Out-of-pocket prices in Saldus track national norms. A box of paracetamol 500 mg (20 tablets) costs around €2–4, a standard course of amoxicillin runs €4–8, and common statins or antihypertensives sit between €5–15 per month for generics. Branded originals can reach €25–40. The NVD compensated medicines list reimburses 50%, 75% or 100% of the reference price for chronic diagnoses such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma, provided the prescription is issued through the e-veselība portal by a contracted GP. Visitors with an EHIC card receive the same reimbursement rates as residents. Current reference prices and the compensated list are published by the State Agency of Medicines.

§02Emergencies & out-of-hours care

Saldus does not operate a 24-hour pharmacy. Outside standard hours (typically 08:00–19:00 weekdays, shorter on Saturdays, closed Sundays for smaller branches), residents rely on the duty rota published at each pharmacy door and on the Mēness aptieka branch with extended evening hours. For acute medical needs requiring urgent dispensing, the Saldus Medical Centre emergency department on Slimnīcas iela handles after-hours cases and can issue prescriptions filled the next morning. Call 113 for an ambulance or 112 for the unified emergency line — both are free from any phone and operate in Latvian, Russian and English.

§03Frequently asked questions

Do Saldus pharmacies accept foreign prescriptions?

Pharmacies in Saldus accept cross-border prescriptions issued in any EU/EEA country provided they meet the 2012/52/EU directive format, including the prescriber's full contact details and the international non-proprietary name of the medicine. Non-EU prescriptions are not directly dispensable; travellers from outside the EU should visit a Latvian GP — available at the Saldus Medical Centre — to have the prescription reissued locally. Controlled substances always require a Latvian prescription regardless of origin.

Can I get COVID-19 or flu vaccinations at a Saldus pharmacy?

Selected Mēness aptieka and Zaļā aptieka branches in Saldus participate in the NVD pharmacist-administered vaccination programme covering seasonal influenza and COVID-19 boosters for adults. Walk-in availability varies; booking through the chain's website or the e-veselība portal is recommended. Childhood immunisations and travel vaccines remain the responsibility of GP practices, not pharmacies.

Is English spoken in Saldus pharmacies?

Pharmacists in Saldus are required to hold a Latvian-language certificate and most also speak Russian fluently. English proficiency is variable and generally stronger among younger staff in the central Mēness aptieka and Zaļā aptieka branches. Bringing the medicine's generic name in writing, or the original packaging, significantly reduces the risk of confusion when no English-speaker is on duty.

Are generic substitutions automatic?

Yes. Latvian law requires pharmacists to offer the cheapest available generic equivalent of any prescribed reimbursed medicine unless the prescriber has ticked the "do not substitute" box. Patients may decline and request the branded original, but will then pay the difference between the reference price and the brand price out of pocket on top of any applicable co-payment.

Where is the nearest 24-hour pharmacy?

There is no round-the-clock pharmacy in Saldus itself. The nearest 24-hour outlets are in Liepāja, about 80 km west, and in Jelgava, around 110 km east. For overnight emergencies, the duty rota at the Saldus Medical Centre handles urgent dispensing through the hospital pharmacy attached to the inpatient ward.

§04Safety note

This directory is informational only and is not medical advice. Patients should consult a licensed pharmacist or physician for individual clinical decisions regarding any medicine, dosage or interaction.