Individuals in Japan began facing higher out-of-pocket expenses in October for brand-name drugs whose patents have expired.
With the increases, the government aims to reduce health care costs by encouraging greater use of generic drugs, which offer the same effectiveness as brand-name originals at lower prices.
Widely used moisturizing ointments and poultices are among the products subject to the price increases, posing a challenge for authorities to inform users widely and avoid confusion at pharmacy counters.
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