how you save by buying toilet paper at Costco instead of at your local grocery store.

What happens if you can’t afford medication?

For people with no prescription drug coverage, organizations such as The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps find you needed medicines at very low or no cost. Patients also can check if the pharmaceutical company that makes their medicine also has a financial patient assistance program for that drug.

Can a doctor dispense medicines in India?

Under Schedule K of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, ‘dispensing medicines’ to one’s patient is allowed. The rule says that a doctor can “dispense” the medicine that he prescribes to his patient for free.

Can pharmacist do medicine?

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the right way to use, store, preserve, and provide medicine. They can guide you on how to use medications, and let you know about any potential adverse effects of what you take. They fill prescriptions issued by doctors and other healthcare professionals.