Shionogi Healthcare Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka, Osaka; President and CEO: Yuuko Nakagawa; hereinafter “the Company”), contributing to society through healthcare value, was invited by the Tokyo School Pharmacists Association to deliver a lecture as a speaker at the “45th Basic Training Seminar for School Pharmacists” on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The lecture, themed “Current Status of OTC Drug Overdose and the Role of School Pharmacists,” emphasized the importance of education and support by school pharmacists in addressing the growing issue of OTC drug overdose (excessive consumption), particularly among youth.

The seminar was held to enhance the professional expertise of school pharmacists and strengthen their capacity to address health issues in educational settings. With pre-registrations exceeding capacity, 66 participants attended the event, indicating strong interest in the topic.

Overview of the Tokyo School Pharmacists Association's 45th Basic Training Seminar

Date: June 13, 2026 (Saturday)

Venue: Totsuka Community Center, Shinjuku Ward

Theme: Current Status of OTC Drug Overdose and the Role of School Pharmacists

Participants: 74 pre-registered / 66 attended on-site

Background: The Growing Issue of OTC Drug Overdose Among Youth

In recent years, overdose of over-the-counter medications such as cough suppressants and cold remedies has been increasing, particularly among youth, drawing attention as a social issue. Especially through the spread of information via social media, misuse is spreading among young people, necessitating coordinated responses from both medical and educational sectors.

Moreover, complex factors such as loneliness, isolation, psychological stress, and environmental influences at home and school are recognized as underlying causes of overdose.

Lecture Content

Based on this context, the lecture proposed the following three key roles for school pharmacists:

- Promoting Accurate Understanding of Overdose

The presentation explained the rising trend among youth, health risks such as acute poisoning and addiction, the current state of OTC drug overdose, and the system of designated abuse-prevention pharmaceuticals.

- Gradual Engagement in Retail Settings

The lecture emphasized the importance of pharmacists acting as gatekeepers, advocating for a step-by-step approach based on four perspectives: “noticing,” “listening,” “connecting,” and “monitoring,” which are crucial for early intervention and support.

- Strengthening Education on Proper OTC Medication Use

While education on illegal drug abuse prevention is widely implemented, education on proper OTC use and overdose remains insufficient. The lecture highlighted the importance of educating children, including elementary school students, about the risks of using medications without following dosage instructions, and called for greater involvement from school pharmacists.

The Company’s Initiatives

To promote proper use of OTC medications and prevent overdose, the Company is implementing the following initiatives:

- Educational Support: Conducting joint training sessions and lectures with schools and pharmacist associations, and providing educational materials

- Ensuring Appropriate Access to Medicines: Creating opportunities for verification at the point of sale, such as placing empty medicine boxes

- Building Support Pathways: Establishing support networks using the “Tsunagu Card,” which facilitates access to consultation services

Moving forward, the Company will further strengthen collaboration with school pharmacists, educational institutions, pharmacies, drugstores, and support organizations to promote proper OTC medication use and create an environment that connects individuals to necessary support.

Tsunagu Card Overview

The Tsunagu Card can be downloaded or requested for delivery via the Company’s official website.

Shionogi Healthcare’s ESG Management

Shionogi Healthcare is committed to Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, growing together with society. In alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Company focuses particularly on Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 14 (Life Below Water), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), actively working to address social challenges.

Shionogi Healthcare’s Use of Owned Media and Social Media

To help everyone practice self-care more easily and correctly, Shionogi Healthcare provides health-related information and services through its owned media (Shionogi Healthcare ONLINE) and official social media channels (X, Instagram, LINE, etc.), including product information, campaigns, and self-care tips from professional experts (Pros).

- Owned Media: Shionogi Healthcare ONLINE (https://www.shop.shionogi-hc.co.jp/)

- X (formerly Twitter): @shionogi_hc (https://twitter.com/shionogi_hc)

- Instagram: @shionogi_hc (https://www.instagram.com/shionogi_hc/)

- LINE: @shionogi-hc

About Shionogi Healthcare Co., Ltd.

The SHIONOGI Group unites as one to advance creativity and expertise through pharmaceuticals, creating the future of healthcare on new platforms. Shionogi Healthcare upholds the business concept of “Making self-care gentle, correct, and enjoyable for everyone,” continuously transforming what is considered normal in healthcare to make self-care more accessible and properly practiced.

- Company Name: Shionogi Healthcare Co., Ltd. (SHIONOGI HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.)

- Company Established: January 15, 2016

- Business Commencement: April 1, 2016

- Capital: 10 million JPY

- Representative: President and CEO Yuuko Nakagawa

- Headquarters: 24F Park Tower, South Building, Gran Green Osaka, 5-54 Omotechomachi, Kita-ku, Osaka City

- Business Activities: Development, manufacturing, and sales of healthcare products including OTC medicines, quasi-drugs, and health foods

- URL: https://www.shionogi-hc.co.jp/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event