Online pharmacist in Japan?

Over-the-counter drugs that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription

In addition to “prescription drugs” that are prescribed by doctors at hospitals, there are “over-the-counter drugs” that can be freely purchased at drugstores.

Recently, we also call general medicines “OTC medicines” (Over The Counter).

The over-the-counter drugs are classified into categories 1 to 3, with category 1 being closer to prescription drugs and category 3 having the lowest risk.

Type 1 drugs can only be purchased when a pharmacist is present at the store due to the risk of side effects.

In the area where I live, the nearest drug store may have a pharmacist only on Saturdays and Sundays.

It’s also “only in the morning” and the time is limited.

Therefore, when I want to buy class 1 over-the-counter drugs, I have to go to the drugstore during that time on Saturdays and Sundays.

Pharmacist explains online

Although the preamble has become long, the government seems to steer to a policy of ``even if the pharmacist is not at the store when selling category 1 over-the-counter drugs, it is OK if the pharmacist can explain to the purchaser online.” by June 2024.

The benefit of this online move is for people like me who live in rural areas.

As I mentioned earlier, at my nearest drugstore, I can only buy class 1 over-the-counter drugs on Saturdays and Sundays. And only in the morning.

However, if online pharmacists are available, many pharmacists in the city will be able to participate in sales at local drugstores.

That will affect the number of pharmacists and drugstores, which are both increasing.