Pharmacy and Medicine in Japan: Simple Guide for Foreign Residents
How prescriptions, medicine notebooks, and medicine instructions work in Japan.
- Prescription Medicine
- Medicine Notebook
- Ask How to Take It
- Allergies and Pregnancy
- Do Not Share Medicine
Prescription Medicine
Some medicine requires a prescription from a doctor. After the hospital visit, bring the prescription to a pharmacy.
Medicine Notebook
A medicine notebook can record your medicines. It helps doctors and pharmacists check interactions and past medicine use.
Ask How to Take It
Check how many times a day, before or after meals, how many days, and what to do if you forget. Ask the pharmacist if unclear.
Allergies and Pregnancy
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and medicine you already take.
Do Not Share Medicine
Medicine is given for one person's condition. Do not give your prescription medicine to another person.
This article is based on official public information and is written in simple English. Procedures may differ by person and city. Please check the official page or a consultation office for your own case.
Source: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/iyakuhin/index.html
