Pharmacies in Kazakhstan: How to Buy Medicines Cheaper and Not Overpay

Prices for 631 medicines fell by an average of 24.6% in March 2026. But without the right approach, you still overpay for brands or unnecessary items. This article contains only working tools for residents of Kazakhstan: where to compare, how to find analogues and how to order delivery safely.

In March 2026, retail prices for 631 medicines decreased by an average of 24.6% thanks to the maximum price mechanism. But the difference between pharmacies remains huge: the same medicine can cost 30–50% less in the neighbouring shop or through an app. The main thing is to know where to look, how to compare and what to pay attention to.

The fastest way is mobile apps and services that show availability and prices in thousands of pharmacies across the country at once.

• i-teka.kz — the leader in price comparison. Enter the medicine name → you see prices in 4,000+ pharmacies, availability, addresses and price change history. You can filter by region (Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, etc.).

• Damumed — convenient search for analogues by active ingredient. Shows nearby pharmacies and prices.

• DariKZ — the official app. Here you find maximum prices, instructions, certificates, analogues and a button to complain about an inflated price.

• Naqty Onim — another state tool for checking the maximum permitted price.

Large chains vs local vs online:
Market leaders 2025–2026: Zerde Pharma (largest share), Biosfera, Rauza-ADE, Europharma, Apteka so Sklada. In comparisons, Rauza-ADE and "So Sklada" are often the cheapest. Chains like Europharma and Biosfera offer cashback, promotions and delivery.

Online platforms (europharma.kz, kz.apteka.com, biosfera.kz) are convenient for delivery, but prices are sometimes slightly higher due to logistics. Local pharmacies near home win on speed if you don't need rare medicines.

Large pharmacy chains are convenient because they offer a stable assortment, loyalty programmes, promotions and delivery. It is easier to find popular medicines, accumulate cashback and place an online order quickly.

Local pharmacies often win on price and speed, especially if you need a basic medicine near home. But the selection may be smaller and there are fewer online services.

Online platforms and delivery are profitable when you need to order several items at once, find a rare medicine or save time. The downside is that the final price is sometimes higher because of logistics, and prescription medicines still require a prescription upon receipt.

Never compare only by brand name. The main thing is the active ingredient (INN).

Examples (real prices for April 2026):

• Nurofen → Ibuprofen (difference can be 2 times).
• No-shpa → Drotaverine hydrochloride.
• Parol → Paracetamol.

In Damumed and i-teka it is enough to enter the name — the app will show all variants with the same substance, dosage and form of release.

Important: even with the same substance, always check with your doctor or pharmacist whether this particular analogue is suitable for you, especially for chronic diseases, pregnancy and children.

From 1 January 2026, criminal liability (fines, arrest and loss of the right to operate) was introduced for selling certain potent medicines without a prescription. Pharmacies have become stricter, and many familiar medicines are now dispensed only with a doctor's prescription.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can be bought freely. Prescription medicines — only upon presentation of a prescription when receiving them, including delivery.

Before ordering, always check whether the medicine is prescription-only so you don't waste time and get a refusal upon collection.

1. Open i-teka.kz or Damumed and enter the medicine name.
2. Check prices in your city and analogues by active ingredient.
3. Check the maximum price in DariKZ or Naqty Onim.
4. Compare 3–4 options: chain, local pharmacy, online with delivery.
5. If you need a prescription — get it from the doctor in advance.
6. For online orders choose trusted platforms, for example Europharma or kz.apteka.com.
7. Upon receipt check the expiry date, packaging integrity and that it matches the order.
8. Pay with cashback via Kaspi or loyalty cards of the chains.
9. Keep the receipt in case of price questions.
10. For chronic medicines plan the purchase in advance and buy for 1–2 months, but no more than the expiry date.

Before buying always check:

• Expiry date, especially if you are buying in advance.
• Storage conditions — temperature and humidity are indicated on the packaging.
• Integrity of the blister, bottle and box.
• That the dosage and form of release match what the doctor prescribed.

Medicines and dietary supplements in Kazakhstan are generally not subject to return or exchange, except in cases of defect or mismatch. Therefore inspecting the product before payment or immediately upon receipt is especially important.

• Buying the most expensive brand without checking the analogue.
• Buying "everything at once" under the influence of the pharmacist: extra vitamins, supplements and related items.
• Not checking the maximum price and overpaying.
• Ordering without a prescription what requires one.
• Ignoring the expiry date when buying in advance.
• Not using apps for price comparison.

Delivery is profitable if:

• you need many items or a rare medicine;
• you want to save time;
• your city has a convenient service with fast pickup or delivery.

Offline is better if:

• the medicine is needed urgently;
• you are buying 1–2 items;
• you want to consult a pharmacist on the spot.

If the situation is not urgent, it is most often more profitable to check prices online first and then decide whether to order delivery or go to the nearest pharmacy.

Useful materials on zhivem.kz:

• Cheap medicines: how to save every month.
• Medical centres and tests: where to get them profitably.
• Dentistry: how not to overpay for treatment.
• Children's goods: profitable purchases.
• Family budget: how to keep track of expenses.
• Cashback and instalments.
• Delivery and services.
• Useful apps for saving.

Cheap medicines in Kazakhstan are not about luck, but about 5 minutes in an app. Use i-teka, Damumed and DariKZ, compare by active ingredient, check maximum prices and don't pay for a brand where you can take a generic. Saving 20–40% on every purchase is already a noticeable amount in the family budget.