Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about medication prices, generics, and comparing pharmacy prices in Switzerland.

Why do medication prices vary so much in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, prices for non-prescription medications (categories D and E) are not regulated — each pharmacy sets its own prices. The same product can cost up to CHF 50 more depending on the pharmacy. Mediano compares prices across 750+ pharmacies throughout Switzerland so you can instantly find the cheapest option.

Which medications can I buy without a prescription?

In Switzerland, there are two categories of non-prescription medications: Category D (dispensed with pharmacist advice) and Category E (freely available, also in drugstores). Mediano covers over 2,000 non-prescription products from more than 1,700 brands.

How up-to-date are the prices on Mediano?

Prices are collected daily from pharmacy websites through automated systems. These are real retail prices — not manufacturer list prices or estimates. We currently compare prices from 750+ pharmacies across Switzerland.

What is a generic and can I save money with one?

A generic contains the same active ingredient as the original product but is typically cheaper. Mediano automatically shows you cheaper alternatives with the same active ingredient, so you can save when making a purchase.

Can I order medications through Mediano?

Mediano is purely a price comparison service — we don't sell medications. When you want to buy a product, we redirect you directly to the pharmacy's website. We compare both online pharmacies and physical locations across Switzerland.