Prescriptions and Japan

[steph196]

My pharmacist mentioned that Japan has strict rules about prescriptions. The US Embassy website said that one month of approved prescriptions can be brought in along with the original prescription and a letter stating the purpose of the medication. I need to bring my migraine medicine. I wanted to find out from those of you who have traveled with prescription medication if this is a strict regulation or not. I don't have the original prescription, because it was sent to the pharmacy electronically. 

[maddiepaddy]

My H had prescription medicine with him when we traveled to Japan last year. We didn't even think about it possibly being an issue, and it wasn't. He may have had his pills in a pill organizer rather than the original bottle, but I don't think it would have mattered either way. Our bags were not inspected when we arrived nor were we asked about medications while going through customs.

If it were me, I wouldn't worry about it. It's not like you'll have tons of Vicodin or something like that with you. But if you're nervous, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the prescription and a letter.

[origami]

I brought in Ativan with no note or letter and no one said anything. But if you want to be 100% sure they don't confiscate it you might want to see if your pharmacy can reprint the docs you need. You just need a copy of the Rx, not an actual Rx. Your migraine med is not a narcotic, right? I know someone who was arrested for bringing that kind of drug in, and she had a valid Rx (but not the other form or the correct quantity).

[chimera]

With my stupid mini pharmacy med needs my doc writes a letter to go with me on hospital letterhead. Stating I'm under his care, where he practices, his contact info, a statement that the meds are medically necessary, and the meds (name/generic, dose, and frequency. )

He also prints out copies of my scripts (the electronic system puts multiple on a sheet) just in case I need to fill while out of reach of our normal pharmacy.


How strict varies by country and by person you're dealing with - I go with the if I have all the info I'll never actually need it. Coming home through Korea in March I was glad to have the letter - the security agent wasn't sure about one of my cream scripts ( over the 100ml). Only thing that kept that from getting tossed was the Johns Hopkins logo. Supervisor reread the letter for a very longtime then finally looked at the corner - light bulb moment- ah Johns Hopkins ok you can go.

[steph196]

Sept 25, 2015 8:36:42 GMT -5 origami said:

I brought in Ativan with no note or letter and no one said anything. But if you want to be 100% sure they don't confiscate it you might want to see if your pharmacy can reprint the docs you need. You just need a copy of the Rx, not an actual Rx. Your migraine med is not a narcotic, right? I know someone who was arrested for bringing that kind of drug in, and she had a valid Rx (but not the other form or the correct quantity).

No, it isn't a narcotic. I will contact the pharmacy and have them print out a copy of the prescription. Thank you!