While the penetration of generic drugs in Japan is lowest among member nations of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, the Japanese government has established several initiatives to promote generic drugs. This study provides insights to boost generic drug use in Japan by investigating the literature and exploring how generic drug promotion has evolved in the United States from the early 1980s, when penetration was at its lowest. The study results reveal that several key events have boosted the use of generics; among these, managers’ introduction of a formulary, an approved drug list, has particularly benefitted pharmacies. While such a formulary has several advantages and disadvantages, introducing one may help promote generic drug use in Japan.
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