Medication in Denmark

If your daughter or son is taking prescription medication, please review the following information very carefully regarding the legality and import methods of U.S. Prescription Medication in Denmark.

If your son or daughter is currently using medication in the U.S. and will need to continue to do so in Denmark, please be aware that some types of medication that are available in the U.S. may not be available in Denmark, and it is not possible to bring a full, four-month supply through Danish customs. Please also be aware that it is illegal to send medication of any kind to Denmark. Importing illegal medication to Denmark may result in receiving a fine or other more serious legal repercussions.

Is a certain medication available in Denmark or is a substitute needed?

• To find out if medication is available in Denmark and to look up potential substitutes, you are advised to consult this website with your home doctor: www.medicinpriser.dk
• www.medicinpriser.dk is an official, comprehensive list of all types of medication that can be legally obtained in Denmark, along with information about prices, availability, etc
• www.medicinpriser.dk is updated every two weeks and is available in English if you click on the “English” icon in the upper right corner of the page. Read more under “About medicinpriser.dk” and “About the search function” in the menu on the right side of the page
• When using the search function on the page, please do not search for brand names of the medication you use, but for the active substances in the medication. The active substances of the medication may be available in Denmark, even though the specific brand name you use is not
• Searching for the active substances will also let you know if any generic drugs are available and you can look up substitute types of medication under different brand names
• It may also be the case that a specific type of medication is simply distributed under a different name in Denmark. Prozac, for example, is distributed under the name Fontex
• If the medication is available on the list but is described as “discontinued” the medication is (currently) not available in Denmark
• If medication is not available in Denmark, please be aware that it is possible to ask a Danish doctor to apply to import this medication. However, there is no guarantee that the doctor deems this necessary if a substitute is available, or that the dispensation will be granted if she/he does apply for it on your daughter or son's behalf. Also, you should be aware that applying for a dispensation can be a long and bureaucratic process and cannot be started until you/your daughter or son has arrived in Denmark. Hence, if the medication is not available in Denmark, discuss witha U.S. doctor if switching to a substitute that is available in Denmark is possible
• Prozac (Fontex), Ritalin and Concerta are available as prescription medication in Denmark
• Adderall, Vyvanse and Focalin are not available as prescription medication in Denmark and cannot legally be imported to Denmark. (All previous applications for dispensations have been denied)
• Please only use www.medicinpriser.dk in consultation with your home doctor! Once you have consulted the page together, it is up to your home doctor to decide whether or not to switch to a substitute in Denmark. Please be aware that the administrative staff at DIS are not trained medical professionals and cannot in good faith offer advice about possible substitute types of medication, only your home doctor can do this.

How much medication can be brought through Danish Customs?

• Generally, any type of medication that contains amphetamine, benzodiazepine, methylfenidate and other euphoriants has import restrictions on them in Denmark. Hence, a supply for 14 days only can be brought through Danish customs only.
• If the medication does not contain euphoriants, it is allowed to bring a supply for three months through Danish customs.
• When you bring medication through Danish customs, please be aware that you should also bring documentation for your condition from your home doctor, information about the specific types of medication you are bringing with you, as well as proof of legal purchase of the medication (eg. a receipt from the pharmacy where it was purchased.)
• If you wish to consult the legislation that these rules of thumb refer to, please read the following material, which is available on the Danish Medicines Agency’s website:
  
  • Executive Order On Importation of Medicinal Products by Private Persons § 4 and 7 (currently only available in Danish and in English per request to DIS’ North American Office)
  • Danish Executive order on euphoriant substances & Amendment to the executive order (currently only available in Danish)
  • The Danish Medicines Act (available in English)

How to refill a prescription once in Denmark

• To refill a prescription in Denmark, you need to make an appointment with a Danish doctor. She/he will have a consultation with you and then write you a prescription if she/he deems it necessary. For the consultation, you should bring documentation for your condition from your home doctor, as well as information about the specific type of medication you are taking.
• Please be aware that it is the Danish doctor who decides whether or not you will need the prescription here in Denmark, not yourself or your home doctor. However, most doctors in Denmark will follow the recommendation of the home doctor.
• To bring your prescription medication with you to other countries you travel to during your studies in Denmark, please consult you Danish doctor about getting a license for this.
• Please be aware that DIS’ medical insurance does not cover preexisting illnesses or dental work, but your home insurance may have international coverage. Hence, consider contacting your insurance provider prior to arrival in Denmark.

Please be aware that the information above is subject to change and DIS cannot be held responsible for any changes. If you have questions prior to arrival in Denmark, contact our North American Office. After arrival in Denmark, please contact Housing and Student Affairs.