How do I continue a US prescription after moving to Portugal or the EU?

Short answer: US prescriptions are not valid in the EU and cannot be transferred. Once you move to Portugal or another EU country, you must obtain a new prescription from an EU-licensed physician. This requires a fresh clinical assessment, even if you have been taking the same medication in the US. The process typically takes a few days to a week, and many expats use EU telehealth services like AETHERA to arrange this consultation without visiting a physical clinic.

Why US prescriptions don't work in the EU

Prescriptions are issued under the regulatory framework of the country where the physician is licensed. A US prescription, written by a US-licensed doctor under US law, has no legal standing in Portugal, Germany, France, or any other EU member state. EU pharmacies will not dispense medication on a US prescription, and EU physicians cannot legally refill or extend a US prescription.

This applies to all medications, including common ones like antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, and weight-management medications such as GLP-1 agonists. Each EU country also maintains its own list of approved medicines (the national formulary), and while most common drugs are available, the brand names, dosages, and approval status may differ from the US.

The process for obtaining an EU prescription

Once you arrive in the EU, you have two main routes:

Route 1: Register with a local GP. In Portugal, you can register with the National Health Service (SNS) or use a private clinic. In other EU countries, registration processes vary. Your GP will conduct a full assessment, review your medical history, and issue a new prescription if clinically appropriate. This is free or low-cost under public systems but can take weeks to arrange an appointment.

Route 2: Use an EU telehealth service. Platforms like AETHERA allow you to have a consultation with an EU-licensed physician online. You provide your medical history, current symptoms, and any previous diagnoses. The physician reviews your case and, if appropriate, issues an EU prescription that you can collect from any pharmacy in the EU. This typically takes 2-7 days and is available immediately after you move.

What you'll need for a new assessment

When you consult an EU physician, have the following ready:

• Your US prescription or a list of medications you were taking (drug name, dose, frequency).
• Your medical history, including diagnoses, allergies, and any previous adverse reactions.
• Recent blood work or test results if relevant (e.g., blood pressure readings, cholesterol levels).
• Information about any other conditions or medications you take.

The EU physician will not simply rubber-stamp your US prescription. They will assess whether the medication is appropriate for you under EU guidelines, whether the dose is correct, and whether any alternatives are available. In most cases, if you were stable on a medication in the US, an EU physician will continue it, but this is a clinical decision made during the consultation.

Timeline and cost

Using a local GP typically takes 2-6 weeks to get an appointment and may be free (SNS in Portugal) or cost EUR 50-150 per visit. Using a telehealth service like AETHERA is faster (2-7 days) and costs EUR 40-100 for the consultation, depending on the medication and complexity. Prescription fees vary by country; in Portugal, most medications cost EUR 5-15 at the pharmacy under the SNS system.

Special considerations for controlled medications

If you take a controlled substance (benzodiazepines, stimulants, opioids), the process is more complex. EU regulations on controlled drugs are stricter than in the US, and some medications may not be available or may require special authorisation. You must inform the EU physician of your current controlled medication during the assessment. They will determine whether to continue it, switch you to an EU-approved alternative, or refer you to a specialist. Do not attempt to bring controlled medications into the EU without a valid EU prescription; this is illegal and can result in confiscation or legal consequences.

Bringing medication into the EU temporarily

If you are moving and need medication during the transition period, you can bring a limited supply (typically up to 3 months) of your US prescription medication into the EU for personal use, provided it is in its original labelled container and you carry a copy of your US prescription. However, this is a temporary measure only. You must obtain an EU prescription before your supply runs out.

EU regulatory context

All EU member states require that prescriptions be issued by physicians licensed in that country. This is enforced by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and national medicines regulators. Telehealth consultations are legal across the EU, provided the physician is licensed in an EU country and the patient is located in the EU during the consultation. AETHERA is EU-licensed and operates within this framework, offering consultations to patients who have relocated to the EU.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ask my US doctor to send my prescription to an EU pharmacy?

No. US prescriptions have no legal validity in the EU, and EU pharmacies cannot process them. Your US physician is also not licensed to prescribe in the EU and cannot issue an EU prescription. You must obtain a new prescription from an EU-licensed physician.

How long can I use my US medication supply after moving?

You can bring up to 3 months of medication in its original container for personal use. After that, you must have an EU prescription. Do not rely on this as a long-term solution; arrange a consultation with an EU physician before your supply runs out.

Will an EU doctor prescribe the same medication as my US doctor?

Most likely yes, if the medication is approved in the EU and clinically appropriate for you. However, the EU physician makes an independent clinical decision. Some US medications are not available in the EU, or may be available under a different brand name or dose. Discuss this during your consultation.

Can I use AETHERA if I'm still in the US but moving to the EU soon?

No. AETHERA serves patients located in the European Union. You must be physically present in the EU to use the service. Once you arrive, you can book a consultation immediately.

What if I need my prescription urgently after moving?

If you need medication urgently and cannot wait for a telehealth appointment, visit an urgent care clinic or emergency department in your new country. They can issue an emergency prescription or refer you to a physician. For non-urgent medications, telehealth services like AETHERA typically respond within 2-7 days.

Ready to arrange your EU prescription? Start your assessment with AETHERA.