Duty pharmacies in Gijón: how to find one open today

Gijón’s pharmacy duty rota changes every day, so the reliable way to find one open at night, on a Sunday or on a public holiday is to check the official source: the Official College of Pharmacists of Asturias (Colegio Oficial de Farmacéuticos de Asturias), which organises the rota. This page shows you how to do it in a minute and what to bear in mind. We do not publish lists of pharmacies, as they would be out of date by tomorrow.

How to find today’s duty pharmacy

1. The official College of Pharmacists finder

Go to the duty-pharmacy finder on farmasturias.org (in Spanish) and:

1. Choose the date (fecha) – today by default.
2. Select the municipality (municipio): Gijón.
3. To narrow it down, choose the locality (localidad).

For each duty pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) the results show its hours for that shift (for example, 24 hours, or from one morning to the next, or a non-attendance on-call shift), its address, phone number and a link to a map.

Tip: save the link on your phone. If you are visiting or have just moved here, it will save you searching at awkward hours.

2. The notice on the door

Every pharmacy displays a notice on its door or window listing that day’s duty pharmacies. If one is closed, read the notice to find the nearest one on duty.

3. Ask by phone

Without internet access, the College of Pharmacists can help (phone 985 21 29 43, as listed on its website). For any medical emergency, always call 112.

Emergencies: pharmacy or 112?

• Medical emergency (chest pain, accident, difficulty breathing…): 112, free and 24/7, with operators who speak English.
• Medicines or pharmacist advice out of hours: a duty pharmacy.
• Non-urgent medical care: your health centre (if registered with the public health service) or an urgent care service. How to register for public healthcare is explained in our guide to living in Gijón.

Tips for visitors

• Prescriptions: medicines that require a prescription in Spain (antibiotics, for instance) are not sold without one. If you take regular medication, bring enough and a letter from your doctor.
• EU travellers: your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives access to public healthcare; UK visitors can use a GHIC. More tips in practical information.
• Language: Spanish pharmacists are very helpful for minor ailments. If you do not speak Spanish, write down the active ingredient of your medicine, which is the same in every country, rather than the brand name.
• The green cross: an illuminated green cross marks a pharmacy (farmacia); duty status is usually shown on the sign itself or on the door.

Other useful services for residents

For other everyday services, see the council’s citizen service offices, the municipal libraries or the public swimming pools.