Pharmacies in Itauguá: how to choose a drugstore that fits

In Itauguá, the best pharmacy for you is the one that has your medicine today and sits on your side of Route PY02, which runs through the district and splits it almost in half. Before you go, call or WhatsApp with the exact drug name, dose and form, and check they have it and how late they're open. If you're coming out of the Hospital Nacional with a prescription, sort out what you need nearby before heading home.

How to find a pharmacy near you in Itauguá

Searching "pharmacy near me" on your phone map is a good start, but listed hours aren't always current. In practice:

• Pick two or three pharmacies near your barrio and save their numbers. Itauguá has 46 barrios, from the centre to Itauguá Guazú, Mbocayaty del Sur, Las Mercedes or San Cayetano (Wikipedia⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠), so "in Itauguá" can still be a trip.
• Check which side of PY02 you're on. Crossing at rush hour can take longer than the purchase itself.
• Look across the boundary. Itauguá borders Capiatá, Areguá, Ypacaraí, Itá, Pirayú and J. Augusto Saldívar (Wikipedia⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠); near the edge, the closest pharmacy may be in the next town.
• At night, on Sundays or public holidays, call first even if the map says "open".

Leaving the Hospital Nacional with a prescription?

The Hospital Nacional is in the Itauguá Guazú area (Wikipedia⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠), and many patients come from other cities. Patients and relatives told ABC Color in 2024⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠ that when some medicines were out of stock they had to buy them at outside pharmacies, at a high daily cost. To avoid running around:

• Ask the hospital pharmacy first what's available, and have them mark on the prescription what you'll need to buy outside.
• Photograph the prescription and WhatsApp it to two nearby pharmacies: they'll tell you if they have it, the price, and whether they can hold it.
• For a multi-day treatment, ask whether they sell by unit or blister, and work out how many doses you need until the hospital's next supply.
• If you're insured with IPS, check your coverage before paying out of pocket.

Which medicines need a prescription?

Antibiotics have been prescription-only since November 2018. The prescription must show the patient's name, ID number and diagnosis, plus the doctor's signature, stamp and registration number, and it's valid for five days from issue (Última Hora⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠). Once it expires the pharmacy can't sell it to you; go back to the doctor.

For everything else, bring the original prescription or a clear photo. If the brand you were prescribed isn't in stock, ask the pharmacist about an alternative with the same active ingredient and check with your doctor.

What to check at the counter

Dinavisa⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠, the national health surveillance agency, regulates pharmacies. Its inspections have found unregistered products, prices above the set level and missing cold-chain equipment (Última Hora, 2023⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠). Three quick checks:

• Health registration: every medicine must have its registration number printed on the box along with the laboratory. If it doesn't, don't buy it.
• Cold chain: insulin and other refrigerated products should come out of a fridge. Itauguá's average yearly temperature is around 23 °C (Wikipedia⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠) and summer is much hotter, so carry them in a cooler bag if the trip home is long.
• No social-media "miracles": Dinavisa says selling medicines through Instagram or other networks is illegal. Buy at a pharmacy.

What to ask before you go

• Stock: brand name, active ingredient, dose and form (tablets, syrup, drops).
• Payment: whether they take card, transfer or QR as well as cash.
• Delivery: whether they deliver to your barrio and how long it takes.
• Extra services: whether they check blood pressure or give injections, and when.