What precautions should be taken when buying medicines online in France?

The online sale of medicines offers considerable convenience, but also entails significant risks, particularly in terms of counterfeiting and health safety. In France, strict measures are in place to protect consumers. However, buying medicines on foreign sites, particularly outside the European Union, exposes patients to greater dangers.

French regulations for online sales of medicines

Since January 2, 2013, France has authorized the online sale of medicines, subject to strict conditions:

• Prior authorization: Only pharmacists with a physical pharmacy can offer online sales of medicines. The creation of a dedicated website must be authorized by the Director General of the relevant Regional Health Agency (ARS).
• Drugs concerned: Only drugs not subject to compulsory prescription may be sold online.
• Attached to a physical pharmacy: The website must be attached to a physical pharmacy, thus guaranteeing professional traceability and accountability.
• Display of a European logo: Since July 1, 2015, authorized sites must display a logo common to all European Union member states, enabling consumers to verify the authenticity of the site.

To consult the list of authorized online pharmacies in France, please refer to the Ordre national des pharmaciens website.

Risks of buying drugs from foreign websites

Buying medicines on foreign websites, particularly outside the European Union, presents several dangers:

• Counterfeit or falsified products: Many unauthorized sites offer counterfeit medicines of dubious composition and efficacy, or even dangerous ones.
• Lack of health guarantees: Medicines purchased from foreign sites may not meet French health standards, exposing consumers to health risks.
• Illegal importation: Importing medicines from countries outside the European Union is illegal. Products may be seized by customs, and the purchaser is liable to penalties.
• Lack of recourse in the event of problems: In the event of adverse reactions or proven counterfeiting, legal recourse may be limited, especially if the selling site is based abroad.

Tips for secure online shopping

• Check site authorization: Before making any purchase, check that the site is authorized by consulting the official list of authorized online pharmacies in France on the Ordre National des Pharmaciens website.
• Avoid overly attractive offers: Abnormally low prices may be a sign of counterfeit products.
• Never buy prescription drugs without a prescription: Sites offering this type of sale are illegal and potentially dangerous.

In conclusion, although the online sale of medicines can offer a degree of convenience, it is essential to give preference to sites authorized in France and to be wary of offers from foreign sites, particularly outside the European Union, to guarantee your health safety.