Sore throat
From age 3 · adults and children- Painful throat, difficulty swallowing
- Tested with a throat swab
- No prescription needed from age 10
- Ages 3 to 10: on referral from a doctor
Sore throat · Cystitis · Walk-in
Sore throat or burning?
Sore throat or burning?
Your pharmacist can treat it.
There is no need to wait for a doctor's appointment. At the Pharmacie du Pont Neuf our trained pharmacists carry out a rapid point-of-care test for sore throat or cystitis and, if the test justifies it, can dispense the right antibiotic without a prescription. A result in minutes and treatment the same visit.
- Result in a few minutes
- Antibiotic dispensed here if needed
- No doctor's appointment
- Trained, authorised pharmacists
- Visitors welcome
How it works
A rapid test, and an answer straight away.
Since June 2024, trained pharmacists in France can manage two common infections directly at the pharmacy: sore throat and uncomplicated cystitis. No more waiting for an appointment, and no trip to A&E for a sore throat or a urine infection.
The principle is simple: we carry out a rapid point-of-care test that shows within minutes whether the infection is bacterial. If the test is positive and nothing rules it out, we dispense the right antibiotic there and then, without a prescription. If it is negative, an antibiotic would be pointless: we advise you on relieving your symptoms instead.
Why test before giving an antibiotic?
Most sore throats are viral, and an antibiotic does nothing for them. Testing first means:
- · Taking an antibiotic only when it will actually help
- · Getting relief sooner, without waiting for an appointment
- · Helping to slow antibiotic resistance
- · Avoiding a trip to a doctor or to A&E
Using antibiotics sensibly keeps them working for everyone.
Two conditions covered
Does this apply to you?
The service covers clearly defined situations. If you are not sure, come and talk to us: we will check together whether the test is right for you or whether you should see a doctor.
Uncomplicated cystitis
Women aged 16 to 64- Burning when passing urine, frequent urgent need to go
- Tested with a urine dipstick
- Antibiotic dispensed if the test confirms it
- Not for fever, back pain or pregnancy
Step by step
What happens on the day?
Everything handled in a single visit, in a private consultation area.
-
1
We check your situation
The pharmacist asks a few questions about your symptoms and medical history to make sure the test is right for your case.
-
2
The rapid test
A throat swab for a sore throat, or a urine dipstick for cystitis. A simple, painless step, carried out here at the pharmacy.
-
3
The result in minutes
We read the test with you and explain what it shows: a bacterial infection, or not.
-
4
The right treatment
If the test is positive, we dispense the appropriate antibiotic with full advice on taking it. If it is negative, we help you relieve the symptoms and refer you on if needed.
Your safety first
When we will send you to a doctor.
This service is governed by strict rules. In some situations a pharmacy test is not appropriate and we will ask you to see a doctor — that too is part of looking after you properly:
-
✓
Warning signs
High fever, back pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing your own saliva. -
✓
Complicated or recurrent cystitis
Pregnancy, repeated episodes, symptoms lasting several days. -
✓
Specific medical background
A weakened immune system, certain long-term conditions, or an age outside the covered range. -
✓
Symptoms that persist
If you are no better, or get worse, after treatment.
Not sure? Call us.
If you do not know whether your situation is covered, the simplest thing is to ask.
Call the pharmacy on +33 4 50 45 90 99 or drop in: we will tell you straight away what we can do.
Better to ask than to go without treatment.
Frequently asked
Your questions, answered.
Can I really get an antibiotic without a prescription?
Yes, in two specific situations: sore throat and uncomplicated cystitis. Since June 2024, a trained pharmacist can run a rapid test and, if it is positive and no exclusion criteria apply, dispense the appropriate antibiotic without a doctor's prescription. Outside those two cases, antibiotics still require a prescription.
Do I need an appointment?
No — the service is walk-in, during pharmacy opening hours. You can also call ahead to check we are free, on +33 4 50 45 90 99.
Does the sore throat test hurt?
No. It is a simple swab taken at the back of the throat and takes a few seconds. The result is read here within a few minutes.
Who can have the sore throat test?
The test can be carried out from the age of 3. From age 10 it is done directly at the pharmacy, with no prescription. For children aged 3 to 10, it is done on referral from a doctor, with a conditional dispensing prescription: the antibiotic is then dispensed only if the test is positive.
Who can have the cystitis test?
The cystitis test is for women aged 16 to 64 inclusive with the signs of uncomplicated cystitis. If you have a fever, back pain, are pregnant or have a relevant medical history, we will refer you to a doctor.
What happens if the test is negative?
If the test is negative, an antibiotic is of no use. We will then recommend treatment to relieve your symptoms (pain, fever, discomfort) and tell you when to see a doctor if things persist or get worse.
I am visiting France. Can I use this service?
Yes. The test and, where appropriate, the antibiotic are available to visitors. If you are not covered by the French health system you pay for them yourself, and we give you an itemised receipt (facture) to claim from your travel or health insurer.
Is the test covered?
For people covered by the French health system who are eligible, the test carried out at the pharmacy is paid for by the Assurance Maladie. We explain exactly how it works at the counter.
This service is governed by French regulations and does not replace a medical consultation if your symptoms are severe, unusual or persistent. It covers only sore throat and uncomplicated cystitis, under the conditions set out in law. In an emergency in France, call 15 (SAMU) or 112.
Don't just put up with it
Sore throat, or discomfort passing urine?
Our team welcomes you 6 days a week at 38 avenue de Chambéry, Annecy. Drop in without an appointment, or give us a call.