In the Valencian Community almost every public health prescription is electronic: your doctor records it in the system and the pharmacy reads it with your health card. It is convenient, but it raises many questions: when a prescription expires, why the pharmacy does not give you every box, or whether you can collect your medicines on holiday. This guide summarises what the regional health department explains.
The treatment sheet: what it is and what it is for
When your doctor prescribes a medicine, you receive a treatment sheet listing the medicines you must take, how to take them and until when. Treatments are ordered by end date. For many long-term medicines the duration can be up to 365 days.
The sheet includes a barcode the pharmacy uses to dispense. The same information is in the pharmacy section of the GVA +Salut app, so you can go to the pharmacy without paper.
When an electronic prescription expires
- It does not expire while the treatment planned by your doctor lasts. If you skip collecting a box one month, the treatment is not interrupted.
- There is no longer a fixed collection calendar: prescriptions become available about 14 days before the date your previous box is expected to run out.
- For short-term treatments (an antibiotic, for example), you collect the medicine when it is prescribed.
- When the treatment reaches its end date, you need to see your doctor again to decide whether to continue. If appointments are hard to get, read our guide on what to do when there are no GP appointments.
The health department recommends collecting only the boxes you need for the remaining period, rather than stockpiling at home. You do not have to take everything shown as available.
What to bring to the pharmacy
- Your health card, which is essential. Since 2026 you can also use the virtual SIP card with a QR code in the app: see our SIP card guide.
- Your treatment sheet, or the GVA +Salut app with the pharmacy section activated on your phone.
Collecting your medicines in another Spanish region
Valencian electronic prescriptions are interoperable across the Spanish National Health System. If you are travelling in Spain, you can collect your treatment at any pharmacy by showing your health card. The dispensing rules of the region you are in apply.
Collecting your medicines in another EU country
There is also a European electronic prescription, with more conditions:
- It only works in countries where it is already operational. Before travelling, check the country map on the Spanish Ministry of Health website.
- Bring your health card and, if it has no photo, your ID card or passport. You cannot collect medicines for someone else.
- You pay 100% at the pharmacy and can then claim a refund in your region with the receipt.
- Narcotics and psychotropics, medical devices and accessories, individual vaccines, compounded medicines and dietary products are not dispensed.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone else collect my medicines?
Within the Valencian Community, whoever goes must bring your health card. Abroad, collecting medicines for another person is not allowed.
I have lost a medicine I need. What should I do?
If the pharmacy cannot dispense it, go to your health centre for a new prescription.
Who do I ask if something does not add up?
Your pharmacy or health centre. You can also call 012 (+34 963 866 000 from outside the region).