Japan Self-Medication Industry
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Self-medication Handbook
     
Self Medication Handbook
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Always read carefully how to use the medicine

Please make it a point to always read the package insert of the Drug.
For each medicine there are important information written on the label in sections for active ingredients, product category and uses, directions, warnings and so on in the label and package insert. Please read this carefully before using the drug. Sometimes there is new information added to the insert so please read the package insert each time you buy the drug. Please keep this package insert stored until you finish using the drug.
 
Always read directions for use.
In the drug label there is always a section that starts with"directions for use." Carefully follow these instructions and stay safe when taking the drug and let's avoid unnecessary side effects.
Things you shouldn't do----Warnings
In this section, things you need to follow, when condition gets worse or when side effects or accidents happen are written.
Please consult your doctor or pharmacist
Please consult a doctor or pharmacist, who are experts, for this situation:
1) When you have a chronic illness, allergies, or when you are pregnant.
2) When you get a side-effect (possible side-effects are printed on the label).
3) It's very rare but sometimes a very serious symptom may appear. When this happens immediately talk to your doctor and get yourself checked up.
 
A serious symptom case: A serious condition of the epidermal mucosa for example a cancer of the epidermal tissue mucosa called Stevens Johnson syndrome or a toxic epidermal necrosis called Reye's syndrome can occur. In another case, a dry cough or just being out of breath was mistaken for a cold, which actually was an interstitial pneumonia, has been recorded.
 
Special warnings are written on the package itself.
For you not to have to say, "I found out for the first time that I couldn't use this medicine, after reading the labeled instruction that comes with the box", there is a warning "people with these condition or symptoms avoid using this drug" on the box itself. But because it is impossible to write all the warnings on the box other warnings are printed in the label within the box.
 

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