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Portuguese in Angola


Pharmacies

Someone buying medicine at a pharmacy

Pharmacies are easy to find in Angola, and many are open twenty-four hours. Given that Angola does not have a culture of prescription drugs, it may be hard for foreigners to have certain prescriptions filled. Whether or not a prescription is necessary to purchase certain drugs varies from pharmacy to pharmacy. Some pharmacists insist, however, that the purpose of the prescription is to determine the amount of the dosage rather than to authorize the distribution of the drug. One does not need a prescription for antibiotics.

Generally, pharmacies only sell products directly related to the body: soap, bandages, body lotion and perfumes, dental products, diapers, creams and toys. It is not a bad idea to comparison shop between pharmacies, since prices can be high.

It is possible to ask the pharmacist to measure blood pressure and weight.