Understand your pharmacy visit
Last updated: October 19, 2026
A glossary of the Danish words you'll meet on your prescription and at the pharmacy — explained simply, so you know what they mean next time you hear them.
Prescription
The doctor's written approval that you may receive a specific medicine. Without a prescription, the pharmacy cannot hand out prescription-only medicine.
E-prescription
The doctor sends the prescription electronically straight to the pharmacy. You don't need to bring any paper — the pharmacy can look it up when you give your CPR number.
Reimbursement
The state pays part of the price on certain prescriptions, so you pay less yourself. How much depends on how much you've spent on medicine in the past year.
Generic substitution
The pharmacy often gives you a cheaper brand with the exact same active ingredient and effect as the one the doctor wrote — only the name and box look different.
Over-the-counter medicine
Medicine you can buy without a prescription — but it isn't harmless just because it's freely available. Always ask if you're unsure whether it fits with your other medicine.
Prescription-only medicine
Medicine the pharmacy may only hand out if you have a valid prescription from a doctor — usually because it needs supervision or can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Shared Medication Record (FMK)
A shared, up-to-date overview of all your medicine that your doctor, pharmacy and the hospital can see — so everyone knows exactly what you take, even if you forget.
Dosette box / dosage card
A box or bag where the pharmacy sorts your medicine into ready pouches by time of day — so you don't have to count pills yourself. Ask your pharmacy if you can get this.
Package leaflet
The small folded paper inside the box, written by the manufacturer in Danish, with all the details about the medicine. Somalimed doesn't replace it, but is an easier supplement.
Side effect
An unwanted effect of the medicine, beyond what it's intended for. Most side effects are mild and go away — but always tell the pharmacy or doctor if something feels wrong.
Interaction
When two or more medicines affect each other, so the effect becomes stronger, weaker or different than expected. Always tell the pharmacy about all the medicine you take.
Health insurance card (yellow card)
Your personal ID with the doctor, pharmacy and hospital — show it (or your CPR number) when picking up medicine, so the system can find your prescription and reimbursement.
Chronic-illness reimbursement
Extra reimbursement for you if you have a chronic need for a lot of medicine, so your own payment gets a ceiling. Ask your pharmacy if you meet the requirements.
Expiry date
The date printed on the box showing how long the medicine is safe to use. Never use medicine after that date — hand it in to the pharmacy instead.
Pharmacy-only medicine
Medicine you don't need a prescription for, but which may only be sold at a pharmacy — not in a supermarket — because pharmacy staff need to be able to advise you on it.
This glossary is a general explanation, not an official legal text. The rules (e.g. reimbursement) can change — always ask your own pharmacy about details that apply to your exact situation.