Reply To: Chronic medication when moving to Japan
Some great advice here!
While you will likely be able to bring a certain amount with you, eventually you will need to refill your prescription here as well since you plan do be here long term. So, you may want to start looking for a hospital in advance. Larger ones often have English speaking staff.
With that, two things to keep in mind:
Some larger hospitals require an “introduction letter” from a local doctor so, be sure to get in the healthcare system ASAP, see a local doctor to figure out if you can get your meds there or if it would be better to go to a larger hospital with English via their introduction.
Secondly, not all medications available abroad are available here or the regularly prescribed amounts may be lower. So, just be prepared for a period of figuring out a new medication plan.
Please keep in touch, we’re here to help!
