In brief
In a landmark decision, Japan has authorized the over-the-counter sale of the emergency contraceptive pill, also known as the 'morning-after' pill. This change is anticipated to enhance access to reproductive health options for women, eliminating the need for prescriptions. The pill will be provided under pharmacist guidance and will have no age restrictions. Previously, the pill was only available via prescription. This move reflects evolving views on women's health in Japan, though concerns about its responsible use remain.
Japan has for the first time approved the over-the-counter sales of an emergency contraceptive pill, its manufacturer ASKA Pharmaceutical reports, a significant step that allows women in the country to obtain the medication without needing a prescription.
ASKA Pharmaceutical stated that increased access to the pill would 'empower Japanese women in the area of reproductive health'. A specific sale date has yet to be announced.
The emergency contraceptive will be labeled as 'medicine requiring guidance', meaning that it must be taken in the presence of a pharmacist.
The 'morning-after' pill is already accessible without a prescription in over 90 countries. Japan's conservative stance on issues like abortion has roots in a patriarchal society and traditional perspectives on women's roles.
In a statement shared on Monday, ASKA Pharmaceutical announced, 'We have obtained the marketing authorization as a switch to OTC [over-the-counter] use of the emergency contraceptive pill marketed under the trademark Norlevo'.
As reported by the daily Mainichi Shimbun, there will be no age restrictions on those purchasing the pill, nor will there be any parental consent requirements.
This regulatory approval followed assessment after a trial period in which Norlevo was made available at 145 pharmacies across Japan, where it previously required a physician's prescription.
Rights organizations criticized the limited scope of the trial, arguing that needing a prescription often deterred younger women and survivors of sexual assault from accessing emergency contraception.
The notion of selling this drug without a prescription was first mentioned by a health ministry panel in 2017, to which public consultations indicated significant support. However, officials refrained from granting approval then, citing concerns that easier access might promote irresponsible use of the medication.
Norlevo—and the generic variant levonorgestrel—is most effective when taken within 72 hours following unprotected intercourse, exhibiting an efficacy rate of approximately 80%.
