US Medical Term · medications
Prescription-Only (Rx)
Solo con receta médica
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Prescription-Only (Rx) |
| Spanish (Español) | Solo con receta médica |
| Chinese (中文) | 處方藥 |
| Korean (한국어) | 처방전 전용 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thuốc kê đơn |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Sa reseta lamang |
| Portuguese (Português) | Somente com prescrição médica |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ยาตามใบสั่งแพทย์เท่านั้น |
| Japanese (日本語) | 処方箋薬 |
What it means
Prescription-only medications, also labeled Rx, require a written or electronic order from a licensed healthcare provider such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant before a pharmacy can legally dispense them. These drugs are regulated this way because they may be dangerous without professional oversight, carry a risk of dependence, or require a diagnosis to be used safely. You cannot legally purchase prescription-only drugs at a store counter or online without a valid prescription. Once your prescription expires or all authorized refills are used, you must contact your provider to obtain a renewal before the pharmacy can fill it again.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Is this medication prescription-only, or can I buy it over the counter?
¿Este medicamento es solo con receta, o puedo comprarlo sin receta?
My doctor sent the prescription electronically to the pharmacy.
Mi médico envió la receta electrónicamente a la farmacia.
I need a prescription renewal because I have used all my refills.
Necesito una renovación de receta porque usé todos mis reabastecimientos.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026