Japan’s New OTC PPI: Pariet S vs. Nexium and Prilosec

If you suffer from acid reflux or frequent heartburn and are traveling in Japan, you might be wondering what treatment options are available over the counter. While Nexium (esomeprazole) and Prilosec (omeprazole) are well-known OTC proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) overseas, Japan has just introduced a new PPI medication to the market: Pariet S, containing rabeprazole.

As of June 2, 2025, Pariet S became available as an OTC treatment—but it comes with a catch: you need to consult a pharmacist in person to purchase it. In this article, we’ll introduce Pariet S and explain how it compares to international PPI options.

Contents

1 What Is Pariet S?
2 Why Visit BLEZ Pharmacy for Pariet S?
3 Comparison with International PPIs
4 Conclusion

What Is Pariet S?

Pariet S is Japan’s first over-the-counter medication containing PPI, rabeprazole, that works by reducing stomach acid production. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Gastric and duodenal ulcers
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Each package contains a 6-day supply, and it’s intended for short-term relief of heartburn and acid reflux.

Why Visit BLEZ Pharmacy for Pariet S?

Pariet S cannot be purchased without a face-to-face consultation with a licensed pharmacist. While drugstores are common places to buy medicine in Japan, many of them do not have a pharmacist on-site—meaning you won’t be able to buy Pariet S there, even if it’s on the shelf.

At BLEZ Pharmacy, we always have qualified pharmacists available to:

Provide mandatory in-person consultations in English or other languages
Determine if Pariet S is appropriate for your symptoms and health condition
Give clear instructions on how to use the medicine properly
Offer alternatives or additional advice if needed

BLEZ Pharmacy is your reliable destination for medications that require professional guidance and cannot be obtained at most ordinary drugstores.

Comparison with International PPIs

Product	Active Ingredient	Country	OTC Availability in Japan
Pariet S	Rabeprazole	Japan	✅ (with pharmacist)
Nexium 24HR	Esomeprazole	U.S./Global	✖ (prescription only medicine)
Prilosec OTC	Omeprazole	U.S./Global	✖ (prescription only medecine)

Conclusion

For travelers in Japan who need effective relief from heartburn or acid reflux, Pariet S is now an excellent option. However, due to Japanese regulations, it’s not available freely on store shelves—you must consult directly with a pharmacist. That’s why BLEZ Pharmacy is the best place to visit, with professional support and a stock of this newly approved medication.

Whether you’re looking for quick relief during your trip or managing ongoing symptoms, Pariet S offers a modern, effective treatment—just be sure to speak with a pharmacist before purchasing!