The 9 differences between pharmacy and parapharmacy

These two establishments seem to offer the same products, but this is not always the case.

Pharmacies have such an ingrained role in our lives that many times we do not pay attention to what type of products they offer, what we can find there and how they differ from parapharmacies.

However, pharmacy and parapharmacy are two different businesses that cover different needs.. Whether you are interested in training in the health and healthcare area, or if you simply have an interest in the subject, we inform you of the 9 differences between pharmacies and parapharmacies.

Know the 9 differences between a pharmacy and a parapharmacy

A pharmacy and a parapharmacy have certain key differences that separate them. It is important to know the differences between one and the other, especially when looking for medicines or remedies.Well, we can know where to go.

So if you did not know what the differences are between a pharmacy and a parapharmacy, here we list the similarities and differences between the two, so that you know where to go when necessary, depending on the type of products you require in every moment.

1. Basic definition

Both the pharmacy and the parapharmacy have different definitions. On the one hand, the pharmacy by definition is dedicated to the preparation, conservation, presentation and dispensing of medicines, by health personnel trained for this work.

It also provides advice on the use of medicines within the physical establishment where this transaction takes place. On the other hand Parapharmacy refers to the preparation and dispensing of medicinal products, but not medicines.

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2. Type of products sold

Different products are sold in the pharmacy than in the parapharmacy. Medications are dispensed and recommended at the pharmacy that may be over the counter or require a prescription, while in the parapharmacy the products that are sold are related to health, but they are not medicines.

In the parapharmacy you can find orthopedic products, first aid, toothpastes, and even alternative medicines and naturopathy. As you can understand, they are articles related to health care, but they are not necessarily drugs.

3. Over-the-counter and prescription sale

One of the differences between a pharmacy and a parapharmacy is the way the products are sold. On the one hand, in the pharmacy it is necessary to have a prescription to purchase certain medications, although in some places this prescription can also be provided in the same pharmacy.

However In the parapharmacy, due to the type of products offered, you do not need a prescriptionAlthough they do sell some very specialized products that will need the control of a professional, especially if they are used for treatments or therapies.

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4. Type of service

The service of a pharmacy and a parapharmacy is different. Pharmacies in addition to dispensing the drug, offer advice about these. The people who work there, the pharmacists, have studied to have the necessary preparation for this.

Meanwhile, in a parapharmacy this type of service does not exist. It is more of a type of store in which you can find products related to the areas of orthopedics, dental hygiene and natural remedies, among others, that do not require specialized health advice but only a normal advisory service shopping.

5. Online sales

Online sales cannot be done in all cases. Due to the nature of a pharmacy's products, they cannot be marketed over the internet. This is what Spanish legislation indicates.

In the case of parapharmacy products, these can be purchased in digital stores without any problem or restriction. Although yes, pharmacies can have a website and advertise their products, but only for informational and advertising purposes.

6. Legal approval

Opening a pharmacy and a parapharmacy requires different requirements. A parapharmacy does not need more approval than any other establishment that sells products of any other type.

In the case of pharmacies, their establishment requires the approval of the responsible administration. This is obviously due to the responsibility involved in selling and recommending drugs.

7. How they identify

The way the pharmacy and parapharmacy are presented is different. It is very easy to identify them by the colors that they usually use and must use one and the other. Pharmacies will clearly display a green cross.

Parapharmacies show a blue cross. In both cases this cross is luminous, and these colors are used regularly within the establishments themselves (green for pharmacy and blue for pharmacy) for the decoration of the premises.

8. Employee accreditation

Pharmacy and parapharmacy require different employee profiles. Due to the type of products that are handled and the responsibility that the recommendation and follow-up of medicines, pharmacies require pharmacists prepared with studies accredited.

As part of the requirements that pharmacies must meet, it is necessary to show with transparency which personnel work with them, identifying them by their license number. This requirement is not at all necessary for the operation of parapharmacies.

9. A pharmacy can be a parapharmacy

A pharmacy can include products that are also found in the parapharmacy. But a parapharmacy could not offer medicines; if it does, it would need to meet the relevant requirements, in which case it would become a pharmacy.

Many pharmacies have expanded their product offerings to offer a more complete range of products, for that reason it is that many of they offer orthopedic, alternative medicine and toothpaste products, when these were usually managed by parapharmacies.