Japan - A total of 371 drugs that could previously only be purchased at drug stores, were deregulated to quasi drug status on July 30 during the latest round of deregulation and can now be bought at shops such as convenience stores.

Quasi drugs are defined as medications that are milder in effect than regular drugs and are safe to be purchased without advice from medical experts, such as pharmacists.

In the previous round of deregulation, implemented five years ago, some health drinks, which previously had been classified as regular drugs, were recategorized as quasi drugs, making them available through main street shops.

The 371 quasi drugs, classified into 15 classes, including stomach medicines and those for controlling intestinal functions, were added to the list of quasi drugs that could be retailed through general shops.

Drugs with ingredients similar to those contained in oral drugs for intestinal disorders were already available as quasi drugs, but the newly deregulated drugs contain different ingredients.

As with regular drugs, packaging for quasi drugs must include guidance on dosage and frequency of use. However, manufacturers and importers of the newly designated quasi drugs will be given a year to comply with this provision.

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Yoshihiko Tamura Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer