top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

France places temporary ban on online paracetamol sales

Supplies of the medication have been under strain for the past six months

France has banned online sales of paracetamol until January 31 Pic: Pixavril / Shutterstock

France’s government has temporarily banned the sale of paracetamol-based products online as supply shortages continue. 

This was confirmed by a decree published in the government’s legal publication Le Journal officiel today (January 4).

Stocks of paracetamol products have been under strain for the past six months, especially with regards to children’s medicines.

“The different measures taken by the health authorities, as effective as they have been, have not been able to put an end to [the shortages],” the decree stated. 

The ban is due to last until January 31, 2023.

France’s Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament has been asking pharmacies to ration the amount of paracetamol they sell to each patient for the past six months.  

Read also: Paracetamol shortage: France limits sales to two boxes per patient

In December, the health ministry warned that despite the rationing measures taken, the situation remained “complex”, and it has now been made worse by the fact that Covid case numbers have surged in China, and the Chinese government has banned paracetamol product exports. 

China normally produces a significant proportion of the active ingredient used in paracetamol production by laboratories across the world. 

In France, paracetamol products often come under the Doliprane, Sanofi and Dafalgan brand names.

This comes as France struggles with shortages concerning 277 different medications, including the antibiotic amoxicillin.

Read more: Common antibiotic joins list of 277 drugs in short supply in France

Related articles 

France issues warning over using diabetes medication to lose weight

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France