From Spain to the US: A Pharmacist's Perspective on Medication Access

US Pharmacies: A Cultural Comparison In a recent video posted online, Fran Cuéllar, a Spanish traveler currently in the United States, highlights a surprising difference between healthcare systems in the US and Spain. The video shows Cuéllar in a typical American pharmacy, where he points out the large-sized bottles of over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These are available in quantities of 500 or even 1000 pills. This contrasts sharply with the system in Spain, where such medications are typically dispensed in smaller quantities with a prescription. "In Spain," Cuéllar explains in the video, "you get a small bottle with your name and the exact number of pills prescribed." He suggests that the US system, while perhaps less controlled, results in less waste of medication. The video has sparked online discussion about the pros and cons of different approaches to medication distribution. While some viewers agree with Cuéllar's observation about reduced waste, others have raised concerns about potential overmedication or misuse. The video serves as a starting point for a broader conversation about healthcare systems and cultural differences.