Comment by huhkerrf
6 hours ago
Since we're talking about acetaminophen and ibuprofen, in France you're liable to end up with a medicine cabinet full of acetaminophen, because almost anytime you go to the doctor with any type of pain, they add it to the prescription.
Interesting, in the US they often do that too but I’ve personally never filled it because insurance doesn’t cover over the counter medications. So I’d have to pay cash for it.
I don't do it in France only because I don't need it. It won't cost me anything otherwise.
(It is worthwhile to note, because Americans don't realize this, but not all medicines that a doctor prescribes for you is free, although the overwhelming majority will be.)
You can sometimes get a prescription for a different form or different dosage than what's available OTC. These are most commonly administered in hospitals (and insurance will cover it there), when you're at home it's usually equal or cheaper to just buy the OTC version.
Does acetaminophen require a prescription in France?
No but you can get it for free with a prescription.