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ssjup81 · Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:06 pm Post subject: Prescription Medication

Hi everyone. I was just wondering what the procedure is for prescription medication. I'm taking Glimepiride (the generic brand of Amaryl) for Type II Diabetes. What should I take along with me so that I can continue taking the medication or get it prescribed by a doctor over in Japan.

The last time I was there, I didn't really have to worry about it.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

The "procedure" is that unless you bring it over yourself, you will have to visit a doctor to get medication prescribed. Could be expensive if you don't have insurance. Not sure if you would be eligible because you already have a pre-existing condition; the doctor might want to diagnose your diabetes himself before prescribing anything, and that might take time.

Once you get the prescription, you typically visit the pharmacy in or near the hospital and pay for it. The hospital visit and meds would be covered under national health insurance here, so you would end up paying about 30% of the total cost. Paying on that day is expected.

Don't expect to be given the exact same brand name meds here. Different country, different meds. Also, Japanese doctors tend to under-prescribe dosages, perhaps because of some fear or because the body weight of the average Japanese is lighter than foreigners. I'd strongly suggest you bring some message from your current doc.

ssjup81 · Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 11:05 pm Post subject:

I'm going to be working, so of course I'll be paying into the national health system over there (again). I've used the medical services while there too and also know about how unless you have private insurance, you pay out of pocket on the day seen, but then again, it's not like I mentioned it, so the information you gave is very valid and stuff.

That aside, I only have a 30-day prescription plus two refills, so only 90-days worth of medication.

I guess what I really was fully asking was what the procedure/paper work needed in order to go to a physician in Japan to continue being watched over and how to continue taking the medication, but I guess bringing a note from a current doctor should work. I only went to the doctor and hospital a couple of times and have received medication.

I guess I'd just be best going to the nearest clinic, get checked out, diagnosed, etc., after I'm done with all of my medication since I doubt I can actually get a year's worth since I have no insurance here and no primary-care physician and as I've said here before, haven't for years.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 1:35 am Post subject:

Just order it online and have it shipped to you anywhere in the world.

http://www.inhousepharmacy.biz/c-20-Diabetes.aspx

I used inhousepharmacy while I was in Japan and ever since and they're excellent.

ssjup81 · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 1:50 am Post subject:

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

To get a prescription here, you would first have to choose a hospital which has a department that you know would be suitable for diagnosing your condition.

Go there, and you will have to fill out the forms in Japanese, as you would in English back home. This could be daunting.

Depending on your employer and his willingness to provide insurance, you might have to get your own through kokumin kenko hoken instead of shakai hoken. Either way, you present your card upon visiting the hospital registration desk.

Wait, explain to a nurse a few more details about why you are there (probably again in Japanese), and wait for a doctor to see you. Go through the same Japanese language hassles again with them, and wait for Dr. God to decide what you should do. He might say something about prescriptions (shohousen), but he will not usually offer much information, since he is Dr. God. You then pay for the treatment/diagnosis, and then go to the pharmacy where you get the meds and a Japanese language explanation of them.

I hope your language ability is up to par, otherwise bring someone to help translate.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 3:38 am Post subject:

ssjup81 · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 5:40 am Post subject:

I'll do just that, send them a message and ask about the medication. If it works out and they do carry that type of medication, then I'll just stick with that site. If not, I'll go the route that Glenski suggested.

My Japanese isn't all that great when it comes to medical related stuff. I have gone to the doctor by myself before for simple stuff (like when I caught that cold and when I ended up with laryngitis), but for the more serious stuff (like when I had to go to the orthopedic clinic and then the hospital when I cut my foot), I had someone with me to help with translating.