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Prescription

Tramadol: fewer pills in boxes in France in bid to reduce addiction

Number of pills of the painkiller to be at least halved after multiple deaths were linked to the drug

Are US prescriptions accepted at French pharmacies?

Pharmacists are obliged to accept EU and EEA prescriptions. We look at what happens with those from other countries

What is the easiest way to get new glasses in France?

There are a number of options, but beware of what prescription you use

news

French marketing firm to pay out €324m over role in US opioid crisis

The settlement is the first for a marketing company linked to the crisis, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people

Concern over antibiotic resistance in France sparks media campaign

Antibiotic use has risen again in France where family doctors prescribe them twice as much as they do in the UK or Germany

Medicines in France will cost patients more from spring

The ‘franchise médicale’ is not reimbursed, and critics say it will penalise vulnerable people

Obligatory fee not reimbursed on medicines in France to double

Funds from the franchise médicale are to be used to help raise money for the social security system

16 things you can do at a French pharmacy other than buy aspirin

We look at the services, treatments and advice offered by local pharmacists in France

France is set to switch to digital prescriptions. How will it work?

The new system is part of a wider plan to digitise healthcare records and remove the risks and inconveniences associated with paper prescriptions

How to send a prescription to a French pharmacy online

The change should save you a journey as you will now only have to visit the pharmacy to pick up the prescription

Is a foreign prescription valid in France?

We look at how prescriptions from EU and non-EU countries are treated in French pharmacies

How long are medicine prescriptions valid in France?

We also look at how repeat prescriptions work and terms you may across in relation to prescriptions given by French doctors

The end of prescription rules for physiotherapist sessions in France?

Normally patients need to see their GP before visiting professionals such as physiotherapists or speech therapists to avoid paying more

Carte Vitale, prescriptions: Ten changes for health in France in 2023

We look at how the carte Vitale and prescriptions will go digital, the changing role of nurses and pharmacists and more

Covid-19: Second home owners and prescriptions

We are at our second home in France (Covid-19 confinement started when we were here) and have decided not to travel but we risk running out of our usual medication and we are not signed up with a French GP. What can we do?

France releases list of 93 dangerous medicines to avoid

An annual list of medicines which are ‘more dangerous than useful’ has been released. People taking them are advised to seek replacements

Expired medical prescriptions can still be used in France

The government rules that repeat prescriptions can continue to be filled during the coronavirus lockdown for a limited period, even if they have expired

Are UK prescriptions valid in France?

A reader question, answered: Are UK prescriptions eligible for a refund?

France makes Covid-19 tests free for all as cases rise again

France has confirmed that all PCR Covid-19 tests will now be reimbursed without a prescription and without conditions, as the government warns that “we still have not won the war” against the coronavirus.

How long will free face masks be available in France?

People living in France who suffer from chronic long-term illnesses that put them “at very high risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19” currently have the right to free face masks. But for how much longer?

Prescription renewals in France during Covid-19 crisis

Medical prescriptions for repeat drugs for people with serious illnesses are extended until April 15 and not May 31, as earlier announced by the government.

Branded medicines now only reimbursed at generic price

Patients in France who refuse generic versions of their medication will now be reimbursed less, under new rules that came into force on January 1, which are expected to save the State €100 million per year.

France may start giving out medicines in exact amounts

Medicines in France should be given out by the unit to avoid waste, it has been proposed, as Parliament considers and approves the idea for certain medicines by 2022.

Antibiotic use drops - but French are still hooked

Study reveals France is one of Europe's top three countries for antibiotic use

Medical cannabis on test for first time in France

Medical cannabis will be tested on Parkinson’s, sclerosis and epilepsy sufferers for the first time in France.

Chemists may offer simple medicines without a doctor

Chemists may be allowed to deliver some medicines without a doctor’s prescription.

French pharmacies to dispense without prescription

Pharmacies in France will now be able to give out more prescription-strength drugs without a prescription under certain conditions, the Assemblée Nationale has confirmed.

Condoms reimbursed on prescription

From December 10, 2018, one brand of condoms will be reimbursed

Cutback on medicine brands

Patients who refuse a generic medicine in place of a branded one from January 2020 will only be reimbursed based on the price of the generic, according to next year’s social security budget bill.

Some cough sweets will need prescription

Over-the-counter cough and pain relief remedies will now be prescription-only if they contain drugs derived from opium, such as codeine.

Prescription

Tramadol: fewer pills in boxes in France in bid to reduce addiction

Are US prescriptions accepted at French pharmacies?

What is the easiest way to get new glasses in France?

French marketing firm to pay out €324m over role in US opioid crisis

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Why bank cards are changing in France

14 recent and upcoming changes for living in France