So that medicines are available around the clock, the pharmacies of a region take turns providing the emergency service. Which pharmacy is currently on duty can be found via cantonal emergency numbers, official directories, pharmacy apps or the notice on the pharmacy door. In larger cities and at stations/airports there are also pharmacies with continuously long opening hours (some around the clock).
The emergency service is intended for urgent cases: an acutely needed prescription medicine, a fever reducer for a sick child in the middle of the night, a forgotten but important long-term medication or an initial assessment of sudden symptoms. The staff also advise by phone, dispense over-the-counter remedies if needed and refer serious emergencies to the medical on-call service or the 144 emergency number. Prescription medicines still require a valid prescription; in genuine emergencies an emergency dispensing of a small quantity may be possible.
Important to know: for service outside opening hours, an emergency surcharge (night/holiday fee) is usually charged in Switzerland. As a guide value this is around CHF 17 per emergency purchase (no guarantee) and covers the cost of being on standby. For plannable purchases it is therefore worth using the regular opening hours.
Anyone who regularly needs medicines should top up their supply in good time so that a nighttime emergency service is not necessary. A home medicine cabinet with painkillers, a thermometer and personal long-term medicines helps to bridge smaller situations yourself.