"Hmm, will I find my next slimming tea in a pharmacy or a drugstore…?" Are you struggling to find your way around when you need slimming products ? Wander Nana is here to help; we're going to enlighten you on the differences between these two types of outlets!
What do you find in a pharmacy?
We're not going to tell you anything new here, but in a pharmacy, you'll mainly find medications! These can be obtained by prescription, self-medicated, or on the pharmacist's advice. You can also find medical and orthopedic equipment, homeopathic treatments, essential oils, plant extracts, etc. But also some slimming products fat burners in powder or capsule form.
In a pharmacy, the presence of a pharmacist is mandatory. They are familiar with medications and their formulations. They inform, advise, and reassure patients while ensuring proper compliance with current practices.
Finally, it's very common to see over-the-counter parapharmacy products in pharmacies. This allows you to have everything you need on-site, but it also allows the pharmacist to expand their business! There are also online pharmacies and parapharmacies that allow you to receive your products without even leaving your home. So convenient!
What can you find in a parapharmacy?
Parapharmacy products appeared in supermarkets in the early 1980s. They quickly became very popular and spread to many specialist and independent stores, as well as pharmacies.
The prefix "para" found in the word parapharmacy means "close to". Indeed, while these two stores may seem identical at first glance, you won't find exactly the same things there. For starters, if you're looking for medications, you won't find them in a drugstore! Even less so those dispensed with a prescription from your doctor! All the products available are, in principle, non-prescription.
In drugstores, you will find everything from cosmetic products and accessories (makeup, hairbrushes, etc.), to dietary products (food supplements, vitamins, etc.), hygiene products, bandages, etc.
Pharmacy and parapharmacy, what are the differences?
While the pharmacy will tend to offer you health-related products (prescription and non-prescription medications, slimming products , cosmetics, etc.), the parapharmacy sells hygiene, care and beauty products.
Then, unlike the pharmacy, the parapharmacy does not in principle have the right to sell products such as medicines for human or veterinary use, essential oils, certain medicinal plants, certain dressings, dietetic foods, homeopathic medicines, etc.
Slimming products from pharmacies and drugstores: how to choose?
You may find your favorite slimming tea and other slimming products at both stores. You can find appetite suppressant products with and without a prescription. Your choice will be determined by your needs.
If you have any doubts regarding personal or family history or even the side effects of certain medications, it is best to make an appointment with your doctor. They will then be able to prescribe the most appropriate appetite suppressant dietary supplement for your situation, which will minimize any possible risks.
So, here's a little tip from Wander Nana: if you do decide to go to a pharmacy to get your slimming products, be sure to read the instructions and contraindications on the boxes you buy! This will help you avoid any risk of overdosing or misuse.
You know everything! ;)