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Pharmacy vs. Parapharmacy: What’s the Difference?
In France, pharmacies and drugstores are often located side by side, sometimes even sharing a retail space. However, their missions and the products they offer are quite distinct. Understanding the difference is crucial to knowing where to go for your health and wellness needs.
The Pharmacy: Medicines and Professional Advice
A pharmacy is a regulated healthcare facility run by a state-certified pharmacist. Its primary role is to dispense prescription and over-the-counter medications. A pharmacist is a healthcare professional whose role goes beyond simply dispensing medications. They provide:
- Dispensing of medication: By medical prescription or over the counter (non-prescription medication).
- Personalized advice: On the use of medications, drug interactions, side effects and contraindications.
- Pharmacotherapeutic monitoring: Personalized monitoring of the taking of certain medications, particularly for chronic treatments.
- Vaccination: Vaccination is available in some pharmacies.
- Preparation of medications: Preparation of certain magistral medications according to medical prescriptions.
Only medications authorized by health authorities may be sold in pharmacies. The pharmacist is responsible for the quality and safety of the products he or she dispenses.
Parapharmacy: Wellness and Hygiene Products
Unlike pharmacies, parapharmacies do not have to be run by a pharmacist. They offer a wide range of health, wellness, and hygiene products, but do not dispense prescription medications . You will find:
- Cosmetics: Creams, lotions, perfumes, makeup.
- Hygiene products: Soaps, shampoos, toothpastes.
- Food supplements: Vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements (please note, medical advice is recommended before taking any food supplements).
- Medical equipment: Thermometers, blood pressure monitors, bandages, etc. (the offer varies from one pharmacy to another).
- Childcare products: Babies and infants.
Parapharmacy staff can advise you on the use of products, but they cannot provide the same advice as a pharmacist regarding medications.
In summary
| Criteria | Pharmacy | Parapharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Products | Medications (prescription and over-the-counter) | Health products, well-being, hygiene, cosmetics, food supplements |
| Staff | State-certified pharmacist | Specialized staff, not necessarily a pharmacist |
| Advice | Specialist advice on medicines and health | Advice on product use, not medical advice |
| Regulation | Strictly regulated | Less regulated |
If you have any doubts about choosing between a pharmacy and a parapharmacy, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or a healthcare professional for advice.
