Because of the Pharmaceutical Law Amendment OTC drugs will change (Enforcement, commences 21st Year of Heisei) With the enforcement of the new amendment, sales method of drugs will change. We will get better explanation for the proper use of medicine and we can expect improved maintenance of our health. The enactment of this law will soon start.   The Three risk areas of taking drugs The new amendment separates drugs into three categories The three main categories of drugs are 1) High risk drugs Use experience of these commonly prescribed drugs to the general public is inadequate and need special attention because of drug action. Eg. At present drugs that include H2 blockers and certain hair growth drugs. 2) Relatively high risk drugs Drugs that have active ingredients that may cause infrequent hospitalization Eg: Main cold medicines; antipyretic analgesic (temperature lowering pain relieving) agent; gastrointestinal analgesic anticonvulsant (stomach and intestinal pain lowering involuntary spastic movement stopping) agent. 3) Relatively low risk drugs Although, it may not affect our daily activity, its ingredients may make us feel a bit fretful, or sluggish. Eg. Products that include Vitamin B or C; intestinal function controlling drugs; or digestive drugs With the enactment of the new amendment, the Food and Drug Safety Council will evaluate these products. The council will collect technical information and use their scientific expertise to evaluate new products.   The distribution of High Risk medical products will be handled by pharmacist. For drugs in the first category, dispensing information of prescribed drug by pharmacists will be required. For category 2 and 3 drug products either the pharmacist or a registered sales person knowledgeable of the product will answer to customer inquiries.   What is anti-doping? "Anti-doping" is our effort to eliminate illegal drugs from our presence, to stay healthy, and to obey the rules in sports. It's normal to take drugs when we have a headache, stomachache, or a cold. We may receive drugs from hospitals, or we may even get our prescriptions filled at a pharmacy. Sometimes we may receive drugs that contain ingredients that are included in the anti-doping list. When you have to buy or use these drugs, please consult with your pharmacist or doctor.