SURPRISING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PHARMACIES IN FRANCE VS. USA

[@OuiInFrance]

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/ouiinfrance10211

[@conkergemini6489]

It's extremely rare for a cashier to know most of the over the counter medications. I wish they were all trained.

[@RGSuperfan]

Yes, we have very well trained pharmacist here. One day I went to the pharmacy with my prescription, from my doctor, and the pharmacist said something like "no, those 2 medecines don't mix. I'll call your doctor" . She called my doctor in front of me, and my doctor admitted she was wrong, and changed the prescription. I really appreciated that.

[@johnp139]

In the US they just say that the doctor must have done this for a reason.

[@francocanuck9435]

@@johnp139 Yes and show the cash

[@Melpond347]

They are trained to do that, it's their duty to refuse prescriptions that are wrong, and the procedure is exactly that. They call the doctor who prescribed it in front of you, they explain why they refuse to deliver the drug etc. It's normal because if you have multiple issues, you see more than one doctor. So they may not know ALL the drugs that you are taking and that there may be incompatibilities. It's an essential service from our pharmacists :) .

[@ansapo]

I remember when pharmacies in the US were more like French pharmacies, family-owned and more helpful over the counter, with advice. And you know it used to be illegal to advertise drugs in magazines, TV etc over here, too. Ah, the good old days. When people mattered more than profits.

[@armelle6936]

in french pharmacies, you can bring mushrooms for the pharmacist to check the good one from the mortal one .

[@sandie157]

Really? That is amazing. Wow

[@axelman2]

@@sandie157 yes, mycology is an official part of the curriculum

[@raphaelpiarroux647]

@@sandie157 as a French pharmacist I can confirm that this in the case, but most pharmacist are not well trained. I'd advise to see a rural pharmacy rather than a big town one🙂. In most major city, the mycology lab of the faculty of pharmacy can do it too

[@francocanuck9435]

@@sandie157 yes and it's FREE i used them many times mostly in the country side

[@amelieferrando907]

Things you forgot to mention about pharmacies in France : - you can get minor medical data, like they will often have blood pressure equipment - you can bring your mushrooms to know if they are goot to eat or not - some of the treatments that are not to be sold without prescriptions, the pharmacist can decide to sell to you on his own advice. Imagine you have a finger sprain, the pharmacist can decide to sell you some category II cream. Or, if you are on some oral contraceptive, and you're on vacation, the pharmacist could decide to sell you one pack event if you do not have prescription.

[@jennydumenigo6562]

As a pharmacist I would like to say a couple of things in our defense in the US we have to deal with hundreds of different health plans that each have different formularies I spend hours every day at work on the phone with insurance companies or doctors trying to get medication covered or changed by the doctor in France there is 1 national health plan I believe there is now a supplement to cover the percentage that is not covered by it and that foreigners can buy an insurance after 3 months of residence in France so French pharmacist don't have to navigate through hundreds of plans in order to fill a prescription just 2 or 3 options or you pay cash that explains part of the no waiting it also helps that as you yourself said they don't have to count the medication I do envy them for that btw. But I agree I have traveled to France and I have visited pharmacies there and have had several interesting conversations with the pharmacist there to compare notes and yes the training in France is better both for the pharmacist and for the staff and that is my unbiased but educated assessment. Ps great video I actually found you because of your tour of a French pharmacy video.

[@tsukikuro3246]

sounds like you just made the case for single payer health care

[@RoccosVideos]

One of countless reasons for a single payer health care.

[@mikefisher8531]

Jenny, I’m a pharmacist in the US also and I agree completely with your post. I’d also like to add that I do spend a big part of my day giving free advice on many ailments. That part doesn’t seem to have diminished over the years. It could just be our location and demographic.

[@athanase6613]

Nice subject, Diane. One raison of our strange behavior toward pharmacists is the statute of the profession. A pharmacist is a Doctor, like a physician. They have an organization ('The Order of Pharmacists' which, like the Order of Physicians, regulates the organization of medicine in France). It's a pofession strongly reguled. so, French peoples have real confidence in their pharmacists. Their skills are normally very important (commonly 6 to 9 years of study). It can happen, legally, that the pharmacist questions the doctor's prescription. He is responsible for identifying incompatibilities, dosage errors and more. All of this probably explains part of our relationship to medicine and medication. Nice vidéo. I love your little wink videos that you sprinkle your subject. And I really like your outdoor shots. You make my day every time Thank you !

[@denisscheffmann9240]

le pharmacien n'est pas un médecin , c'est un pharmacien (au minimum 6 ans d'études)

[@fredd8556]

In France pharmacists are also trained to tell edible mushrooms from poisonous ones. So normally you can go to a pharmacy and ask whether the mushrooms you picked in the woods are good or not.

[@pjalexandra]

I remember when living in France (I'm Canadian) my first impression was that half the 'drugstore' was missing. Over time I got used to it and was quite relieved at how simple, focused, and relatively uncommercial it was. As well as yes, having expert advice from the pharmacists.

[@Pinerocks]

As a Brit I love French pharmacies, they just seem to have class. Having said that I always enjoy the American ones when I visit there - where else would I buy my fall decorations?! Lol

[@paulfaulkner8788]

The pharmacy we use (in rural SW France) is open 8.30 - 7.00 p.m. and whilst the staff go home for lunch between 12 and 2, the pharmacist (M. Marsaud hisself) stays on duty during this period. Also, if they don't have your particular medicine in stock, there are 2 deliveries a day so you never have to wait more than 'til the following morning if your visit is in the afternoon. I have a particular ordonnance which they don't habitually stock so I ring up to order it in the morning and it's ready for collection that afternoon. BTW, it costs €78 but since I have an ongoing chronic condition which has been accepted by the social security office, it is free, paid for by the state. That's what we pay our taxes for!

[@kimberlypiter8718]

We just moved this year to France and per your recommendation for mosquitoes bites picked up a bottle of Synthol. It works wonderfully at taking the itch out!! Thank you!

[@mib7623]

My Walgreen's employs students from pharmacy school so the clerks are pretty well versed in medications, side effects, etc and can answer a lot of questions. I love your channel and wish you well!

[@carolynlarke1340]

The level of knowledge and willingness to assist by pharmacie staff is so nice. Love France. Love the Loir valley and especially loved the city of Tours. Still mulling over moving there permanently as my city in the US becomes less livable.

[@juliennapoli]

8:34 we have a cute word for this : la bobologie (bobo = minor wounds) Some can also treat your wound and apply a band-aid. They are also allowed to measure your temperature and blood pressure if you have a condition that needs these things to be regularly monitored. Like a doctor, pharmacist can build a relationship with you and know you well.

[@solaccursio]

"bobo" is equivalent to our italian "bua" (the childspeak for a minor injury)

[@always.wondering.wandering]

I love European pharmacies. We were in Italy getting ready to leave on a cruise and the day before my friend got an eye infection from some older mascara. I took her to the pharmacy showed the pharmacist her eye and asked for some drops. No problem, asked about allergies and then gave her some drops to treat it.

[@jaykilborn2508]

I live in France and sometime my pharmacy doesn't have the medicine and I have to come back the next day. My wife needs an expensive medication. She has to call the pharmacy to place an order. It takes about 24 hours to fill the order. Also, items like toothpaste and tooth brushes are cheaper if you buy them in the supermarket.

[@juliebilmes1941]

That's very interesting, in Canada our pharmacies are similar to American ones though over the counter medication is much cheaper and most people have insurance to reduce the cost. Things like Tylenol and Midol are cheaper in the US but an epipen or pink eye treatment is much cheaper in Canada.

[@testman9541]

Diane for sure there are gums in a french Pharmacy and Parapharmacy, but they would be sold as an alternative for brushing your teeth on the go : Elgydium brand and the old time classical used to be Fluocaryl brand, which is not available anymore... There are also pastilles sweet like like Valda and Pulmoll 👍 You will also find local sweets to soften the throat with plants ... Bonbon des Vosges etc.

[@kibaanazuka332]

I remember having good experiences with French pharmacies when visiting this year. Very helpful with getting the COVID Pass and getting tested as a tourist.

[@michaelwhite2600]

I enjoyed this very much! Thank you Diane. I love how the Pharmacists are so helpful and caring in France.The price of Epipens here sad. You were so kind to bring some over to your friend. I won’t say anything about our healthcare and pharmaceutical industry because you already know. 🙄 Always enjoy your wonderful videos! Thank you again!

[@lindacemo8626]

Hello Diane from California. That was such a well done video I enjoyed it completely and such a special way to remember your mom. Your thoughts were so touching it had me in tears it’s funny the lessons that we learn throughout the process of life and certainly not when we’re seeking them. You are an amazing person with such clarity and Somewhat a young sage. I began following for all things French and wound up with a serendipitous addition to my KZbin subscriptions. I am always uplifted, enlightened and learn some wonderful facts that cannot be found in travel videos or travel blogs. My father was from Normandy, actually Calvados. Your appreciation of the countryside and your take on its people and their way of life and their craftsmanship is superb. It offers me a small window of insight. I am probably twice your age and your spirit lets me every time!! I too will follow your process in the honoring of your mother😊

[@OuiInFrance]

I really appreciate that, Linda. Thank you for your kind words.

[@waltsous8664]

In France also there are large pharmacy grouping brands such as the Giphar group, Lafayette pharmacy, pharmavie, pharmaprix, Mediprix ...

[@apoathena]

You mentioned about over the counter medicine and if you think about it, for a lot of people in Europe that's normal to ask for imodium etc without feeling embarrassed that someone might deduce that you need it because you have diarrhea. Same thing goes for plan B or pregnancy tests. In the US most people would either be embarrassed to have to ask or wouldn't even ask if it wasn't available on the shelves.

[@sherrieshatzen3801]

I'm old enough to remember when most American pharmacies were small & owned by the pharmacist. It was always the pharmacist who filled the RX & went through it with you. They also gave advice & answered questions. They carried an assortment of things typical of American pharmacies--comic books, candy, gum, perfume, etc. They also had a lunch counter or soda fountain. We got our school supplies from our pharmacy every year & the purchase got you a free ice cream cone. There was also Walgreens, but I hated it. It felt so completely impersonal & there was never any kind of personal relationship with any of the employees or the pharmacist. (I still feel that way only now there isn't any choice other than a corporate store.) I loved French pharmacies because it was easy to see on the street even in a neighborhood I didn't know. Also the care I received (emphasis on 'care') felt very personal. I liked not having the pharmacy feel like a supermarket & vice versa.

[@vegodaher1312]

Im from Tunisia (north Africa) n we have basically the same system as the french one. But in term of opening hours we have a day n night pharmacies. One opens when the other closes so you wldnt be out of medecines or for urgent situations. On Sunday some open n there is a shifting system every Sunday.

[@OuiInFrance]

Hi there, that makes sense. Very similar to France. Thanks for watching!

[@adriennehutchinson5947]

It’s interesting what you say about French pharmacy’s because Australian pharmacy’s operate on similar philosophies. Scripts take about 10 minutes, the pharmacist offer a dive and solutions to minor issues. Because we have the PBS here script medicines are supplemented by the Australian Government which subsidises regular medication. So my anti depression meds cost me $5.30 per month. We don’t have ads for medication either. Joyeux Noel!

[@edennis8578]

In the US, you have a have a Pharm.D. (doctorate) to be a pharmacist. It takes 6 to 8 years of schooling. Our pharmacists usually know more about the drugs than the doctors who prescribe the medications, and more than once a pharmacist has caught a new prescription that would have had bad interactions with my other medication.

[@sophiepellerin5517]

Interesting! It's probably not really used in France but in Canada, those of us who speak French will say "renouveller une prescription", which is the equivalent of the English phrase "fill a prescription". That's probably because our pharmacies are overall much more similar to those in the US than in France and there is no need for such a phrase in France as you explained

[@xouxoful]

Ah, ok. « renouveler une prescription/ordonnance » en France, ça serait plutôt retourner chez le médecin pour obtenir une nouvelle ordonnance de son médicament habituel.

[@korrigan6698]

@@xouxoful non, j'ai une maladie chronique et mes ordonnances sont renouvelables 6 mois sans retourner au médecin.

[@ert2202]

On entend encore plus souvent le calque de l'anglais faire remplir (to fill) sa precription

[@sophiepellerin5517]

@@ert2202 Ah c'est bizarre, je ne pense pas l'avoir vraiment entendu

[@lawrencebaker2318]

I found it interesting that even the things on the shelf were to be handled by staff only. In Mulhouse, I needed to get some antacid (something like Tums) for my late partner. The attendant retrieved the item for me, even though it was right there. Maybe that is why the shelves are so neat and orderly! LOL!

[@elizabethliming4177]

I am currently in France and since my Pass Sanitaire never came through I have been getting the rapid COVID 19 tests at the Pharmacie. Many locations have someone who speaks English and all have been extremely helpful.

[@thedavidguy01]

You should be able to get your Pass Sanitaire at a Pharmacy if you have a CDC vaccination card with you.

[@lisaelliott5570]

Also, you should be able to show your CDC vaccination card in lieu of the passe sanitaire. I just returned from France and had no trouble showing my CDC card until my passe sanitaire came through. (And I agree, all the pharmacists and everyone I encountered in France were helpful & nice.)

[@Ape4Apes]

Un-oh. I’ve been waiting 4 weeks for my pass sanitaire - and I leave for France in just 3 more days. I’m hoping I can get my CDC card converted at a pharmacy. Stressful.

[@elizabethliming4177]

@@Ape4Apes In Paris the pharmacies can give you the 72 hour pass. When I got to Tours I went to the Tourist Office and they gave me a ticket to go to a laboratory where they were able to issue the permanent Pass Sanitaire. I still need one last 72 hour test to get back into the US

[@Ape4Apes]

Hmm. If it doesn’t come maybe I should go straight to the tourist office instead of trying to find a pharmacy that will do a conversion. The process keeps changing.

[@kimc555]

Here in Canada - the actual pharmacy business is privately owned - usually by the head pharmacist … they operate out of either a chain business (Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, etc) or within a grocery store. There are independent pharmacies but much less common. Here all prescription drugs are handled by either a pharmacy tech, pharmacy assistant or a pharmacist. I don’t think you can even pay for the prescription at a regular register in the store.

[@LauraMorland]

At CVS (in the U.S.) you have to pay for the prescription at the pharmacy window, too. But not everybody behind the window is trained. If you have a question, sometimes they will ask you to "wait for the pharmacist."

[@kimc555]

@@LauraMorland here the only ppl who handle prescriptions are trained pharmacy professionals. And since covid, pharmacists are allowed to prescribe 5 days worth of a prescription refill. They also have been providing flu shots and now covid vaccinations.

[@LauraMorland]

@@kimc555 Interesting! Just for the record, pharmacies in the U.S. have been providing flu shots for years, and I got my 3rd Covid vaccination at a CVS in Central Florida this past November. (My first two shots were in Paris.)

[@kimc555]

@@LauraMorland ya I wasn’t sure if it was the same in the US. First vax was in pharmacy. 2nd & 3rd at the local vax/testing clinic.

[@lisahammond1208]

Just looking at your pics makes me miss France sooooooo much!!! I would kill to have a shopper get me all the things! I stocked up last time but I'm running out of so much. :(

[@marilyn8490]

I prefer pharmacies in Europe...my experience was with Spain, not France, but the basic process was pretty much the same. I also liked the way their pharmacists were quite careful asking about symptoms, etc. showed a lot of concern for me as a patient. All that issue of dealing in medicines and not all the other "7-11 type" crap is helpful.

[@thedavidguy01]

I've always been astonished by how many pharmacies there are in France. In Paris there seems to be one every 50 meters. I'm also astonished that with all the digitization of medical systems in France that they're still using paper prescriptions. Last week in the US, my doctor sent my prescription to the pharmacy using an app on his iPhone.

[@jugatsumikka]

This is mainly because we can choose whatever pharmacy we want, same for physician and specialists, we are not dictated were to go by our complementary assurance. So doctors don't know were to sent it except if we tell them, which we are not obligated to. I still go to the physician of my parents, which is in the next town, and my SO choose to go to the same physicians office than me (just not the same physician) because she didn't trust her previous one (her mother's) while her office is just 1km away from our home. While we usually go to the pharmacy which happen to be nearly in front of our home, we sometimes go to the one near our physicians' office, but this is something we decide once back in the car, will discussing about what we need to do after.

[@thedavidguy01]

@@jugatsumikka All the pharmacies that I know accept all the major insurance plans. I tell my doctor which pharmacy I use.

[@RGSuperfan]

It's rather recent, but now you can do that in most pharmacies in France "thanks" to Covid I think. There's more and more "zoomlike" consultations called "doctolib" who are very secure and you get your prescription on your app, and then send it to your pharmacist when you're in front of them (because the link you give them doesn't work forever, for savety reasons). You can also print your prescription and give it to your pharmacist, but they mostly don't like it at all, or even refuse it. Especially if you have "strong" medication prescribed, like sleeping pills, heavy painkillers, anxiolytics, things like that. Also for savety reasons.

[@Sacha94140]

I am French but We will have a law soon for the paper prescription , in fact the government want to ban it and everything will be digitalized because of scam

[@Ape4Apes]

Ah, yes. French pharmacies are a wonder. Early on during my last trip (2019) I was in the seaside town of Granville. After hours of walking, I realized I had a painful blister forming on my foot. While I waited for the pharmacy to reopen after lunch, I looked up the words I would need to explain my ailment. The young man behind the counter listened to my explanation and immediately led me to a display of medicated blister pads (Compeed). Worked like a charm! Eased the pain and healed the blister. Are we to understand the Le Drugstore can no longer be found on the Champs Élysée? Back in the 1970s Le Drugstore was a kind of department store whose name was meant to mock the American-style pharmacy or drugstore.

[@LauraMorland]

Gerry, I took my goddaughter to lunch at Le Drugstore 6 days ago! It did nearly close about 15 (?) years ago, but was purchased by Publicis, a huge company (P.R., I believe). Aside from the cafe/restaurant, I've only looked at the bookstore part, but I'm looking forward to going back and seeing all that they have on offer. My Parisian friend says it's the best place to meet for a drink on the Champs Elysees.

[@alexandervandestad8916]

Oh yeah, when I was in LA i was shocked to realize that the CVS guys know nothing about the medication they were selling to me.

[@efaristi9737]

they don't know what they are sellings?

[@donp.f.2864]

@@efaristi9737 It depends. As Diane mentioned, US pharmacies are much more than just pharmacies; they also sell household goods, food, cosmetics, etc. Since there are often multiple departments, not unlike a department store, a cashier (who has no pharmacological training) could be assigned to any department on any given day -- photo section, cosmetics, whatever. If a cashier is assigned to the pharmacy section, then they will just carry out the sale with you, but they know nothing about the medication itself. If you have questions, you would have to specifically ask to speak to the pharmacist.

[@richardbrumfield7775]

Maybe I will be able to pick up epi pens when I get there next week! Not in my budget here stateside.

[@nicolegeoffray3297]

Find someone who can send them over to you by postal service once you are back...a pharmacist why not

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

Sometimes it is literally cheaper to book a flight to France and do your health care and get your prescriptions there than to do it in the U.S.

[@zirieb-adelkateb8888]

Hey from Marseille..New to your channel I def liked and subscribed. Great and accurate content and had me giggling. Sure is different from NY or BK for me but I prefer it here lol. Respectfully. But really interested in the skill share is their diplomas or degrees recognized and accepted in the real world/bisness world ?! Thanks alot lady. I will be watching. Salutations de Marseille. 🙏💙.

[@xouxoful]

The joke about french pharmacists is that they’re the only ones able to read the french doctor’s’ handwriting ! A little less useful now most prescriptions are typed.

[@zorglub20770]

so true

[@solaccursio]

same here in Italy :D

[@OuiInFrance]

Hello Xavier, it's Tom (Diane's husband), I'm replying for Diane right now as she's getting herself together after her mom just passed away. As a french person I've heard that joke many times! I think nowadays pharmacists must really feel relieved that the prescriptions are typed, I mean it is such a hue responsibility for them to deliver the right medicine with the right dosage, and when I would, back in the day, look at the prescription while getting out of the doctor's office I'd always wonder how in earth could the pharmacist decipher that since the writing looked like morse code!

[@gfys6323]

@@OuiInFrance my sincerest condolences on Diane's mother's passing. I am so sorry to hear. I hope she is holding up well. Kindest regards to you and the family.

[@goldnwar]

it's not only a joke it's true: doctor and pharmaciste learn a a specific handwritting, impossible to decipher if you haven't learned it, like the shorthand of secretary, to avoid fake ordonance

[@edwardhanson3664]

Actually, this sounds so refreshing.

[@dorothybuechel1300]

Thanks for the video.I didn’t know there were only two countries where ads for prescription drugs are allowed.

[@juliennapoli]

In Paris porte d'Orléans you can find a pharmacy open 24/7 maybe also in other big cities.

[@OuiInFrance]

Hello Julien it's Tom (Diane's husband), I'm replying for Diane right now as she's getting herself together after her mom just passed away. That's right, in most of the largest cities (or even the biggest medium sized towns) you can nowadays find pharmacies that are open 24/7.

[@lesliemascarel6897]

Where I live in France there is a 24/7 pharmacy. It's very handy. I didn't US pharmacies' were so different.

[@LauraMorland]

Where do you live? That does sound highly unusual! I only know of one in Paris (at Place de Clichy), but there are probably a couple more.

[@300books]

Also, pharmacists there are all trained to identify mushrooms. If you're unsure about the mushrooms you picked, take them to the pharmacist and he/she will tell you whether they're safe or poisonous. 🤢

[@irina-ty1336]

Not anymore. That was the case a hundred years ago, but now, pharmacists doesnt have any course about mushrooms.

[@300books]

@@irina-ty1336 : No, they are still required to be able to identify common, local mushrooms, maybe not exotic mushrooms found outside of France, but certainly with common, local mushrooms. Ask Diane.

[@patrickchambers5999]

I notice that in the picture you showed that the pharmacist wrote the directions on the box that there seemed to have Braille "dots" also on the box. If that is what they were I think this is a very good idea.

[@kimc555]

Ya I’ve noticed braille type on some products now even. La Roche Posay packaging has it.

[@OuiInFrance]

Hello Patrick it's Tom (Diane's husband), I'm replying for Diane right now as she's getting herself together after her mom just passed away. So yes, most medicine (especially the ones requiring a prescription) have a writing on Braille, it comes from a european rule that dates back from the early 2000s I think.

[@patrickchambers5999]

@@OuiInFrance Why is it that France (and Europe) is so progressive with medicine while America is so behind. Condolences to Diane, it must be hard on her since she is far from her mom.

[@korrigan6698]

Hello diane, I react little in the comments but I love your channel very objective and out of clichés. personally I would be shocked to see salty or sweet products in a pharmacy! products in general like ships, bad for health. more pharmacies are there to help with health problems, it should not be a grocery store. very practical also, pharmacies are authorized to inject you vaccines. When it comes to written prescriptions, I haven't seen any in years lol. My doctors print it directly. I would like that one day you do a subject on: why so many Americans think that the French hate them ?? I have often read this in comments and I am always very surprised.

[@arnaudpicard3232]

As usual, a clear explaination of differences. My late father used to be a pharmacy tech (old school "préparateur en pharmacy") and I grew up knowing the place he worked in, set in a middle town, Metz in the east of France (Lorraine). What you say is 100% true with tweaks of course depending on places. For instance, dad's pharmacy was opened 12 hours a day from 7:30 to 19:30 ; the one I go to in a parisian suburb supermarket is opened from 9:00 to 20:00. There are also notions of chain, of a different kind to that you refer to in the US, and it will be uncommon knowledge for most citizens : first the logistics behind mass delivery is basically operated by a limited number of companies (as a kid I knew of 2) ; and then pharmacies are able to join networks that would enable them to optimize costs (mainly).

[@zecle]

_Video starts_ "Gatorede in a pharmacy" Me:🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JkM75052]

Love going to France. You can get 800mg ibuprofen over the counter but needed a prescription for acetaminophen. Completely backwards from our max 200 mg ibuprofen here in the USA.

[@OuiInFrance]

Hi Joel, not sure if it was a codeine/acetaminophen mix you were looking for but regular acetaminophen (called Doliprane) is over the counter in France - no rx required.

[@joelmitchell1786]

Maybe there was a misunderstanding but that’s what the pharmacist told me in Pau. I asked for plain acetaminophen. My French isn’t that good yet and it was a few years ago. I haven’t been back to France in about 3 years. Hopefully returning soon.

[@joelmitchell1786]

I have applied for 3 jobs at the company I have been working for for the last 19 years. The main facility is near Pau. And another facility is near Bayonne.

[@sorariendemoi5804]

Hello, your videos are very interesting. I just decrease the speed to understand without subtitles. Could you tell me what does at mean "all outta phoques". Thanks

[@nicolegeoffray3297]

Out of pocket...ce que vous payez de votre poche

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

It's a play on words! In English it would be "all outta f*cks", which means I just don't have the energy to care anymore. But she replaced "f*ck" with "phoque", the French word for "seal" (the animal) because it's pronounced similarly.

[@firstandlastname2390]

Hi from Canada. I miss French pharmacies.

[@wendymeulemans708]

Thanks again. I’m in France right now so I will definitely be using the pharmacy next week I have to get a PCR test to get back into the states . From my understanding get back into the US you need a PCR test rather than a Antigen rapid test. If you know different please let me know that’s quite a cost difference 65 verses 15 eros

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

It might be different if you're not vaccinated, but in August I returned to the U.S. from France with the antigen test.

[@wendymeulemans708]

@@Rachel-rs7jn thanks. I have been vaccinated. I just looked up Air Canada requirements, going though Toronto to Atlanta. They want a PCR TEST. They get you on the testing. It was free as a US citizen going to France

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

@@wendymeulemans708 Ahh....okay. That might be a Canada requirement? Either way, I'm with you - that PCR test is not cheap. :/

[@LauraMorland]

Dear Wendy, it's too late for you, but for others: (1) You only need an antigen test with most U.S. airlines to return to the U.S., and (2) Pharmacies (as far as I know) ONLY give antigen tests. If you want a PCR test, you'll have to go to a special location.

[@rtperrett]

I know that this is 3 years old, but if CVS and Walgreens were like a French Pharmacy, they wouldn't be ailing, and the owner of this pharmacy should be commended for how much effort they put into the presentation of it.

[@johnp139]

We don’t run to “the pharmacy” in the US, we run to the “drug store” which includes a pharmacy.

[@AcmeRestorations]

That's right, or in the back of a super market. There are still plenty of stand-alone pharmacies. Try going to a pharmacy attached to a health center or hospital.

[@mdf3530]

I'd like to point out that you're wrong about the people behind the counter at US pharmacies. Everyone who works behind the counter at a pharmacy is either a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician. For both positions you have to be licensed. To become a pharmacy technician you have to go through an approved training program at a local community college and then pass the state exam to get your license.

[@eastmarvista3267]

I've been in a CVS where the pharmacy is real busy, and they call a store cashier over the intercom to assist in the pharmacy department checking out pharmacy customers.

[@mdf3530]

@@eastmarvista3267 they were violating federal law

[@lisahammond1208]

Anyone packaging the meds must be licensed but once it's packaged anyone can handle the transaction with the customer and they're not required to be licensed. I've been a manager at Kroger and Walmart supervising the pharmacy and speak from experience.

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

Maybe that differs by state, but I've had several friends work behind pharmacy counters who had no special training or certificate at all.

[@edennis8578]

In the US, you have to a have a Pharm.D. (doctorate) to be a pharmacist. It takes 6 to 8 years of schooling. Our pharmacists usually know more about the drugs than the doctors who prescribe the medications, and more than once a pharmacist has caught a new prescription that would have had bad interactions with my other medication.

[@marysedansereau3162]

La pharmacie des câlins… le meilleur médicament.

[@emmanuelproulx2014]

LOL "all outta phoques" good one

[@nghidoan2669]

Bonjour Diane ! I see in "Le Petit Spirou" that you can bring a mushroom to the pharmacist and ask him/her if the mushroom is safe to consume. Is that true in a French pharmacy ? I don't think that you can do that in the US.

[@duke3572]

It's true here the phamarciens are trained to identify wild mushrooms

[@grunky0]

@oui in france - Do you have your French citizenship OR are you working towards your French citizenship?

[@OuiInFrance]

Nope and nope. I'm a permanent resident (equivalent of a green card). Maybe one day I'll apply for citizenship but it's not something I'm currently pursuing.

[@kimgardner2281]

Is Novavax available in French pharmacies?

[@marcgiromini6972]

Just to inform : to be a pharmacian, it's 6 years at University. Just one less than a doctor. Is it the same in the USA ?

[@mdf3530]

Maalox. There's a name I haven't heard in a long time. Here in the US they've been pushed out by Pepto-Bismol, Rolaids and Tums.

[@francocanuck9435]

They probably make more monies

[@RGSuperfan]

What I don't like in our pharmacies is : chatty customers! Sometimes you wait forever because of them and sometimes, here's what happened to me : One day I went to the pharmacy because my vulva was itching 😖. There were 2 lady behind the counter. One was busy (with the chatty customer). And I said hello, tried to explain with a low voice what was happening to me. The pharmacist couldn't hear me (the mask was not helping 😷) so she asked me to speak up. And I was like, with a small, desperate voice "I can't...." The lady near me was still half blah blah making the conversation linger, and now half listening to me, she was moreover with who seemed to be her pre teenager son. I didn't want them to hear that 😫 I had to write down my problem on a piece of paper, and when I left with my ointment, she was still talking 🤦‍♀️

[@LauraMorland]

What country are you in? I'm guessing France, but you didn't specify.

[@tinadx8194]

It's so funny that you open by saying you love French pharmacies with all the colors and packaging, that's exactly how I feel about American pharmacies 😂

[@kimc555]

That’s quite interesting - are most prescription pills/tablets given in boxed blister packs or dispensed into a bottle from their larger container? Hand written instructions seems very dated.

[@OdreyBzh]

Most of it is in blister packaging boxes, commonly with 28 or 30 pills/tablets sometimes less. The pharmacist has to calculate the number of boxes you will need for your treatement, so you have often more than needed. And for the hand written instructions i agree, is dated, i did not see it for a looong time (most of the prescriptions are readable now because doctors have computers to make it)

[@kimc555]

@@OdreyBzh so for a 5 day course of antibiotics - you may need 4 pills a day = 20 pills but you will be given say, 30 because the box comes as a 30 pack?

[@aidanclarke6106]

@@kimc555 - Pack sizes correspond to the usual treatment: 5 days for antibiotics, 30 days for daily treatment etc. There was a discussion a few years back between pharmacists, health insurance and pharmaceutical companies and they agreed to keep the system as is. For unused medicine, we are encouraged to bring them back to the pharmacy so they can be disposed of safely. Hand-written prescriptions mostly occur for home visits nowadays.

[@jfrancobelge]

@@kimc555 Yes, same system here in Belgium. Because of the packaging we commony receive more medication than require on the prescription. I think that's a real waste to the profit of the pharmaceutical industry. However, pharmacies accept to take back unused medication, and I understand that at least some of them (the ones that haven't reached their expiration date presumably) are donated to medical aid organizations that send them to third world countries, mostly in Africa.

[@kimc555]

@@jfrancobelge glad to hear the unused tablets are donated. Because esp with antibiotics, patients need to take full dose to prevent antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Leaving ppl with remaining partial doses can lead to ppl taking the ones leftover - for another medical issue. Here - all unused meds need to be disposed safely. Not flushed down the toilet or sink, not thrown in the garbage. Pharmacies request than unused meds are returned to the pharmacy for them to dispose of safely.

[@dlg3395]

Did you know that you actually need to call the police station to know which pharmacy is the “pharmacie de garde” (it’s always different!) 😅

[@krishnanclips]

Bonjour all the way from India (binge watching your videos as we might visit France in Sept 2022). A lot of things you say about France, esp. the pharmacies, are similar to what we find in India. No culture shock for me! Hey, but do you guys hang your laundry out in the balcony like we do (I know that outside N..America, everyone sensibly avoids dryers)?

[@OuiInFrance]

Hi there, some people where I live have a clothes line out in their backyard or use a drying rack. We have a dryer and drying racks I'll put outside on nice days. Dryers are pretty common these days atleast in my area but it's true that nothing beats the smell of fresh sunshine when you let your clothes dry outside!

[@krishnanclips]

@@OuiInFrance Was surprised that in the airbnbs I checked out, there were washing machines but no dryers. That led to some research and questions of friends in Europe and they all said that they dry their clothes out in the open and don't use dryers.

[@OuiInFrance]

@@krishnanclips I know back in the day it was less common to have a dryer and also in the south of France, where the weather is a bit more mild they use dryers less. But everyone I know here has one :-)

[@diannegerspacher4889]

Would be nice if US pharmacies priced that way! Very interesting 🤔

[@OuiInFrance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@francocanuck9435]

Well if the Americans people accepted to pay more tax , they could enjoy the same privilege of paying less for medicine ( including free university education )

[@jeanjacques9980]

Dispense a prescription?

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

After several trips to pharmacies in France, my husband no longer feels he has to pack for any medical emergency like he was travelling to Antarctica! Major luggage reduction as he is a worst-case-scenario thinker. 🤕🙄

[@thepichon666]

Nous disons également "renouveler une ordonnance/prescription" en France...

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

Mais ça veut dire autre chose. "Fill a prescription", c'est l'acte d'emmener l'ordonnance à la pharmacie pour qu'ils mettent précisément la bonne quantité selon vos besoins dans une bouteille avec votre nom et vos coordonnées (et les directives).

[@thepichon666]

@@Rachel-rs7jn certes. Je répondais à un autre commentaire d'un abonné francophone (québequois). 😉

[@YannSchmidt]

First time i went to US pharmacy, I was like "they sell you the poison and the cure at the same time..." haha

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

It is pretty shocking to see chocolate bars sold literally right at the medicine counter. (I say that as an American!)

[@YannSchmidt]

@@Rachel-rs7jn Exactly what I was thinking about. Like chocolate and right in front of it, the cure to lose weight.

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

@@YannSchmidt Yep! I think I have taken a picture of exactly that before!

[@LauraMorland]

Yes, and that's why one of the two nationwide chains, CVS, decided to STOP SELLING CIGARETTES about 10 years ago. I'm so proud of them. The other big chain, Walgreen's, still sells cigarettes. (For that reason, I avoid Walgreen's unless I'm desperate. It also seems to have a greater proportion of what Diane calls "fluff".

[@alexandrelarsac9115]

You never see moving, flashing, neon signs in France. They are forbidden by law. With the only exception of pharmacies and emergency services

[@getd8556]

Pharmacie des câlins, trop mignon (=hugs pharmacy).

[@Ingrid0410]

Your hair looks so pretty dark

[@1000E53]

I am a pharmacist here in America, so this video was very informative. However as a customer in France I would be hesitant from taking advice from anyone other than the pharmacist regardless of my question or concern. The tech working in the pharmacist along side me would have to at least be a pharmacy intern. I understand France is different than the United States, but interms of liability as a pharmacy owner, will the state or government pay the suit that is sure to follow on the pharmacy's behalf for misinformation that was given to a patient ? The pharmacology that is taught in RX school I asure you is totally different from what a technician has been exposed to.

[@brigittelacour5055]

My pharmacie nearby is a big one, with more than one Docteur en pharmacie, so one is always there. The employees have all real training, and some have a special training on top for homeopathy or phytothérapie. So we always could find help, my prescription is in the computer and if I ask something without prescription, they check what I can take with my hillness and my current medications.

[@LauraMorland]

Dear P Martin, in France, only the Pharmacist will offer the customer medical advice. If you should find yourself dealing with an "intern," and you have a particular question about the medication, she or he will ask you to wait for the pharmacist to be free to talk to you. The interns wouldn't dream of dispensing advice on medication. (Beauty care is another matter.)

[@FabulousFab84]

Looks like your dream is to become a préparatrice en pharmacie

[@clairebreuleux2928]

Pharmacistes have a 4 years studies

[@edennis8578]

In the US, pharmacists have 6 to 8 years of schooling to complete the required Pharm. D. degree. It's a doctorate; many American pharmacists have medical degrees.

[@moniquepenne8034]

5 years in Belgium.

[@dcastiglione4672]

En France les pharmacies tri les champignons sauvages je trouve ça hyper pratique si jamais on en a besoin ( bien qu'en général...pas vraiment 😅) Mais je trouve qu'on s'y sens vraiment en sécurité

[@smoker_joe]

Tous les champignons sont comestibles ... Pour certains juste une seule fois.

[@dcastiglione4672]

@@smoker_joe 😂

[@paulchapoy992]

@@smoker_joe LOL!!! 😅🤢😰

[@GenialHarryGrout]

Someone has to subsidised drug prices for the rest of the world and that honour is given to US based consumers

[@un_lucio]

that would be so "noble" if it was true. Unfortunately, it's more EU prices are "fair" and US citizens are getting screwed up :( Some drugs are subsidized by the health care system (so paid part by the patient and part from the state), as she said, but the pharmaceutical companies still make a profit. It's the difference between a health care system and a health care business. I wish the USA had a real health care system. That would save so many lives and make so many others easier and, as a cherry on top, I would be able to accept job offers from the US instead of turning them down all the times for fear of going bankrupt at the 1st medical issue I have 😆

[@TheFrederic888]

@@un_lucio I missed a golden opportunity to work in Miami a decade ago, Looking backwards I am so glad I did miss it. The broken healthcare is part of the issues I was not aware of at that time, even if I guess the group I was working for had a great health insurance.

[@johnp139]

@@un_lucio only it IS true. Where do you think that all that extra money goes that we pay in the US?

[@Melpond347]

We still have a lot of shit in our pharmacies, the most common being homeopathy. Pharmacies have prescription drugs but also charlatanism in France... For regular folks it's hard to tell which is which, thus causing a lot of unnecessary pain and suffering. They also may try to sell you shit if they spot that you may have money or that you're ignorant in all of this. People get scammed a lot here.

[@anamariadushku1314]

People will be kicking themselves in few weeks if they miss the opportunity to buy and invest in bitcoin

[@anamariadushku1314]

Bitcoin is the future, investing in it now will be the wisest thing to do especially this high rise

[@jamesmadison3753]

Indeed it's very profitable!

[@janemartins8412]

For real bitcoin is a collection of opportunities?

[@bbcnews.1190]

Please how does this whole bitcoin thing work? I'm interested and ready to invest in but I'm gonna need assistance from any productive and reliable professional.

[@voskcoin3151]

Based on investing acumen and strategy I will recommend Frank Williams, for you

[@nicoleon5524]

Et la traduction en Francais c'est une option. Si vous parlez de la France ayez le respect de notre langue parce que nous ne sommes pas anglais et que nous ne parlons pas cette langue. Le monde entiers ne parle pas anglais et encore moins les Francais. Je sais que pour les rosbifs cracher sur la France est une coutume mais nous vous le rendons bien surtout avec le coup des sous marins et des avions Suisse. DeGaulle avait raison les anglos saxons ne sont pas nos amis bien au contraire.

[@artnodulot1525]

pauvre mec quand je lis ce genre de message d un frustré qui n oserait rien dire en direct , j ai honte de la france .les americains sont avenants et souriants .je travail dans le tourisme et les français sont les plus difficiles .jamais contents toujours desagreables comme vous .elle fait un blog pour fair connaitre la vie en france aux américains pas le contraire

[@susanlopez3676]

I love my French pharmacy! When they are local they know everyone personally and if my prescription has run out unexpectedly they will fill it and ask me to bring the new one in later. They were real heroes during Covid and put my husband (vulnerable) on a list early for the first vaccine doses in France. When he could not take Astra Zeneca they went and got a dose of Moderna from the vaccine center for him to be administered by them. When my family came for a visit from the US they provided Covid tests for their return visit without charge -even though they could have charged a great deal. They know their clients well and when there is a shortage of flu vaccines they prioritize the lists to serve the most vulnerable first. Finally, at my pharmacy they are all (5) women and they offer an invaluable service to new mothers by offering advice and recommendations on child care and treatment of minor ailments.

[@dorothybuechel1300]

Thanks for the video.I didn’t know there were only two countries where ads for prescription drugs are allowed.