Japan's New OTC Law Leads To Sales Decline In Higher-Risk Drugs
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Two months into Japan's revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, drug makers are seeing a drop in sales for drugs with a higher risk of side effects. Similarly, mail-order companies are experiencing a sharp drop-off in sales of nonprescription drugs because of tighter regulations. The law that became effective June1 loosened regulations governing over-the-counter drugs by allowing stores other than pharmacies to sell them. But the law retained a requirement that pharmacists be on duty to explain possible side effects before drugs classified as Category 1 could be sold. (Click here for more