Quasi drugs

Defined by the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Act, a "pharmaceutical product" is a medicine that has been approved for the efficacy of its ingredients and is intended to treat a disease. There are three categories of medicines: prescription medicines, which are prescribed by a doctor; non-prescription medicines, which do not require a prescription but require an explanation by a pharmacist; and over-the-counter medicines, which can be bought without a prescription.

Quasi-drugs are medicines for the purpose of prevention of symptoms and hygiene : they have a weaker effect on the human body than medicines. Some products, such as nutritional drinks, shampoos and hair-growth products, are considered “quasi-drugs”, whereas skincare products that are less effective than “quasi-drugs” are classified as cosmetics.

Mainichi, Difference between “drugs” and “quasi-drugs”, 2017

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Future Outlook & Strategies
• Regulation Standards
• Specific regulations

• Expert Report
• Annual Report
• Further Readings
• Relevant Organisations and Trade Fairs