Ever wondered how pharmacies in the UK and US compare? A British doctor, Dr Mim, who specializes in obstetrics and gynaecology, decided to find out during her Florida vacation. She visited a CVS Pharmacy in the Sunshine State before sharing her observations on TikTok.
One of the first things she noticed was the availability of 1,000 ibuprofen tablets packs, a stark contrast to the 16 or 32 packs sold in the UK. She also pointed out naproxen – a “super-strong anti-inflammatory” is freely available – but requires a doctor to prescribe in the UK due to its potential to cause stomach bleeding.
Mim noted that melatonin, which is also only available via prescription in the UK for insomnia treatment, were available over the counter in the US too – with 10mg gummies on shelves -significantly more than a typical 2mg UK prescription.
Ohio boy, 9, shot dead by mom in murder-suicide after dad granted emergency custody hearing
13-year-old charged with murder after telling police his friend attempted suicide
Mim also found omeprazole was also readily available. “Here you can just get it randomly,” she said, before pointing out similar heartburn medications on the shelves.
She then noticed an over-the-counter antibiotic and pain relief medication containing trimethoprim, typically used for bug bites in the US. “As far as I’m aware you cannot buy antibiotics without a prescription in the UK, so that’s kind of strange,” she remarked.
And in yet another surprising find, she discussed acetaminophen, sold under the name, paracetamol at home. “The most you can get in the UK is 18 [tablets] in a pack and you’re usually limited to two packs,” Mim said. “But here you can get 500 capsules, which is crazy – that’s 250 doses.”
Concluding her revelations, Mim pointed out that contraceptive pills can also be purchased in the US without needing a doctor’s prior consultation or prescription. Her video quickly went viral, with over two million views and debates sparking amongst her followers.
A fellow Brit responded: “The fact that they can just BUY antibiotics makes me inexplicably angry.” Another weighed in: “I think we should definitely be allowed to buy antibiotics in the UK, getting antibiotics is like gold dust when people genuinely need them and they’re no prescribed properly.”
However, a third British TikTok user advised caution: “My mum bought painkillers from CVS when we were in New York for her sciatica – took two tablets (assuming they were a brand-name ibuprofen as the price was comparable) – turns out they were naproxen and she was really unwell for the evening! The medication epidemic in the States is hugely concerning! People want to take a pill for everything!”
Whilst a fourth individual acknowledged the trade-offs, highlighting the difference in healthcare systems: “In the UK it doesn’t cost us to see a doctor to get the prescriptions. So I can see why they’re a bit more available over there.”
