Strong painkillers and opioids fall under the category of narcotics, and their importation is heavily regulated in Japan. Drugs like codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone are subject to strict control measures. Travelers should be aware that carrying these medications into Japan without proper permission is illegal.
Which Prescription Medicines are Banned? Heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis (including CBD oils), and some prescription medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine are banned in Japan. There are no exceptions for prohibited medications, even if the medication is legally obtained outside of Japan.
Generally, up to one month's supply of allowable prescription medicine can be brought into Japan. Travelers must bring a copy of their doctor's prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug.
So can you bring medicines like paracetamol to Japan? You can bring paracetamol and general over-the-counter medicines to Japan if the amount is for 2 months supply. Prescription medicines are allowed for 1 month supply.
How to prepare permitted medicine to bring with you? A copy of the prescription and a doctor's note of explanation should accompany the medication when brought with you to Japan. Medication should be stored in the original bottle – do not store in an unmarked container or bottle labeled for a separate medication.
Bringing Ibuprofen to Japan
For over-the-counter Ibuprofen, individuals are permitted to bring in up to a two-month supply for personal use without the need for any paperwork.
Up to one month's supply of prescription medicine (that is allowed by Japanese law) can be brought into Japan. Travelers should bring a copy of their doctor's prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug.
Popular antidepressants not available in Japan
We know that Prozac did not enter Japan because the manufacturer decided to pull it after disappointing trials in Japan. Wellbutrin was not accepted because it is chemically similar to amphetamines, which are basically illegal in Japan.
Bringing Melatonin to Japan
Is Melatonin allowed in Japan? In many countries, melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement and can be purchased over the counter. However, in Japan, melatonin is not classified as a dietary supplement, but rather as a prescription medication.
All travelers entering Japan with a prescription medication, including medication that is not restricted in Japan, should consider bringing a copy of their doctor's prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug.
You can only take prescription medicine out of Australia if it's for personal use and limits apply. This includes medicines supplied under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Find out if there are laws or restrictions on how much PBS-subsidised medication you can take overseas.
Are there any restrictions on taking over the counter ((from UK) paracetamol and/ibuprofen tablets in to the country? None. You can bring in up to 2 months' supply.
Items designated as prohibited by the Civil Aeronautics Act cannot be placed inside checked baggage. (Examples include toxic gases, flammable gases, flammable liquids, compressed gases.) Although dry ice, alcoholic liquids, and cigarette lighters fall under the “Prohibition for Carriage of Explosives etc.
Travelling with your medicines
Always carry medicines and medical equipment (needles, syringes and so on) in their original, correctly labelled packages. Carry your medicine in your hand luggage (although check your airline's regulations before travelling) with a copy of your prescription.
Amlodipine besylate, an antihypertensive, was the most commonly prescribed drug (n=5,537 patients).
In Japan, alprazolam (Xanax) is available under different brand names. Some of the trade names under which it can be found include Solanax and Alprazolam Mylan. However, like Xanax, these are prescription drugs and should only be taken under careful medical supervision.
The Zoloft will be fine for personal use in less than 30 day supply. The likelihood of being stopped at customs is very slim, and even if you are, you are not breaking any rule or law and will be fine.
パブロン (Paburon): a medicine that contains paracetamol and is an anti-inflammatory and for colds.
Like aspirin, these are not prohibited unless they have some extra powerful drug mixed with them like Pseudoephedrine (which is illegal!). Most over-the-counter medicines are legal to bring into Japan such as Tylenol, Asprin, Claritin, Tums, Ibuprofen, Advil, and generic version.
Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers.
But fear not ladies, here are the ins and outs of purchasing birth control pills in Japan. Birth control pills are known as keikou-hinin-yaku (経口避妊薬) but more commonly referred to as “piru” (ピル). They were only legalized in 1999, four decades after they became available in the West. In fact, Japan was the only U.N.
Psychotropic medicines can be carried into Japan when prescribed for personal medical use. You should carry the original prescription from the prescribing doctor with you. There are maximum quantities that can be carried, although a one-month supply at normal doses and quantities will rarely exceed this.
The most frequently banned drug is paracetamol, whose export has been specifically banned or restricted by five countries: UK, Norway, India, Argentina, and Kirghizstan.