"Great News! Matsukiyo Launches Cream with the Same Ingredients as Hirudoid for 1186 Yen (50g) ♡"

2018.09.11 published

Various Topics: What is "Hirudoid"?

The medical product "Hirudoid" frequently becomes a topic of conversation on social media and in the news.

It has been discussed online for years, claiming it has the same anti-aging effects as a famous high-end cream.

Some may have heard the name or even used it.

It's a No-Go to Use It for Cosmetic Purposes!

Hirudoid is an anti-inflammatory and blood circulation-promoting agent, as well as a skin moisturizer, sold by Maruho Co., Ltd. since 1954.

It is primarily prescribed for patients with atopic dermatitis due to its effectiveness in healing wounds beautifully.

However, the discussion on social media claiming "Hirudoid, available at a 30% copayment from hospitals, has the same ingredients as high-end beauty creams" has led to a rise in people seeking it for cosmetic purposes.

This has begun to put a strain on medical expenses, resulting in a significant situation where it may have to be removed from insurance coverage.

To illustrate just how much it is impacting medical costs, according to a survey by the Health Insurance Association Federation,

the amount the government is covering for people receiving Hirudoid for cosmetic purposes is a staggering **9.3 billion yen**!!

That's an incredible amount, isn't it?

First of all, beauty and medicine are separate entities.

Using medical products for cosmetic purposes is illegal for both the prescriber and the person receiving the prescription.

Therefore, as a measure,

there have been opinions suggesting, “Perhaps prescribing only Hirudoid is likely for cosmetic purposes, so such prescriptions should be prohibited,”

and others have suggested, “Why not just exclude Hirudoid from insurance coverage entirely?”

However, if Hirudoid is excluded from insurance, it means that long-term users of Hirudoid for conditions like atopic dermatitis will also no longer be able to have it prescribed under insurance.

It is utterly unacceptable for those who are engaging in illegal activities to increase the burden on those who are suffering from medical conditions.

Such issues have been addressed as a major social problem in recent years.

Have you ever seen replies like, “Hirudoid is a medication! It should not be used for cosmetic purposes! It is illegal!” in response to posts on Twitter and Instagram that say, “I got so much Hirudoid♡”?

There is such a background behind those responses.

Matsukiyo Releases a Similar Cream to Hirudoid!

In an effort to tackle this significant issue, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, well-known to everyone, took action.

They started selling a cream infused with "heparinoid," the ingredient thought to benefit the skin in the same way as Hirudoid, under their private brand "Matsukiyo."

Launched on September 11, 2018, the product is named "HirumenAid Oily Cream."

(50g, 1186 yen)*

It contains the same heparinoid as Hirudoid.

Of course, this has nothing to do with health insurance, thus not putting any pressure on national medical expenses, and since it's a large manufacturer's private brand product, the price is reasonable.

➡ You can also purchase HirumenAid Oily Cream on Rakuten＊

Moreover, starting June 11, 2019, liquid-type "HirumenAid Lotion" was also made available at Matsumoto Kiyoshi Group stores nationwide.

It has also been confirmed that a large-sized version of "HirumenAid Oily Cream" will be released simultaneously.

Since it is a Class 2 pharmaceutical product, it cannot be purchased without a pharmacist or registered seller being present at the store.

However, if the people who were getting cosmetic creams prescribed under insurance coverage start buying this Matsukiyo's similar Hirudoid cream,

the burden on our national medical expenses in that regard will not increase, making it easier for everyone to live. ♡

(Thank you so much, Matsukiyo!)

Follow-Up! Hirudoid Skincare Line Launched!

On September 16, 2020, a skincare line titled 'Carté (カルテ) Hirudoid,' equipped with high moisturizing properties, was released through a collaboration between Kose and Maruho Co., Ltd., the manufacturer of Hirudoid. ♡

The concept is "For dry skin prone to irritation, enhancing moisture with each use."

In daily skincare, the essential “moisture structure” for skin hydration is approached by the effective moisturizing ingredient "heparinoid HD,” enabling long-lasting hydration even in harsh conditions to prevent dryness and skin irritation.

It seems that Maruho Co., Ltd. is the first to supply "heparinoid HD" to other companies for quasi-drug purposes.

For those who wish to take care of their skin with Hirudoid, using the line of 'Carté (カルテ) Hirudoid' is recommended.

Recognize that Receiving Hirudoid for Cosmetic Purposes is Illegal.

To obtain a 50g Hirudoid soft ointment, which is the same capacity as the HirumenAid Oily Cream (50g) sold at Matsukiyo,

approximately 10,000 yen in medical expenses is required.

If you think you want it for cosmetic purposes, it is fundamentally illegal,

and while the upfront payment is only the 30% or 10%,

the remaining 9,000 to 7,000 yen is being shouldered by all citizens, creating the contradiction of making others bear the cost of your beauty expenses,

and the reality that you might have to bear this through increased taxes when it eventually circles back to you,

as well as the unfair situation where patients in need are not able to receive it.

Let’s keep this societal issue in mind as we face these challenges.＊

Creams and lotions containing "heparinoid," the effective ingredient of Hirudoid, are also available for purchase in stores other than Matsukiyo.

Those who have previously received prescriptions for cosmetic reasons, currently receive them, or know people who do should confront this problem and collaborate towards a solution.♩

➡ You can also purchase HirumenAid Oily Cream on Rakuten＊