15 French Phrases to Navigate Pharmacies Like a Pro

Visiting a pharmacy in France can be daunting if you're not familiar with the language. This guide will equip you with 15 essential French phrases to help you navigate pharmacies with confidence.

Essential Vocabulary

Before we dive into specific phrases, let's cover some key vocabulary:

• Une pharmacie - A pharmacy
• Un médicament - A medication
• Une ordonnance - A prescription
• Un pharmacien/Une pharmacienne - A pharmacist (male/female)

Asking for Help

1. "Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous m'aider?" - Excuse me, can you help me?
2. "Je cherche un médicament pour..." - I'm looking for a medication for...

Describing Symptoms

3. "J'ai mal à la tête" - I have a headache
4. "J'ai de la fièvre" - I have a fever
5. "Je tousse beaucoup" - I'm coughing a lot

Requesting Specific Items

6. "Avez-vous quelque chose pour le rhume?" - Do you have something for a cold?
7. "Je voudrais un antidouleur, s'il vous plaît" - I would like a painkiller, please
8. "Où sont les pansements?" - Where are the bandages?

Discussing Prescriptions

9. "J'ai besoin de faire remplir cette ordonnance" - I need to fill this prescription
10. "Ce médicament est-il disponible sans ordonnance?" - Is this medication available over the counter?

Inquiring About Usage

11. "Quelle est la posologie?" - What's the dosage?
12. "Combien de fois par jour dois-je le prendre?" - How many times a day should I take it?
13. "Y a-t-il des effets secondaires?" - Are there any side effects?

Paying and Leaving

14. "C'est remboursé par la sécurité sociale?" - Is this covered by social security?
15. "Merci beaucoup pour votre aide" - Thank you very much for your help

Conclusion

With these 15 phrases, you'll be well-prepared to handle most situations in a French pharmacy. Remember to speak clearly and don't hesitate to ask the pharmacist to repeat or clarify if needed. French pharmacists are generally very helpful and patient with foreign visitors.