Strepsils, Olbas Oil, TCP: Find French equivalents to common remedies

Some drugs from the UK and US are unavailable in France – but you can usually find alternatives. Here are some of the most common remedies and their French equivalents.

Some, such as Alka-Seltzer for heartburn and indigestion (and hangovers), are readily available in French pharmacies, but finding replacements for other familiar products can be less straightforward.

A useful money-saving tip is to ask for the generic version of a product. Requesting “le générique le moins cher, s'il vous plaît” can cut the cost of branded medicines significantly.

We take a look at some French alternatives to common UK and US remedies:

Lemsip 

Lemsip (UK) is a paracetamol-based hot drink often combined with other ingredients for cold relief. A similar option in France is Fervex, sold in sachets to dissolve in hot water. It typically contains paracetamol, an antihistamine and vitamin C.

For Beechams powders, which are aspirin-based, Aspégic can be used as a partial equivalent, although it contains aspirin alone rather than a combination formula.

TCP

TCP is not sold in France and there is no direct equivalent with the same formulation.

French pharmacies tend instead to offer targeted antiseptics for specific uses. The Betadine range (povidone-iodine) is widely used for disinfecting wounds and skin, although it is not identical in composition or use to TCP.

Strepsils 

Strepsils are available in France, but another commonly used option is Hexalyse. These are medicated lozenges for sore throats, containing antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredients to help relieve irritation.

Germolene 

For antiseptic creams such as Germolene (UK), a common option in France is Betadine Dermique, a povidone-iodine solution used to disinfect cuts and wounds. It is widely used in medical settings and available over the counter.

However, it is not a direct equivalent to antibiotic creams such as Neosporin (US), which are less commonly used without prescription in France.

Sudafed nasal spray 

Some Sudafed products contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or xylometazoline.

In France, there has been increasing caution around vasoconstrictor decongestants due to rare but serious cardiovascular and neurological risks. Products containing these ingredients should be used carefully and for short periods only.

Otrivine is a nasal spray available in France that contains xylometazoline. Oral combination products such as Actifed Rhume are also available, although they work differently and are not direct equivalents to nasal sprays.

Eumovate skin cream 

Eumovate is a mild topical corticosteroid used to treat inflammation from eczema and dermatitis.

In France, emollient creams such as crème glycérol/vaseline/paraffine are widely available and inexpensive, and can help moisturise and protect the skin. However, they are not a substitute for corticosteroid treatments, which may require a prescription.

Euthymol toothpaste 

Euthymol toothpaste can be found via some French websites.

Products with a similar flavour profile, such as eucalyptus-based toothpastes from brands like Argiletz, are also available in organic shops, health stores and some pharmacies.

Olbas Oil 

Olbas Oil is available online in France.

Alternatively, herbalists (herboristes) and some pharmacies can recommend essential oil blends with similar ingredients, such as eucalyptus, mint and clove. These should be used with care, particularly for children or those with respiratory conditions.

Pharmacists in France are trained to give basic medical advice free of charge, which can often save a trip to the doctor.

Some pharmacies also offer mushroom identification services during the picking season, although this is not available everywhere.

Shop around for the best price 

Over-the-counter medicines in France are only sold in pharmacies, and prices can vary significantly between them.

While some medicine prices are regulated, others are set freely, so it is worth comparing pharmacies locally or online.

If you do not know the French equivalent of a UK or US product, you can show the pharmacist the packaging and ask: “Est-ce qu’il existe un produit en France qui contient la même molécule ?”

If a product is not in stock, pharmacies can often order it for the next day.

Are there any drugs from the UK or US that you cannot find in France? Have you found any replacements? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com