The names of medicines and their dosage forms in France may differ from the usual Ukrainian medicines. Find out more about how to choose the right pharmacies in France, which medicines are available only on prescription, and how to get medical care

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When buying medicines in France, it is important to know that not all medicines are available in pharmacies without a prescription, and analogues of common Ukrainian medicines may have different names and compositions. Understanding how to choose the right medicines and the nuances associated with them will greatly facilitate the process of treatment while abroad.

We will tell you how to find the right analogues and what conditions apply to the purchase of medicines in France.

What medicines can be bought in France without a prescription?

The following categories of medicines can be purchased in France without a prescription:

- painkillers and antipyretics;

- medicines for sore throat and remedies to relieve the symptoms of colds and runny nose;

- antihistamines;

- wound care products;

- vitamins and food supplements.

It is worth noting that antibiotics and potent drugs are available only with a doctor's prescription. Some medicines that are available without a prescription in Ukraine may require a prescription in France. Therefore, before travelling, it is recommended to consult a doctor about the necessary medicines and possible analogues in France.

You can find out what medicines cannot be imported to the EU countries and the list of prohibited medicines here.

How to get a prescription for medicines in France?

After obtaining temporary protection status and health insurance (Assurance Maladie), you can make an appointment with a general practitioner. The doctor will conduct an examination and, if necessary, write a prescription for the necessary medicines.

However, if you have recently arrived in France and have not yet taken out health insurance, you can go to a Red Cross centre. Representatives of this organisation can provide you with medical advice and a prescription for medicines.

To find out where and how to look for medicines abroad and about the analogues of Ukrainian medicines in Europe, please follow the link.

How to choose medicines in France: analogues of Ukrainian medicines

Painkillers

Analogues of Ibuprofen:

- Nurofen;

- Advil;

- Spifen;

- Brufen;

- Upfen.

Analogues of Paracetamol:

- Doliprane;

- Efferalgan;

- Dafalgan;

- Paracétamol Gé;

- Tylenol.

Drugs for the gastrointestinal tract

- Pancreatin - Créon (available on prescription);

- Loperamide - Imodium;

- Activated white carbon - Carbolevure;

- Rennie - Rennie;

- Gastal - Maalox;

- Smecta - Smecta.

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Drugs against allergies

- Eden - Desloratadine (available on prescription);

- Claritin - Clarityne;

- Cetirizine - Zyrtec;

- Loratadine - Loratadine;

- Alegra - Telfast (available on prescription);

- Bilastine - Bilaska (available on prescription).

Sedatives and sleep aids

- Novo-passit - Euphytose;

- Persen - Sedistress;

- Valerian - Valériane;

- Glycine - Glycine;

- Magnesium B6 - Magnésium B6;

- Sedafiton - Phytostandard.

Drugs for rhinitis, cough and sore throat

- Nazivin - Oxymétazoline;

- Otrivin - Xylométazoline;

- Strepsils - Strepsils;

- Ambrobene - Ambroxol;

- Coldrex - Fervex;

- Theraflu - Theraflu;

- Fervex - Fervex;

- Sinupret - Sinupret;

- Nicorette - Nicorette.

Keep in mind. Medicines should be taken only after consulting a doctor, as the optimal dosage should be chosen to avoid harm to health.

Analogues of other common Ukrainian drugs

- Corvalent - Valériane;

- Levomicol - Fucidine (available on prescription);

- Fluconazole - Triflucan (available on prescription);

- Picolax - Dulcolax;

- Atoxil - Smecta;

- Diclofenac tablets - Voltarène (available on prescription);

- Diclofenac ointment - Voltarène Emulgel.

Important! Self-prescribing medicines can pose a serious health risk. Therefore, to minimise the risks, you should consult a qualified medical specialist for the selection of medicines.

Take care of your health during your stay abroad with a comprehensive health insurance from Visit Ukraine.

Remember. When searching for analogues of familiar medicines in Portugal, Ukrainians may face difficulties related to the peculiarities of the pharmaceutical sector. Read more about the analogues of Ukrainian medicines in Portugal, how to choose medicines and what drugs are available without a prescription here.

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