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Netherlands: Access to medicines

In the Netherlands, medicines are authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the national CBG-MEB.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, closed boxes.
Figure 1.Pharmacy shelves — Netherlands: Access to medicines

01Short answer

After authorisation, the government decides, on the advice of Zorginstituut Nederland, whether basic insurance pays for a medicine. Many leukaemia medicines are supplied by the hospital pharmacy and paid from the hospital budget; tablets taken at home are sometimes collected from a community or specialist pharmacy. Only your team decides which medicine suits you and how to take it.

02Simple explanation

CBG-MEB and EMA: authorisation.

Zorginstituut: reimbursement advice.

Hospital pharmacy: for many medicines.

03Scientific explanation

New medicines: some expensive drugs go through an assessment stage before they are reimbursed.

Research: unauthorised medicines are sometimes available only within a clinical trial.

04What happens in the body?

Pharmacy

Always get prescription medicines from an official pharmacy.

Authorisation

European authorisation is valid in every EU country.

On a dark navy background, a seal with stars.
Figure 2.European seal — Netherlands: Access to medicines

Hospital pharmacy

Special medicines are often supplied here.

On a dark navy background, a lit window.
Figure 3.Hospital pharmacy — Netherlands: Access to medicines

05Medicines without worry

Four steps.

Which pharmacy? — Ask.1Which pharmacy?Ask.
Payment — Check.2PaymentCheck.
List — Keep it updated.3ListKeep it updated.
On time — Refill.4On timeRefill.
ContinuityMedicine is there on time.
SafetyEveryone has the same list.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
PharmacyAlways get prescription medicines from an official pharmacy.
AuthorisationEuropean authorisation is valid in every EU country.
Hospital pharmacySpecial medicines are often supplied here.

07Key terms

Ziekenhuisapotheek
Hospital pharmacy.
Recept
Prescription.
Medicatieoverzicht
Medication list.
Vergoeding
Reimbursement.

08Key points

  • Carry your medication list.
  • Tell your team about any new medicine.
  • Mention herbal products too.
  • Do not buy medicines online.
  • Refill in good time.

09Frequently asked questions

Are medicines free?

Most are paid by basic insurance; the excess may apply.

Can I bring medicine from abroad?

Only after agreeing it with your team; rules are strict.

An unauthorised medicine?

Sometimes through a trial or special programme; ask your team.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are medicines free?

  2. Can I bring medicine from abroad?

  3. An unauthorised medicine?

My questions

12Sources

  1. CBG-MEB (Medicines Evaluation Board). Official website
  2. Rijksoverheid. Geneesmiddelen (in Dutch)
  3. Zorginstituut Nederland (National Health Care Institute). Official website
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Drugs Approved for Leukemia
  5. Hematon. Patient organisation for blood cancer (in Dutch)
  6. HOVON (Dutch-Belgian Hemato-Oncology Foundation). Official website
  7. Sanquin. Official website
  8. Matchis. Dutch stem cell donor centre (in Dutch)
  9. CAK. Official website (in Dutch)
  10. Patiëntenfederatie Nederland. Official website (in Dutch)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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