Japan has for the first time approved over-the-counter sales of an emergency contraceptive pill, its manufacturer says, allowing women in the country to take the medication without a prescription.
ASKA Pharmaceutical stated that wider access to the pill would empower Japanese women in the area of reproductive health. A date for it to go on sale has yet to be announced.
The pill will be labelled as medicine requiring guidance, meaning women must take it in the presence of a pharmacist.
The morning-after pill is already available without prescription in more than 90 countries. Japan's conservative views on abortion are rooted in patriarchy and deeply traditional views on the role of women.
ASKA Pharmaceutical reported that it has obtained the marketing authorization as a switch to OTC [over-the-counter] use of the emergency contraceptive pill branded as Norlevo.
There are no age restrictions on buyers and no requirement for parental consent, according to Mainichi Shimbun.
The company filed for regulatory approval in 2024, following prescription-free trial sales of the pill the prior year.
During the trial, Norlevo was made available at 145 pharmacies in Japan. Previously, the pill had only been supplied at clinics or pharmacies after a doctor’s examination and prescription.
Rights groups criticized the trial as being too small, urging for restrictions to be lifted. They argued that requiring a prescription deterred younger women and rape victims from accessing emergency contraception.
Discussions about selling the drug without prescription began in 2017, with public consultations showing overwhelming support across the country. However, officials delayed granting approval, citing concerns that easier access might lead to irresponsible use.
Norlevo - and the generic version levonorgestrel - works best within 72 hours after unprotected sex and has an efficacy rate of 80%.
