Survey on Yojokun (Precepts for Health Care) in Package Inserts of Over-the-Counter Drugs

Abstract

Objective: The package inserts of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may contain yojokun (precepts for health care) that are helpful for preventing illnesses and improving symptoms. However, it is unclear whether yojokun actually catch the attention of users and serve as a useful information resource for self-medication. With the aim of contributing to the promotion of self-medication, this study investigated the status of yojokun inclusion in package inserts and the level of awareness among users, and considered the future utilization of yojokun.

Methods: The package inserts of OTC drugs listed on the website of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency were searched by pharmacological classification, and the inclusion of yojokun was checked. Additionally, questionnaire surveys of OTC drug purchasers, pharmacists/registered sellers, and OTC drug sales companies were conducted.

Results: Of the 7,508 OTC drugs surveyed, 654 (8.7%) had yojokun listed in the package insert. The contents included a concise, bulleted list of tips for daily living to prevent symptoms from worsening and to heal quickly, with illustrations and other information. The awareness rate of yojokun was 22.0% among OTC drug purchasers and 38.8% among pharmacists/registered sellers, and 91.4% of pharmacists/registered sellers answered that yojokun are useful for self-medication. Regarding sales companies, 61.5% stated that they would like to include yojokun in package inserts, but they lacked the ability to prepare evidence-based yojokun and secure space for them in the package inserts.

Conclusion: For OTC drug users, yojokun provide useful information to promote appropriate self-medication. However, the awareness of OTC drug users and pharmacists/registered sellers is low, and the information is not fully utilized. In the future, it will be necessary to further disseminate yojokun and establish a system for providing standardized yojokun.