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The 5 differences between pharmacy and parapharmacy

Wednesday, 13 September 2023

The main difference between pharmacy and non-lies in the products they offer, their focus, and their availability. In the world of health and well-being both play a crucial role! Completing the VET Certificate in Pharmacy and Parapharmacy you will acquire the skills necessary to improve the quality of life of people in both environments. Get reading!

Difference between pharmacy and parapharmacy

What is a pharmacy?

Pharmacies are fundamental pillars in the society in the field of health care. It is much more than a place where they are dispensed medications! Spaces are partakers of the review and monitoring of prescriptions, as well as the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the prevention of diseases.

In the pharmacies also plays a very important undertaking in emergencies and critical situations. As we said, its function conveys clearly the commercial and becomes an indispensable resource for the population. They are points of trust, where you build links with the patients that generate trust and support! Professionals working in pharmacies have an important role in the process of monitoring the safety of the treatments.

In addition to offices of pharmacy, or community, that we know more commonly, there are also the hospital. In this context, the pharmacists have a key role in the control and the provision of medicines by ensuring comprehensive care. Also deserves special mention to the emergence of online pharmacies and the telefarmacia, which are becoming increasingly relevant. ¡Go! We come to the difference between pharmacy and parapharmacy.

What is a parapharmacy?

A parapharmacy offers a wide range of products that are not drugs and are designed to enhance the quality of life and self-care. As you can see, this is the main difference between pharmacy and parapharmacy!

In these establishments is very present the idea that the well-being and beauty is a central part of our emotional and physical balance. Enhance the overall well-being, as well as increasingly the focus on sustainability and the environment, causes that are in these places a greater volume of natural products.

Likewise, it is necessary to emphasize that parapharmacy has a mission which is complementary to the medical treatments. Articles that are found in these locations are an additional support to achieve more satisfying results. The central focus of these establishments is to treat the whole person and it is for this reason that it is common to also find services dietetics, meditation, aromatherapy, etc

Main differences between pharmacy and parapharmacy

The key is in the types of products accessible in every one of them. In any case, there are also other features that make each place has different objectives and complementary. It delves below the difference between pharmacy and parapharmacy!

·Regulation and control in the products

As we set out that the key difference resides in the nature of the products that we offer. In a pharmacy, the products are medications and treatments that require a prescription or are regulated by the health authorities. Meanwhile, in a parapharmacy products that are not subject to medical prescription.

·The presence of professionals with different training

Another difference is that in order for a pharmacy to be able to provide service, it is indispensable to the presence of one or more people pharmaceutical responsible. Despite the fact that they also receive the support of technical specialists, such as the technical vocational education in Pharmacy and the parapharmacy, to develop its operation, it is indispensable to comply with this condition so that it is open to the public. In contrast, to work in a parapharmacy have specific training in the care of the health and personal well-being.

·Focus on the customer

In the pharmacy provides advice in detail on the use and possible side effects with the aim of ensuring the safety and efficacy of the drugs. Also, you can find clinical services, such as the taking of the tension. They are spaces focused on the efficiency and the care of medical needs! In the parapharmacy, the professionals share information for customers to make decisions on the acquisition of products related to personal care. The experience is more relaxed and focused on the well-being of clients.

·Location and availability

On the one hand, the pharmacies are often located in strategic locations, including hospitals. In addition, many of them are open 24 hours, which facilitates access to medications at any time. They are a crucial point for health care! On the other hand, the parapharmacy will be located in a wide variety of environments. Some of them are shopping centers, supermarkets and online shops!

·Relationship with other professionals

The pharmacists work in close proximity with other health professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and other specialists. Thus, their involvement in the treatment and prevention of diseases is much more direct. In the parapharmacy the closest is given closely with customers.

Requirements to work in pharmacy

As we mentioned above, the task of a pharmacy is led by a person who holds a university degree in the Degree in Pharmacy. The licensing is essential to be able to serve as responsible. In any case, with Pharmacy and parapharmacy TVET you can access work in these health care settings! As a technician, pharmacy assistant, you will be in contact with your customers, and develop awareness in the field of health, among others. The training is essential to form part of a pharmacy! In the same way, those who decide to continue pursuing one of our Distance learning Certificates of Higher Education they can also integrate your training with other branches of health care.

Follow the requirements of working in pharmacy! Each day in a pharmacy is different, as you can imagine. To be a healthcare environment in which they serve all kinds of cases, obviously, it is necessary to have knowledge about medications and pharmacology. Similarly, you will need to practice your communication skills and customer care, as well as to acquire knowledge in law and regulations. Skills for team work and interdisciplinary collaboration are paramount, without forgetting competencies in technology and data management.

Working in a pharmacy requires a true vocation of service. In these environments, you can demonstrate your interest in the care of the health of others! You'll be part of a team aware of the importance of its activity in the society and that it is a great privilege.

How to work in a parapharmacy?

Despite the fact that to work in a parapharmacy is not necessary to have a college degree to complete the Degree in Pharmacy and parapharmacy, it is highly advisable to position yourself as a profile qualified for this type of jobs. As a professional, it is necessary to be in constant contact with the latest developments and trends in well-being, beauty and personal care. It is an industry that is constantly evolving and this will influence clearly in the utility service that you will provide to your customers.

These professionals have notions of marketing to create an engaging experience for their customers. Showcases eye-catching and promotion strategies work together greatly in the visibility of the products. Develop skills of empathy and active listening is presented as a skill that is essential. Understand the needs and concerns of your customers is the key to providing custom solutions utility. Also, learn about natural therapies and other value-added services, so popular nowadays, they can help your profile rank in the top positions in the selection process. No less important is the management of inventory and stock control for a correct operation of the establishment.

It demonstrates proactivity in the care of the welfare of the customers! Offers information on healthy habits, tips, routines and suggestions to improve the quality of life. Always maintain responsible conduct and ethics to ensure the well-being of the customers is a priority for professionals in parapharmacy.

You will be sure that with this post you've already got more clear what is the difference between pharmacy and parapharmacy! Learning to positively impact the health and well-being of the population.

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