Emergency contraceptive pill approved for OTC sales in Japan

It is the first time for an emergency contraceptive pill to be approved for sale without a prescription in the country.

The drug is expected to be available as early as this fiscal year, a person familiar with the matter said.

Norlevo is effective in preventing pregnancy in some 80 pct of cases if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse.

There will be no age limit, and parental consent will not be necessary.

For safety purposes, those who purchase the drug will be obliged to take it in front of a trained pharmacist.

In June 2024, Aska applied for approval from the ministry to make the drug available for OTC sale.