Japan approves its first over-the-counter ‘morning-after’ pill

Japan has given regulatory approval for an over-the-counter contraceptive pill, its manufacturer said on Oct 20, the first time the socially conservative country has green-lit so-called “morning-after” medication without a prescription.

Rights groups have long criticised the fact that women in Japan can access emergency medication to prevent pregnancy only with a doctor’s prescription and a trip to a clinic or pharmacy.

That puts many women off, particularly rape victims and teenage girls, according to campaigners.

Drugmaker Aska Pharmaceutical said in a press release on Oct 20 that it had “obtained manufacturing and marketing approval” for its over-the-counter contraceptive Norlevo.

There will be no age restrictions on buyers and no requirement for parental consent, the Mainichi Shimbun daily reported.

However, the pill will be labelled as “medicine requiring guidance”, meaning women will have to take it in the presence of a pharmacist.

The emergency contraceptive pill can prevent pregnancy within 72 hours of s3x but becomes less effective over time.