And-L Work Expands Birth Control Pill Options via Telemedicine

And-L Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Satoshi Furuhashi) has expanded the types of medication available through the online self-pay medical services of its corporate health support platform, 'And-L Work.'

In addition to the previously offered low-dose pills, we have introduced several new types that can be selected based on individual purposes and physical constitutions, ensuring options tailored to each person under a doctor's examination.

Furthermore, a mechanism is available for companies to subsidize the cost of pill prescriptions for their employees.

Background of the Expansion

Labor productivity loss due to menstrual symptoms such as menstrual pain and PMS is estimated to result in an economic loss of approximately 490 billion yen annually (based on Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry estimates). As the 'Health and Productivity Management' certification system incorporates women's health maintenance and promotion as an evaluation item, the importance of companies addressing health issues specific to women in the push for women's active participation is rising.

Addressing women's health in this way is an area where ingenuity is required in positioning it within employee benefits and creating sustainable systems. Consequently, for companies, finding how to place women's health support within their overall health management initiatives for all employees is a key point of focus.

'And-L Work' is a comprehensive health support service that can be used daily by employees and their families, regardless of gender or age.

This expansion of pill options is intended to respond more broadly to women's health challenges on top of this foundation that can be utilized company-wide. It positions addressing women's health challenges not as an initiative for just a portion of employees, but as part of the company-wide push for Health and Productivity Management.

About the Expansion of Options

Expanded prescription pill types to match purposes and constitutions

In addition to conventional low-dose pills, we have newly introduced multiple types, including ultra-low-dose pills, mid-dose pills, and minipills, which can be chosen based on the user's purpose, physical constitution, and lifestyle (we plan to sequentially expand the types offered in the future).

When using the service, an online consultation with a doctor from a partner clinic will be conducted, and suggestions will be made based on pre-consultation medical history, physical condition, and preferences. Safety checks are emphasized, and we may guide users to other options or in-person medical examinations/tests if necessary.

* Pills handled by this service are provided through self-pay medical care. The availability and selection of types depend on a doctor's judgment.
* We do not provide after-pills (emergency contraceptives) through this service.

Affordable pricing without additional fees

The self-pay medical service of And-L Work is provided at a total price including medication, consultation fees, and shipping costs, without additional expenses, allowing users to continue the service at an affordable price even under self-pay.

For example, low-dose pills are available from 2,500 yen per sheet (approximately one month's supply, including tax). For continuous use, bulk prescriptions can further reduce the burden per month.

In addition, we provide a mechanism for companies to subsidize the cost of pill prescriptions for their employees.

Telemedicine completed at home

Consultations can be reserved via smartphone, and a doctor from a partner clinic will conduct the examination and prescribe online. There is no travel or waiting time for clinic visits, and examinations can be received during breaks or from home.

Prescribed medication is delivered to your home, providing an environment where even those who feel uncomfortable consulting in person can use the service without being concerned about their surroundings.

* 'And-L Work' is an online medical platform service. Consultations are performed by doctors affiliated with partner clinics.

About 'And-L Work' Corporate Health Support Service

'And-L Work' is a corporate online health support service that comprehensively supports the physical and mental health of employees. It offers a one-package service to promote corporate health management, including online consultations that reduce the burden of hospital visits, counseling by experts, and stress checks to visualize organizational issues:

- 'And-L Clinic' to reduce hospital visit time and make access to medical care easy
- 'And-L Counseling Room' for mental health and private concerns
- 'Stress Check' to visualize the status of employees
- Low-cost options: 'And-L Industrial Doctor Introduction Service,' 'Health Checkup Reservation Agency Service,' 'Pulse Survey,' and 'External Reporting Hotline' (additional options).