Just returned from 11 days in France, dealing with a nasty cough most of the time. Found out that many "pharmacies" in France are now "parapharmacies", which sell beauty supplies, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies, and have no pharmacist on duty (and don't sell meds, even aspirin). Does anyone know how to locate a true pharmacy? The parapharmacies have the same signage (with the green cross and a sign saying "pharmacie") outside. Google search for "pharmacies" doesn't differentiate between the two. Won't help me now, but would like to know for the next trip, as well as helping some of you, if you needs meds.
Posted by
France Southwest
2868 posts
The only way to see the difference between a pharmacy and a parapharmacy (without going inside) is usually the name on the storefront. As soon as it says "Para" before "pharmacy," it's a parapharmacy.
If it only says "Pharmacy," it's a real pharmacy; a parapharmacy isn't allowed to use the term "Pharmacy" alone.
Posted by
Chicago
9074 posts
Even a lot of actual pharmacies sell homeopathic nonsense. It is particularly bad for cough medicines. Effective meds are not available without prescription so you get what is essentially sugar water.
Posted by
Normandie
484 posts
The parapharmacies have the same signage (with the green cross and a
sign saying "pharmacie")
I think you're mistaken. If it says "Pharmacie" with nothing else except perhaps the name of the pharmacie, then it's a pharmacie. Parapharmacies are an entirely different matter.
Regulations on pharmacies are quite strict. That's why you can't buy painkillers like ibuprofen anywhere but a pharmacie. Even antacids, like Maalox (or its generic version Xolaam -- get it?) can only be purchased at pharmacies.
If something like this re-occurs, try to get an appointment with a doctor to have something prescribed. Even if you're not in the French social security system, I suspect you'll find the cost to be quite reasonable.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8347 posts
I don't know the current rules, but I seem to remember that OTC remedies could only have a single active ingredient, not like in the US.