Japan will impose stricter controls on the sale of certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications to those under the age of 18 from May, as authorities move to address drug misuse and abuse among young people.
The tighter regulation comes amid growing concern over people using OTC medicine in an unhealthy way, particularly young women. Many cases have been reported in which young people attempted to use cold medicine and other similar medication for recreational purposes but ended up overdosing and rushed to the hospital.
Cases of acute poisoning and addiction to OTC drugs have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, often involving easily accessible drugs sold at pharmacies and drugstores.
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