Daiichi Sankyo said Thursday that it would start over-the-counter sales of an emergency contraceptive pill on Feb. 2, marking the first time that such a pill will be sold without a prescription in Japan.
There will be no age restriction for purchasing the drug, Norlevo. For safety purposes, the pill must be taken in the presence of a trained pharmacist.
Norlevo is effective in preventing pregnancy in some 80% of cases if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse. Its suggested retail price is ?7,480 a pill.
In October, the health ministry gave approval for Norlevo producer Aska Pharmaceutical to make the drug available for OTC sale.
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