Who is this guide for?
This guide is for you if a medicine has been prescribed to you in Finland and you want to understand how electronic prescriptions, pharmacies, prescription renewal and Kela medicine reimbursements work.
It does not tell you which medicine to take, how to dose medicines or which product is suitable for your situation. Questions about medication belong to a healthcare professional or pharmacy.
What is an electronic prescription in Finland?
According to Kanta, all prescriptions in Finland are issued electronically. The prescriber records the prescription in Kanta, and you can view your own prescription data in MyKanta.
Electronic prescription
A prescription is usually not a paper note, but information stored in Kanta Services.
MyKanta
In MyKanta, you can see prescriptions, validity, how much medicine remains and the option to request renewal.
Pharmacy
The pharmacy can view prescription data in its official role when you buy the medicine.
How to get medicines at a pharmacy
Prescription medicines are collected from a pharmacy (apteekki / pharmacy). According to Kanta, you can collect your prescription medicine from any pharmacy in Finland.
At the pharmacy, you may be asked to prove your identity or show, for example, your Kela card or patient instructions. If another person collects the medicine on your behalf, they must have the right or necessary information according to Kanta guidance.
Usual path for prescription medicine
Step 1
A healthcare professional prescribes the medicine and the prescription is stored in Kanta
This is the next point in the route.
Step 2
You check the prescription in MyKanta if needed
Check your situation before the next action.
Step 3
You go to a pharmacy or use the pharmacy's official service method
This is the next point in the route.
Step 4
The pharmacy checks the prescription and possible reimbursement information
Check your situation before the next action.
Step 5
You receive the medicine or instructions on how to continue
This is the next point in the route.
How to renew a prescription
You can request prescription renewal in MyKanta, in healthcare or at a pharmacy if the prescription and situation are suitable for renewal. A renewal request does not mean that the prescription is renewed automatically.
A healthcare professional assesses whether the prescription can be renewed or whether contact, further assessment or a new appointment is needed. If the prescription has expired or the information is unclear, check MyKanta guidance or ask the pharmacy or the unit that treated you.
How Kela reimbursements work
Kela may reimburse part of the cost of medicines prescribed for treatment of an illness if the medicine and situation are covered by the reimbursement system. Reimbursement is not automatic for all medicines or all purchases.
According to Kela, reimbursement for prescription medicines is usually provided directly at the pharmacy. At the time of purchase, the pharmacy checks reimbursement rights and information with Kela. Always check current rules, deductibles and possible special reimbursement rights on Kela's current page.
Not automatic for all medicines
Reimbursement depends on the medicine, purpose of use and current Kela/Hila decisions.
Often directly at the pharmacy
If reimbursement applies to your situation, it is usually handled during the pharmacy purchase.
The role of Fimea
Fimea is the Finnish medicines authority. It is connected to supervision, regulation and safety of medicines, pharmacies and the pharmaceutical sector.
Fimea is usually not the place where an individual user requests a prescription or renewal. A healthcare professional prescribes the medicine, the pharmacy dispenses it and Kela handles reimbursement-system matters.
Different roles
Healthcare prescribes. The pharmacy dispenses. Kela handles reimbursements. Fimea regulates and supervises the medicines sector.
What if there is a problem with the prescription?
If the prescription is not visible in MyKanta, the pharmacy cannot find it, the prescription has expired or reimbursement does not appear as expected, start with the service that can correct that specific matter.
Contact the unit that treated you if the issue relates to prescription content, renewal or a missing prescription. Ask the pharmacy if the problem concerns dispensing or pharmacy service. Check with Kela if the question concerns reimbursement rights or payment.
How to clarify a problem
Step 1
Check the prescription status in MyKanta
Check your situation before the next action.
Step 2
Ask the pharmacy whether the prescription and reimbursement information are visible in its system
This is the next point in the route.
Step 3
Contact the unit that treated you if the prescription needs correction or renewal
This is the next point in the route.
Step 4
Check with Kela if the matter concerns medicine reimbursement
Check your situation before the next action.
Step 5
Follow official instructions and ask for a written summary if needed
Follow messages and reply to requests on time.
If you need a sign language interpreter
If you need a sign language interpreter for healthcare, pharmacy or Kela matters, arrange interpreting early. Tell the service what communication method you need.
Kela's interpreting service for persons with disabilities may be available in authority and service situations if you have a decision for it. Ask for important prescription, reimbursement or next-step information in writing as well.