French OTC Industry Warns Over-Regulation Is Threatening Its Future

Plans to move ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol OTCs behind the counter in French pharmacies will harm the country's self-medication industry, which is already lagging behind its European neighbors, warns local association Afipa.

PARIS - 6 AUGUST 2013: Illuminated Eiffel Tower at night

Plans to withdraw popular OTCs from self-selection in France represent an “unprecedented step backwards” by national drug regulator ANSM, according to local self-medication industry association Afipa.

Responding to ANSM’s surprise proposal to move ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) behind the pharmacy counter, the association warned that the regulator was poised to deliver a substantial blow to France’s under-developed OTC industry. The French self-medication market endured a tough year in 2018 with sales declining by 4.6% to €2.11bn ($2.30bn). Turnover from non-reimbursable products fell at the even faster rate of 5.3%

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