If you’re planning to live in Panama, sooner or later you’ll need to visit a pharmacy — whether for everyday medications, prescriptions, or over-the-counter remedies. For most expats, the experience is a pleasant surprise: easier access, lower prices, and pharmacists who often go the extra mile to help.
This guide explains how pharmacies in Panama work, what medications are available, and the practical details expats need to know.
Accessibility: Easier Than in Many Countries
One of the first shocks for expats is how easily they can purchase medications. Drugs that require a prescription back home — such as blood pressure pills or painkillers — are often available over the counter in Panama.
This accessibility saves both time and money, especially for routine treatments. However, some controlled substances and stronger medications still require a local prescription.
Costs: A Fraction of U.S. Prices
Medication prices in Panama are significantly lower than in the U.S. and even in Europe. Expats repeatedly highlight this as one of the biggest advantages of living in Panama.
Examples of typical prices:
- Blood pressure medication: $10–$20 per month
- Diabetes medication: $15–$30 per month
- Cholesterol drugs: as low as $18 for generics (compared to $100+ in the U.S.)
- Antibiotics: $5–$15
👉 One retiree explained: “My medication cost me $300 per month in Florida. In Panama, I get the same generic for under $30. It’s life-changing.”
The Role of the Pharmacist
Another difference is the active role pharmacists play in Panama. They don’t just hand you a box of pills — they often:
- Recommend generic alternatives.
- Explain dosage and side effects.
- Suggest over-the-counter options for common symptoms.
👉 An expat noted: “The pharmacist was like a mini-doctor. He suggested a generic for my stomach issue, and it worked perfectly, at half the cost.”
This advisory role makes pharmacies a first stop for many minor health issues.
Prescriptions: Why Foreign Ones Don’t Work
One of the biggest frustrations for new expats is that foreign prescriptions are not valid in Panama. Even if you arrive with a prescription from your doctor abroad, local pharmacies will not accept it.
👉 As a newcomer recounted: “I brought my prescription from Spain, but the pharmacist shook her head. I had to see a Panamanian doctor to get a valid script.”
Once you have a local prescription, however, you can fill it at any pharmacy without issues.
Types of Pharmacies in Panama
Chain Pharmacies
Large pharmacy chains dominate in Panama City and other urban centers:
- El Javillo – More than 36 branches nationwide. Known for mixing conventional meds with natural and herbal remedies.
- Arrocha – Over 30 locations; acts like a department store with a full pharmacy plus cosmetics, tech, and home goods.
- Metro Plus – Linked to the Rey supermarket group. Found both inside grocery stores and as stand-alone pharmacies.
- Farma Value – Focuses on affordability with branches across the country, often offering some of the lowest prices.
Supermarket Pharmacies
Many large grocery chains also operate in-house pharmacies, including Riba Smith, Super 99, Machetazo, and Romero (in Chiriquí). These are convenient if you prefer to combine errands and usually maintain good standards.
Independent Pharmacies
Scattered throughout neighborhoods and small towns, independent pharmacies can be cheaper for generics but sometimes have limited stock.
Delivery and Apps
Panama has embraced delivery for medications:
- Pedidos Ya app: Offers fast delivery of over-the-counter medicines, often within 5–30 minutes, with low delivery fees.
- Direct pharmacy delivery: Most major chains deliver both OTC and prescription drugs. Orders are often handled through WhatsApp; for prescriptions, you’ll need to send a photo of your local doctor’s note. Delivery usually arrives within 24 hours.
👉 Pro tip: If you take long-term medication, establish a relationship with a branch. Once they have your prescription on file, refills become faster and more reliable.
Discounts and Pensionado Benefits
- Pensionado discount: Retirees with a Pensionado visa (or Panamanians over 55/60) get 10% off all medications year-round.
- Chain discount days: For example, Metro Plus offers 25% off all medications on Tuesdays and Thursdays — a major saving if you’re buying multiple prescriptions.
- Extra money savers: Ask to buy medication by the pill for short-term use, or choose generics whenever possible.
Common Expat Challenges
- Stock shortages: In small towns, certain medications may not always be available.
- Different brand names: Medicines may have completely different labels than in the U.S. or Europe.
- Language barriers: In Panama City, many pharmacists speak English, but in rural areas, Spanish is essential.
👉 Tip: Keep a list of your medications by active ingredient name, not just brand.
Practical Advice for Expats
- See a local doctor early for valid prescriptions, especially for chronic conditions.
- Time your purchases with discount days to maximize savings.
- Use chain pharmacies for consistency and stock reliability.
- Keep a WhatsApp thread with your preferred branch for smooth repeat orders.
- Always ask for generics — they’re widely trusted and far cheaper.
👉 One expat summed it up: “The key is flexibility. Don’t expect everything to be exactly like back home, but once you adapt, the system works just fine.”
Conclusion
Pharmacies in Panama are one of the hidden perks of expat life. They’re accessible, affordable, and staffed by pharmacists who often act as informal healthcare advisors.
The only real adjustment is learning that foreign prescriptions don’t work — but once you have a local doctor and a reliable pharmacy, getting your medications is straightforward and cost-effective.
👉 Next: Learn more about the Panama healthcare system to see how pharmacies fit into the bigger picture of healthcare in the country.
FAQs About Pharmacies in Panama
Do pharmacies in Panama accept foreign prescriptions?
No. Pharmacies in Panama only accept prescriptions issued by local doctors. Expats need to schedule a consultation with a Panamanian physician to obtain a valid prescription.
Are medications cheaper in Panama than in the U.S.?
Yes. Most medications, especially generics, are significantly cheaper — often 70–80% less than in the U.S. For example, cholesterol drugs that cost $100 in the U.S. may cost under $20 in Panama.
Do pharmacies in Panama deliver medications?
Yes. Most chain pharmacies offer delivery services through WhatsApp or their own platforms. Additionally, the Pedidos Ya app delivers over-the-counter medications within 30 minutes in most cities.
Are there pharmacy discounts for retirees in Panama?
Yes. Retirees with a Pensionado visa receive 10% off all medications. Some chains also run special discount days, such as Metro Plus with 25% off on Tuesdays and Thursdays.