In line with the amendments previously introduced by Decree No. 70/2023 and Decree No. 63/2024, the new Decree No. 7123/1968 establishes that over-the-counter medicines, as well as products related to pharmaceutical activities (including those intended for personal hygiene or aesthetics, or with prophylactic, disinfectant, insecticidal, or similar properties), may be displayed on pharmacies’ shelves for commercialization. These shelves must be properly labeled, and the products must be arranged in a manner that preserves their physicochemical properties, allowing the general public to access them directly without intermediaries.
Additionally, over-the-counter medicines must be provided in sealed packaging, including the corresponding leaflet, and exclusively to individuals over the age of eighteen (18).
In establishments not authorized as pharmacies, the commercialization of over-the-counter medicines will be limited to antacids and analgesics.
Finally, the Decree empowers the Regulatory Authority to expand the list of over-the-counter medicines permitted in such establishments not authorized as pharmacies and to establish additional requirements to ensure that medicinal products maintain their physicochemical properties.
