Will I have access to medicine if I need it?

Most towns have a pharmacy and small clinic.  Pharmacists can usually prescribe most medications, with the exception of pain killers and strong antibiotics.  Most pharmacies either have a doctor on staff, one close enough to call in, or can instruct you on how to reach a clinic.  Many name brand medications found in the United States are not available in Costa Rica, but there is almost always an equivalent generic version.