Health alert in France over common cold medicines It is not worth ‘risking a stroke for a blocked nose’, the head of the medicines safety agency has said
Medicine shortage: antibiotic stocks in France may be low until spring Supply problems with amoxicillin and paracetamol have highlighted reliance on chemicals from China and India
French Doctolib platform accused of ‘promoting alternative medicine’ The medical appointment booking website has been criticised for offering sessions with naturopaths and other non-recognised practitioners - some have now been removed Herbalists want new French government to lift 80 year ban on practice Why are ‘medicines to avoid’ allowed to stay in circulation in France? Medical cannabis trials in France show promise
Cancer in France: 75% of patients affected by medicine shortages Leading professor says medical labs that stop making drugs because they are not profitable should be fined – but new European research has some encouraging news on some cancers
France makes contraception pills and IUDs free for under 25s Health Minister Olivier Véran said that it is ‘unacceptable that women would give up contraception because of price’
40,000 women in France have potentially faulty contraceptive coils The affected coils have reduced contraceptive benefits and could lead to unwanted pregnancy. They do not pose an urgent health risk but should be removed
Positive signs for Nantes lab's Covid-19 treatment The antibody treatment aims to stop patients with Covid-19 becoming seriously ill. Its producers say clinical trials could have started much earlier but the government prioritised vaccine development over treatments
Covid-19 at-home urine test banned in France Authorities say there is no proof the test works and all Covid tests should be taken in pharmacies or laboratories
New Covid vaccine being assessed for EU distribution Johnson & Johnson has submitted a demand for EU approval for its Covid-19 vaccine - if granted, the jab could be in use by April
Final preparations underway for Covid vaccination in France The first Covid vaccinations in France are scheduled to start this Sunday in elderly care homes, but there are still some steps before it can happen
Covid vaccine: People in France will be consulted The health minister is waiting for vaccine approval before "building trust" in France, as vaccine creator predicts a return to normal next winter
French doctors advise vitamin D to counter Covid this winter Studies show links between vitamin D deficiency and serious forms of Covid-19. Doctors say winter supplements could help.
Urgent call to catch up on vaccinations in France post-Covid Thousands of infants and vulnerable adults missed crucial vaccinations the during Covid-19 lockdown in France, according to public health body la Haute Authorité de Santé, which has said that catching up on vaccinations must be a priority now that Covid-19 is under control. Covid-19 in France: What we know (and do not) so far Europe warns Covid-19 drugs to ‘run out within days’ France’s medical cannabis trial sparks market battle
Patients in France may get end-of-life drug at home A powerful sedative used in palliative end-of-life care is to be available on prescription in all pharmacies in France within four months. Painkillers go behind counters at French chemists Branded medicines only reimbursed at price of generic Antibiotics prescribed less but still over-used Beware buying medicine online Mother donates womb to daughter
French tech repairs Mick Jagger’s heart Simple heart valve replacement surgery invented in France has got Mick Jagger back on his feet.
Chemists may offer simple medicines without a doctor Chemists may be allowed to deliver some medicines without a doctor’s prescription.
Pasteur, France’s first media scientist Louis Pasteur worked hard to secure his legacy, while saving millions, writes Samantha David
Online medical records relaunch on phone app An online medical records system which has had a low take-up has been relaunched with a phone app in the hope that 40 million patients will be using it in five years’ time.
Spiritual site where solace meets commercial forces All this year, Lourdes is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in a small grotto. Samantha David pays a visit to France’s wildly popular holy location
French surgeon warns on rugby head injuries A neuro-surgeon has warned that rugby has to take “drastic” action to reduce head injuries after the deaths of two players in France.
French Homeopaths' union sues doctors More than 120 doctors have been sued by a homeopaths’ union after signing a letter to a newspaper calling for homeopathy costs not to be reimbursed as it and other alternative care were ‘esoteric disciplines’ and ‘fed by charlatans’.
Artificial heart man’s transplant A man who was kept alive after being fitted with a Carmat artificial heart has had it removed and a heart transplant put in its place.
Homeopathy is not backed by science Homeopathic remedies have been branded “scientifically implausible” by the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council with “no evidence they are effective for any known diseases, even if there is sometimes a placebo effect”.
Some cough sweets will need prescription Over-the-counter cough and pain relief remedies will now be prescription-only if they contain drugs derived from opium, such as codeine.