Top 10 Painkillers in France 2025 – Prescription & OTC Guide

Top 10 Painkillers in France 2025: Prescription and Non-Prescription

Posted: September 22, 2025 11:28:12

Pain relief: One of the four pillars of care in France—In all states, from a little headache to chronic pain: a cross-sectional national survey.

OTC (over-the-counter) and prescription painkillers are frequently used, but which ones are the most safe and effective is key.

Allergic drugs in France had, until 2025, managed to reach an exquisite compromise between supply and control, while maintaining the lists of opioid substances among its favorite pastimes.

This guide reviews the 10 most commonly used analgesics in France, their uses and safety profiles, as well as current drug regulations and some of the questions patients most frequently ask.

Painkiller Classification Table

Painkiller	Type	Common Uses	Prescription Required?	Notes
Paracetamol	OTC	Mild-moderate pain, fever	No	Liver risk in overdose
Ibuprofen	OTC	Muscle aches, cramps	No	NSAID, stomach/kidney risk
Aspirin	OTC/Prescription	Headache, cardiovascular protection	Only high dose or cardiovascular	Risk of Reye’s in children
Ketoprofen	Prescription	Arthritis, inflammation	Yes	Monitor GI & heart risks
Diclofenac	Prescription	Back pain, arthritis	Yes	Oral form: cardiovascular risk
Tramadol	Prescription	Moderate-severe pain	Yes	Weak opioid, dependence risk
Codeine	Prescription	Headaches, post-op pain	Yes	Addictive
Morphine	Controlled	Severe chronic/cancer pain	Yes	High dependence risk
Naproxen	Prescription	Arthritis, menstrual pain	Yes	GI precautions
Fentanyl Patch	Controlled	Chronic severe pain	Yes	Highly potent, opioid-tolerant patients only

Paracetamol

Type: Over-the-Counter
Indications: Mild to moderate pain, Fever
Notes: Paracetamol is the leading painkiller in France. It’s safe when used as directed, but it can lead to serious liver damage if taken in excess.

Ibuprofen

Type: Over-the-Counter
Uses: Muscle aches, swelling, menstrual cramps
Note: Ibuprofen is a NSAID. Although effective, long-term use can cause stomach irritation, kidney issues, and heart problems.

Aspirin (Aspégic, Kardégic)

Type: OTC for pain, prescription for certain conditions
Uses: Headache, fever, cardiovascular protection
Notes: Aspirin can help with pain as well as heart health, but should not be given to children because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Ketoprofen

Type: Prescription
Indications: Joint pain, arthritis, and Inflammatory conditions
Note: Potent NSAID—needs monitoring for GI and cardiovascular side effects.

Diclofenac (Voltarene)

Type: Prescription
Uses: Arthritis, back pain, musculoskeletal pain
Notes: Available in oral and topical forms. Oral diclofenac can increase cardiovascular risks and should be used cautiously.

Tramadol

Type: Prescription Only
Uses: Moderate to severe pain not relieved by NSAIDs or paracetamol
Notes: Tramadol 50 mg is a weak opioid. France has tightened its prescription rules to reduce misuse and dependence.

Codeine

Type: Prescription Only
Uses: Severe headaches, dental pain, post-operative pain

Notes: Codeine 20 mg can be addictive and should only be taken under supervision.

Morphine

Type: Prescription Only (controlled)
Uses: Severe chronic pain, cancer pain, palliative care
Notes: Morphine is highly potent and strictly regulated due to its risk of dependence.

Naproxen (Apranax, Naprosyne)

Type: Prescription
Uses: Arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, menstrual pain

Notes: Long-acting NSAID; gastrointestinal precautions are necessary.

Fentanyl Patch 100 mcg/hour

Type: Prescription Only (controlled)
Uses: Severe chronic pain, especially in opioid-tolerant patients
Notes: Fentanyl patches provide continuous pain relief over 72 hours. They are highly potent and should only be used in patients already tolerant to opioids. Misuse can be life-threatening.

Mechanism of Action Overview

Paracetamol: Works centrally in the brain to reduce pain perception; minimal anti-inflammatory effect.
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen): Reduce inflammation by blocking prostaglandin production.
Opioids (Tramadol, Codeine, Morphine, Fentanyl): Bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering pain perception.
Aspirin: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, and platelet inhibition for cardiovascular protection.

Side Effects Overview

Painkiller	Common Side Effects	Serious Risks
Paracetamol	Nausea	Liver failure in overdose
Ibuprofen	Stomach upset	Kidney damage, heart issues
Aspirin	Upset stomach	Reye’s syndrome in children, bleeding
Ketoprofen	GI discomfort	Heart, kidney risk
Diclofenac	GI discomfort	Heart attack/stroke risk
Tramadol	Drowsiness, constipation	Dependence, seizures
Codeine	Constipation, drowsiness	Addiction, respiratory depression
Morphine	Drowsiness, nausea	Addiction, respiratory depression
Naproxen	GI upset	Stomach bleeding, kidney damage
Fentanyl Patch	Dizziness, nausea	Respiratory depression, accidental overdose

Painkiller Safety During Pregnancy & Lactation

Safe: Paracetamol (most widely used).
Caution/Prescription only: NSAIDs (avoid especially in third trimester), opioids (short-term use only under doctor supervision).
Unsafe: Aspirin high doses, potent opioids without supervision.

Painkiller Alternatives & Non-Pharmacological Options

Topical analgesics: Creams, gels (diclofenac, ibuprofen gel).
Physical therapy: Exercise, stretching, massage.
Heat/cold therapy: Muscle pain relief.
Combination: Acetaminophen + non-drug approaches effective for mild pain without risking liver damage from high doses.

Navigating Painkiller Regulations in France

Recent changes in France’s regulations aim to improve safety and reduce abuse:

Tramadol, codeine, and dihydrocodeine now require secure prescriptions with limited duration.
OTC cold and flu medications containing pseudoephedrine now require prescriptions.
The ANSM closely monitors misuse and encourages safe self-medication.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, France regulations towards painkillers and safety considerations. Paracetamol remains the foundation for most mild-to-moderate pain, while opioids such as tramadol, morphine, and fentanyl are strictly controlled. Patients should always follow medical guidance, avoid self-medicating with potent opioids, and purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies. For convenience and safety, many now choose to buy painkillers online through authorized, secure pharmacies, ensuring access to genuine, regulated products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I buy pain relief over the counter in France?

Yes. OTC agents are paracetamol, aspirin, and low-dose ibuprofen. For the bigger-hitter opioids such as codeine, tramadol, morphine, and fentanyl, you need a prescription.

What is the most used painkiller in France?

The most prescribed and used drug is paracetamol (Doliprane).

Can I buy painkillers online?

Yes, through licensed online pharmacies. A prescription is a requisite for drugs, which can only be supplied via prescription.

What are the risks of long-term use of OTC pain relievers?

Yes. Long-term use of NSAIDs can cause stomach, kidney, or heart problems. Paracetamol overdose can damage the liver.

What painkillers are you allowed when pregnant?

Paracetamol is generally considered safe. NSAIDs and opioid medications are to be used under the direction of a physician.

How to Use Fentanyl Patches Safely

Fentanyl patches. If you’re not opioid-tolerant, don’t take fentanyl patches. Apply as directed on the patch, rotate locations every time, and don't cut the patch. Accidental exposure can be fatal.

So what are the latest prescribing guidelines for tramadol and codeine?

All of that has resulted in safe prescribing, limits on quantities, and maximum boxes allowed, to curb misuse.

Are NSAIDs safe for everyone?

Not always. And high-risk groups would be older people, those with kidney or heart disease, and those who use other medications. Always follow the recommended dosage.