France – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in France, and how do I recognise one?

In France, a pharmacy is called a pharmacie — pronounced approximately “far-mah-SEE.” This word appears prominently on the shopfront of every pharmacy. Another piece of vocabulary worth knowing before you arrive is ordonnance, which is the French term for a prescription.

French pharmacies are instantly recognisable by their glowing green cross, which is usually mounted above or beside the entrance. The cross may flash or cycle through colours. It is the single most dependable visual cue that you have located a pharmacy, and you will spot them throughout cities, towns, and even small villages.

Pharmacies are plentiful across France, with at least one serving every neighbourhood. They function both as dispensaries for medication and as first-contact health advisors for everyday ailments. Pharmacists in France undergo extensive professional training and are well equipped to offer guidance on medications and minor health complaints.

Unlike countries where medications are stocked on open supermarket shelves, French pharmacies are not self-service. All products — whether prescription or non-prescription — are held behind the counter, and you must speak directly with the pharmacist to obtain them. This applies even to familiar items such as paracetamol or cough remedies. Beyond dispensing medication, pharmacies in France also provide additional services including blood pressure checks and vaccination programmes.

What are pharmacy opening hours in France?

Most pharmacies in France operate Monday to Saturday, typically from 08:30 to 19:30. In some locations, particularly smaller towns and rural communities, pharmacies close for a lunch break between 12:00 and 14:00. Larger towns and pharmacies located within shopping centres tend to remain open continuously throughout the day, so it is worth confirming your local pharmacy’s schedule in advance if you live outside a major urban area.

On Sundays and public holidays, at least one pharmacy in each area will remain open as part of a rotating duty system. This on-call pharmacy is referred to as the pharmacie de garde. Details of which pharmacy is currently on duty can be found displayed in the window of any local pharmacy, in regional newspapers, or by contacting the local police station (commissariat).

Should you require medication urgently outside of regular hours — during the evening, overnight, on a Sunday, or on a public holiday — you will need to identify your nearest duty pharmacy. The rota changes regularly, so it is not always the same establishment. To find the nearest open pharmacy at any time, call 3237, which operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year across France. You can also search online at www.3237.fr.

The availability of out-of-hours pharmacies varies by location. In major cities, some pharmacies remain open around the clock, while in rural areas extended-hours coverage may be limited to a few additional hours. Paris, in particular, has a number of pharmacies that operate throughout the night. On Sundays, most pharmacies are closed unless they happen to be serving as the designated on-call pharmacy for that day.

Using a duty pharmacy outside normal hours incurs additional charges, referred to as on-call or night-rate fees. If you have a valid prescription and present your Carte Vitale or complementary health insurance card, these extra costs are covered by health insurance at no charge to you. The applicable night rates are: €10 from 8 p.m. to midnight and from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.; €20 from midnight to 6 a.m.; and €6 on Sundays and public holidays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Always check the official ameli.fr website for any updates to these figures.

Which medications can I buy over the counter in France, and which require a prescription?

One of the first things newcomers notice about France is that many drugs freely available elsewhere require a prescription here. Treatments that can be bought without a prescription in supermarkets or general stores in other countries — including certain cold remedies and all antibiotics — are prescription-only in France. If you are accustomed to picking up particular medicines from a standard shop shelf, the French system may initially feel more restrictive.

Even non-prescription products such as aspirin and cough syrups can only be purchased from a pharmacy in France — you will not find them in supermarkets as you might elsewhere. Paracetamol, for example, is available only through a pharmacy and is most commonly sold under the brand name Doliprane. Even the most basic pain relief is subject to this rule.

Prescription medicines in France are regulated by the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM), which is responsible for ensuring drugs are safe, effective, and of acceptable quality. The ANSM also determines which products require a prescription and which can be sold without one. You can consult its website at ansm.sante.fr for information on drug approvals and classifications.

Purchasing medications online is permitted in France, but only under tightly controlled conditions. Several licensed online pharmacies operate legally, and ordering from them is allowed. However, care is essential: only purchase from websites with a verifiable licence and products approved by the ANSM. French law restricts online medicine sales exclusively to authorised pharmacies — you can confirm a site’s legitimacy by looking for the EU common logo, which links through to the national register of approved online pharmacies.

How does the prescription system work in France?

In France, prescriptions (ordonnances) are issued by qualified medical practitioners. A French prescription includes the prescriber’s details — name, professional qualification, and practice address — alongside relevant patient information such as name, date of birth, age, and weight. Both general practitioners (médecins généralistes) and specialists (spécialistes) are authorised to issue prescriptions.

Each medication listed on a French prescription is written using its DCI, or Dénomination Commune Internationale (International Nonproprietary Name). This means the active chemical ingredient is specified rather than a particular commercial brand, making it straightforward for the pharmacist to offer an equivalent generic product — something they are broadly encouraged to do.

When settling into France, your first step should be registering with a GP (médecin traitant). For visits to specialists, having a GP referral allows you to remain within the coordinated care pathway, which in turn ensures the highest available reimbursement rates. In contrast to healthcare systems that permit unrestricted self-referrals to specialists, France’s model benefits from a GP who coordinates and oversees your overall care.

French prescriptions are generally written on a per-episode basis rather than as open-ended repeats — a notable difference from systems such as the NHS in the UK or Medicare in Australia, where longer repeat prescriptions are routine. A pharmacist will typically supply enough medication for one month at a time, except where a patient is travelling abroad for longer. Some medications are packaged in three-month supplies.

Changes introduced in December 2024 now permit pharmacies to dispense a further three months of medication to patients managing a recognised serious illness (ALD — affection de longue durée) without requiring a new prescription from their doctor. This represents a significant improvement for those managing long-term conditions. Additionally, in emergency circumstances, where a renewable prescription has lapsed as part of ongoing treatment, a pharmacist may dispense the medication, subject to certain limitations.

Electronic prescriptions are becoming more prevalent alongside traditional paper ordonnances, though paper prescriptions remain widely used. Always retain your original prescription or a copy of it, as the pharmacist keeps it upon dispensing.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in France?

The cost of prescription medication in France is generally lower than in many comparable countries. Prices are subject to government regulation, and enrolled patients can have a significant proportion — or in some cases all — of their prescription costs reimbursed through the French social security system. This sets France apart from systems where patients bear the full market cost of drugs unless covered by private insurance.

Every reimbursable medicine carries a reimbursement code and a coloured label (vignette) on its packaging. These indicate whether the drug qualifies for reimbursement and at which rate. There are four primary reimbursement levels: 15%, 30%, 65%, and 100%. For the most current figures, consult the official reimbursement tables at ameli.fr.

Medications prescribed for certain chronic or serious conditions, as well as fertility treatments, are reimbursed at the full 100% rate. These conditions fall under the category of affections de longue durée (ALD), which encompasses illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and serious cardiovascular disease. If you have an officially recognised ALD, you will generally not pay anything for medications related to that condition.

A small patient levy — the franchise — of 50 centimes applies to each packet or bottle of prescribed medicine dispensed. This per-pack charge is current as of 2025; always verify the latest figure at ameli.fr, as it is subject to adjustment.

Only generic medications are reimbursable under the social security system, unless no generic alternative exists. Generic drugs are produced once a brand-name drug’s patent has expired and are typically at least 30% less expensive than the original. Promoting their widespread use is a key government priority in France.

You may request a branded drug (princeps) instead of a generic at the pharmacy. However, choosing a brand-name product means paying the full price upfront, with reimbursement calculated only at the generic rate. The cost difference between the two is therefore borne entirely by the patient.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in France?

Whether a foreign prescription will be honoured in France depends primarily on where it was originally issued. An ordonnance transfrontalière (cross-border prescription) is recognised between EU member states, meaning French pharmacies are legally obliged to accept prescriptions from other EU countries. That said, the pharmacist may dispense the nearest French equivalent rather than the exact branded product specified.

For prescriptions originating outside the EU, the situation is less clear-cut. A relatively recent prescription from a non-EU physician — generally one less than three months old — will often be accepted by French pharmacists, who may be willing to dispense the relevant medication. However, this is entirely at the pharmacist’s discretion and cannot be guaranteed, particularly for controlled substances. You may need to try more than one pharmacy if the first declines.

For those with ongoing medication requirements, the most dependable approach is to register with a French GP promptly and have them issue a French ordonnance. When first relocating to France, it is strongly advisable to bring a sufficient supply of any essential medication, together with a copy of your prescription, to allow time to find a local doctor and obtain a French prescription without interrupting your treatment.

French doctors may prescribe medications differently from what you have previously been used to, and the brand names may differ significantly. Always consult the pharmacist if you are uncertain about any aspect of your medication. Your French GP will generally be able to identify the French equivalent of whatever you have been taking and issue an appropriate ordonnance.

Can I bring my medications into France?

France maintains strict rules on the importation of medicines, and it is important to familiarise yourself with these before travelling. As a general rule, bringing medication into France for personal use is permitted. The quantity should correspond to the duration of your prescribed treatment, or cover a maximum of three months if no prescription accompanies the supply.

Bear in mind that some medications legally available in your home country may be restricted or prohibited in France. It is always advisable to check with customs authorities before departure. The relevant regulatory body is the ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé). For controlled substances or narcotics, additional documentation from official health authorities may be required — consult the ANSM website or your departure country’s customs authority before you travel.

Most prescribed medications can be brought into France for personal use. Where the quantity required exceeds three months due to the length of treatment, ensure you carry a valid prescription or a medical certificate written in French or English. This document should describe the medical condition, the name of the medication (ideally using the international nonproprietary name), the dosage, and the intended duration of treatment.

Before leaving home, assemble all relevant documents — prescriptions, medical certificates, and any required authorisations — and keep them in your carry-on luggage so they are immediately accessible if requested. If your documents are not in French or English, arrange a certified professional translation in advance rather than translating them yourself.

Transport medications in their original packaging and store them in a transparent bag or pouch. This simplifies inspection and reduces the likelihood of questions about what the medication is. Since import rules can change, always verify the most up-to-date guidance directly with the ANSM or French customs at douane.gouv.fr before your move.

How do expats access prescription medications through health insurance in France?

France’s healthcare system is primarily public, operating under the Assurance Maladie umbrella, with an optional supplementary layer known as a mutuelle (complementary health insurance). Expats who qualify and enrol in this system benefit from substantial coverage of prescription costs. PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) guarantees health coverage to any person who has been a stable, legal resident of France for at least three consecutive months.

The Carte Vitale is your essential tool for obtaining reimbursement. This green smart card, issued by the CPAM (local health insurance fund), stores your social security and insurance details. When you present a prescription at the pharmacy, you hand over both your prescription and your Carte Vitale. The pharmacist processes both, and any eligible medications are reimbursed automatically. The pharmacy is paid directly by Assurance Maladie, and you pay only any outstanding balance — if anything at all.

Where a prescription and Carte Vitale are both presented, there is no need to pay the full cost upfront for reimbursable medicines. Payment flows directly between the health insurance fund and the pharmacy through the tiers payant arrangement — a seamless process that removes the need to manually claim reimbursements for most standard medications.

Because public health insurance covers only a portion of medication costs, the majority of residents also hold a mutuelle (supplemental health insurance policy). A comprehensive mutuelle will typically cover the remaining 30–85% of prescription costs, 100% of over-the-counter medication in premium plans, and enhanced coverage for chronic conditions or specialist treatments.

If you are a newly arrived expat who has not yet completed CPAM registration, you will need to meet the full cost of any pharmacy purchases out of pocket. Prices remain comparatively reasonable even so. Keep all receipts and request a detailed invoice (facture) for any costs you intend to claim through a private or international insurer. Once your Carte Vitale is issued, you may be able to backdate certain claims — your local CPAM office can advise on this.

Registering with the public system takes time. Once CPAM receives a complete application, the average processing period for a permanent social security number is six to eight months, followed by approximately two further weeks for the Carte Vitale card itself. It is therefore essential to have private health insurance providing prescription coverage during this waiting period. For those applying for a French visa, this is typically a mandatory requirement in any case.

How do I get a prescription filled in France? A step-by-step guide

1. Register with a GP (médecin traitant). Identify a local doctor and formally declare them as your GP through the Assurance Maladie system. Doing so entitles you to the highest available reimbursement rates and establishes a regular prescriber for your ongoing healthcare needs.
2. Obtain a consultation and ordonnance. Attend an appointment with your GP or relevant specialist. For prescription-only medication, the doctor will issue an ordonnance — either on paper or electronically — specifying the medication in DCI (international nonproprietary) format.
3. Locate a pharmacy (pharmacie). Look for the illuminated green cross. Take your prescription to the counter — since pharmacies are not self-service, you will interact directly with the pharmacist for all purchases.
4. Present your Carte Vitale (if registered). Hand both your prescription and Carte Vitale to the pharmacist. They will scan both documents, and any covered medications will be processed automatically through the tiers payant system. If you hold a mutuelle, present that card as well.
5. Pay any remaining co-payment. Depending on your medication’s reimbursement rate (15%, 30%, 65%, or 100%), a small co-payment may be due. A per-pack franchise of €0.50 also applies — always confirm the current rate at ameli.fr.
6. If unregistered, pay in full and retain your receipt. Without a Carte Vitale, you will pay the entire cost at the time of purchase. Ask for a feuille de soins (treatment form) or facture. Once your registration is finalised, you may be able to reclaim costs, or you can submit the receipt to your private insurer.
7. Ask about generics. If you are mindful of costs, ask the pharmacist for a generic version (médicament générique). Generic substitution is both legally supported and widely practised in France, with generic drugs typically costing at least 30% less than their branded counterparts.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication in France?

If your prescription has lapsed as part of an ongoing course of treatment, a pharmacist may be able to dispense the medication in an emergency, subject to certain exceptions. If you have no valid prescription remaining, consult a GP as soon as possible — or use one of the several telemedicine platforms operating in France, which can issue a same-day ordonnance. For urgent out-of-hours situations, call 15 (SAMU) or attend an emergency department.

Are brand-name medications available in France?

You may request a branded drug (princeps) at the pharmacy in place of a generic equivalent. However, choosing the branded version means paying the total cost upfront; reimbursement will only be calculated at the generic rate, leaving you responsible for the price difference. Branded products are widely stocked but tend to cost more than their generic counterparts.

How do I find a pharmacist who speaks my language?

Language differences can present a challenge when navigating healthcare in a new country. While many pharmacists in France — particularly in cities and tourist regions — speak languages other than French, this is far from universal. Learning some basic French medical vocabulary, or making use of a translation application on your phone, can help ensure you are understood. Your home country’s embassy or consulate in France can often supply a list of multilingual healthcare professionals in your region.

What happens in a medical emergency and I need medication urgently?

If you require medication urgently outside of regular hours, locate your nearest duty pharmacy by calling 3237, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout France. For any life-threatening emergency, dial 15 (SAMU) or 112 (the EU-wide emergency number). Calling 15 connects you directly with SAMU, where a nurse will assess your situation and direct you to the appropriate level of care — whether a doctor’s visit, an emergency department, or a dispatched ambulance.

Do I need a French prescription to buy medications online in France?

Buying medications online in France is legal, but prescription-only medicines require a valid ordonnance regardless of whether the purchase is made in person or online. Only pharmacies holding authorisation from the ANSM are legally permitted to sell medications online in France. Before ordering from any website, check for the official EU common logo, which links back to the national register of approved online pharmacies.

Will my private international health insurance cover prescription costs in France?

The majority of international private health insurance policies will cover prescription costs, but you will usually need to pay at the pharmacy first and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Keep all receipts and request a detailed invoice (facture) for this purpose. Review your policy terms carefully, as some plans exclude routine medication or impose annual limits on drug expenditure.

Are homeopathic products available in French pharmacies?

Since 2021, homeopathic products are no longer eligible for reimbursement under the public health insurance system, following a government decision informed by evidence reviews. Nonetheless, homeopathic items continue to be sold in pharmacies across France for those who choose to purchase them privately.

What is the ANSM, and why does it matter for expats?

The ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé) is France’s national medicines regulatory authority. It oversees the safety, efficacy, and quality of prescription drugs, maintains the register of authorised online pharmacies, and governs the rules around importing medications into France. The ANSM website — ansm.sante.fr — is an invaluable reference for checking whether a particular medication is approved for use or sale in France.