Contents of article "Chemists in France"
French ’pharmacies’ - more than just a chemist
Some useful vocabulary for visiting the chemist
French ’pharmacies’ - more than just a chemist
Pharmacists in France are highly-trained, as the position requires six years of university studies leading to a diploma. They must be registered with the Ordre National des Pharmaciens and are generally highly competent in providing diagnosis and over the counter treatment for many common illnesses and ailments. Whilst certainly not a substitute for a doctor if there is something, they can be a good place to start if you’re off colour. Do not be afraid to ask advice, describe your symptoms etc. They also carry out first aid, lend blood pressure gauges (and show you how to use them), advise on the edibility of mushrooms picked (take them into the chemist and they will identify them for you), rent out materials such as crutches etc and take back unused meds, which are sent to third world countries for use if they are not out of date.
Unlike British chemists, you cannot buy film, batteries etc in a ‘pharmacie’. They are strictly health, hygiene and beauty!
‘Pharmacies’ are easily recognisable by the green flashing cross displayed outside.
Most ‘pharmacies’ open shop hours and are closed Sunday and Bank holidays. There will always be at least one ‘service de garde’ in each area providing *out-of-hours service in case of emergency. Look for a notice in the window of any pharmacy to find out which pharmacy is scheduled to be open each week. Alternatively, you may dial 15 (gendarmerie) to find your nearest duty chemist (you may also use this number to find an emergency doctor in your area) From 22h onwards, they will only respond to urgent medical requests.
*You will usually find that the shop is closed and you will have to ring the bell.
There are state imposed price restrictions on French medicines. If you are a member of the French social security system, prescription medicines are partly reimbursed on presentation of your ’carte vitale’ and may be fully reinbursed if you have a ’*mutuelle’. (Only medicines prescribed by a doctor qualify for reimbursement) Medecines will have a price tag, or vignette, with a color-code indicating the level of reimbursement. If you do not have a carte vitale, keep these detachable labels (vignettes) on the medecine boxes or bottles to put on your claim form (feuille de soins) which may still be in part reinbursable from your local *CPAM. The pharmacist will give you a feuille de soins when you pay for your medecine.
*Mutuelle (assurance complémentaire) = Additional health insurance to cover costs not refunded by the French social security scheme. Common in France as some 85% of people have it - some employers pay part or all of this cost.
*CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) = primary state health insurance for most insured people. Check online at www.ameli.fr (Assurance Maladie En LIgne)for your local CPAM as this depends on your place of residence. Use the box L’Assurance Maladie dans votre département to select your department.
Some useful vocabulary for visiting the chemist
I have sunburn.
J’ai pris un coup de soleil
Do you have anything for a cold?
Avez-vous quelque chose contre un rhume?
I’ve been stung by a bee/wasp.
J’ai été piqué(e) par une abeille/guêpe.
Can you recommend an insect repellant?
Pouvez-vous me conseiller une crème anti-insecte?
I would like some plasters, please.
Je voudrais du sparadrap, s’il vous plaît.
I am allergic to...
j’ai une allergie contre...
It is not serious.
Ce n’est pas grave.
I feel dizzy.
La tête me tourne.
I have been sick.
Je viens de vomir.
I have stomach ache.
J’ai mal au ventre.
I have a headache.
J’ai mal à la tête.
Can you give me something for the pain?
Pouvez-vous me donner un analgésique?
I feel unwell.
Je ne me sens pas bien.
I have a temperature.
J’ai de la fièvre.
