Where to Buy Medicine and Prescription Drugs in Hong Kong

Knowing where to buy medicine in Hong Kong can help expats avoid counterfeit or improperly supplied products. The key is to understand the difference between pharmacies, licensed medicine stores, and other retailers, and to know which medicine requires a prescription. 

Hong Kong’s Department of Health regulates pharmaceutical products through Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance. Medicines must generally be registered before they can legally be sold.

Where Can You Buy Medicine in Hong Kong?

Where you can buy medicine depends on how it is classified:

Medicine Type	Where you can buy it	Prescription Required?
Non-poison medicines	Any retail shop	No
Part 2 poisons	Pharmacy or licensed medicine store	No
Pharmacy-only medicines	Registered pharmacy	No, but pharmacist supervision is required
Prescription-only medicines	Registered pharmacy	Yes
Antibiotics	Registered pharmacy	Yes

Common over-the-counter medicines may be available from pharmacies or licensed medicine stores, while prescription medicines can only be supplied by a registered pharmacy under pharmacist supervision. Antibiotics and dangerous drugs are also prescription-only.

What Is The Difference Between a Pharmacy and a Medicine Store?

Not every shop selling medicine in Hong Kong is a pharmacy. The Department of Health distinguishes between Authorized Sellers of Poisons (ASPs), commonly known as pharmacies, and Listed Sellers of Poisons (LSPs), commonly known as medicine stores.

Registered pharmacies can sell Part 1 poisons and prescription medicines when the relevant requirements are met. Medicine stores in Hong Kong can sell non-poison medicines and Part 2 poisons, but cannot sell prescription medicines or other Part 1 poisons.

A registered pharmacy should display its registration information and pharmacist attendance hours. Some pharmacies also display the “Rx” logo. You can verify licensed pharmacies and medicine stores through the Hong Kong Department of Health’s Drug Office.

How Can You Check Whether Medicine is Legitimate?

Before purchasing medicine, check the packaging for a Hong Kong registration number in the format HK-XXXXX. Registered pharmaceutical products should also include information such as the product name, active ingredients, manufacturer, batch number, expiry date, and storage conditions.

The Drug Office’s Search Drug Database lets you verify whether a pharmaceutical product is registered. If you are unsure about a medicine, speak with a pharmacist or doctor.

Can You Buy Medicine Online in Hong Kong?

Buying medicine online requires extra caution. Hong Kong’s pharmaceutical regulations also apply to online sales, and medicines must meet the relevant registration and licensing requirements.

The Department of Health states that no licensee has been authorized to conduct online retail sales of controlled medicines, including prescription-only medicines, pharmacy-only medicines, antibiotics, and dangerous drugs.

If you purchase medicine online, check:

• Whether the seller is licensed 
• Whether the medicine has an HK-XXXXX registration number.
• Whether the product information and packaging appear legitimate.
• Whether the seller is an identifiable and authorized source.

Be especially cautious with medicines offered through social media, messaging apps, or overseas websites. The Department of Health has investigated illegal online sales of unregistered medicines and products containing undeclared controlled ingredients.

Where Can You Buy Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong?

Chinese medicines are regulated separately from Western pharmaceutical products under Hong Kong’s Chinese Medicine Ordinance. Chinese herbal medicines include those listed under Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 of the legislation.

If you want to purchase Chinese herbal medicines, look for a licensed Chinese medicine retailer. Online retailers must also hold the appropriate license and comply with requirements for internet sales.

For Schedule 1 medicines and other treatments where professional assessment is appropriate, consider consulting a registered Chinese medicine practitioner before purchasing or using the medicine.

Does Health Insurance Cover Prescription Medicine?

Whether health insurance covers prescription medication depends on the policy. Many international health insurance plans separate inpatient and outpatient benefits, with prescription medicines commonly falling under outpatient coverage.

When choosing a plan, check whether it covers:

• Prescription medications
• Doctor and specialist consultations
• Outpatient treatment
• Pre-existing conditions
• Chronic conditions and ongoing medication
• Emergency treatment
• Treatment outside Hong Kong

Pre-existing conditions may be excluded, subject to waiting periods, or covered under specific terms depending on the insurer and policy.

Key Takeaway

When looking for a drug store near you or a pharmacy in Hong Kong, check that the retailer is properly licensed and that the medicine has a valid Hong Kong registration number. Prescription medicines, antibiotics, and other controlled medicines must be obtained through the appropriate channels, while non-prescription medicines may be available from licensed medicine stores.

If you are unsure whether a medicine is suitable or legitimate, speak with a pharmacist or doctor before purchasing it. Checking the seller and product registration can help you avoid unregistered or improperly supplied medicines.

Get The Right Health Insurance for Life in Hong Kong

Knowing where to buy medicine is important, but the right health insurance can also help you manage the wider costs of healthcare in Hong Kong.

Get the right plan for you at Pacific Prime Hong Kong. Explore health insurance options based on your healthcare needs, budget, preferred hospitals, and geographical coverage.

Get a quote today and find a plan that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions