Job Discussion Forums

k8ie · Joined: 08 Nov 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Pennsylvania, USA

Hey, everyone.. my apologies if this has been asked here before, but I did have a few questions/concerns about my prescription medication in Japan.

I will be working in Tokyo with ECC starting in March. I was just curious as to what the best way to handle my prescriptions would be. I am currently on 2 prescription medications. For those of you who are in the same boat, would you recommend me bringing a year's supply over with me? Or should I have family members mail them to me every three months or so as I need them? Or should I even consider looking into those online pharmacy sites that will mail to you in bulk? Or are things like this covered with Japanese health insurance, and would I be able to get them filled at a pharmacy in Tokyo?

Another question is.. if I'm bringing them on the plane with me in larger quantities, will customs give me a hard time? I would imagine that I would need to have a note or something from my doctor stating what the purpose of the medication is.

Just wanted to get some feedback from some people who've done this already. Thanks!

ripslyme · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 481 Location: Japan

Canuck2112 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Posts: 239

It depends on the medication.

A LOT of commonly prescribed western drugs aren't available here or haven't been approved here.

I would bring a year's supply from home. Keep it unopened in the original packaging and get a note from your doctor.

elliewelliesj · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 65

Again I guess it depends on the medication, but I have used the online pharmacies as my doc wouldnt give me a year's supply... the online store was great, reliable, quick, and no problems. I used one called inhouse pharmacy..but there are a few. There is a link to one from gaijin pot i think, and japan times website.