Alinamin Pharmaceutical on Monday began selling emergency contraceptives to help protect against unintended pregnancies, the second such product to become available over the counter (OTC) in Japan.

Lesoeru 72, which is priced at ?6,930 ($44) per tablet and is manufactured by Fuji Pharma, must be taken within 72 hours of intercourse.

It¡¯s sold only at pharmacies with a pharmacist present who has completed training in the handling of emergency contraception.

There is no age restriction for purchases, and no consent from guardians or partners is needed, but the person who buys the medication needs to take it on the spot in the presence of the pharmacist.

The product contains 1.50 milligrams of Levonorgestrel, the same as the prescription-based Levonorgestrel Tablet 1.5mg F, according to Fuji Pharma, which also manufactures the prescription drug.

The drug, distributed by Alinamin Pharmaceutical, prevents pregnancies by suppressing the release of eggs from the ovaries. It is believed to help prevent implantation and block sperm from entering the uterus.

Lesoeru can prevent 95% of pregnancies if taken within 24 hours of intercourse, 85% if taken within 25 to 48 hours and 58% if taken within 49 to 72 hours.

Its side effects include irregular bleeding, nausea, stomachache, headache and fatigue.

The commencement of sale of Lesoeru 72 follows the February launch of NorLevo, marketed by Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare, for OTC sale. The recommended price for NorLevo is ?7,480.

Prior to February, emergency contraceptives were only available as prescription drugs in Japan. Calls for OTC access grew over the years, especially due to the effectiveness of the drug waning with time.

Following discussions by a panel of experts, the health ministry approved OTC sales of NorLevo in October, and gave the nod to Lesoeru in February.

The ministry maintains that sell OTC morning-after pills on its website.