Bringing meds to Japan

[Lisa M]

So I'm interested in doing the JET program (not anytime soon; I still have two and a half years of ye olde college to go), but I am on several medications that I will have to be on for the rest of my life (yay).

The first I doubt will be a problem; it's pills that I can have shipped in, and they are non-stimulant, so shouldn't have a problem at customs.

The other, however, is an injection every three months. It is an intramuscular injection, so I cannot do it myself. I need a nurse/doctor to administer the shot.

The medication is depo provera (a type of birth control; I use it for horomone regulation.). Because of my horomones, it's not advisable for me to use a pill-based birth control. If I absolutely must switch to pill-based, I will, but it would need to be at least six months in advance and I would need a progesterone-based pill.

Basically... are there any "American hospitals" like they have in some other countries where I could get the injection (since I don't think depo provera is approved for use in Japan, I doubt I could get the injection done in a Japanese doctor's office)?

Or, if any of you are on birth control in Japan, do you know what type of pills they use? I need the highest amount of progesterone that I can get, and shouldn't use a progesterone-estrogen mix pill.

I would research this on the intarweb, but I wouldn't even have the slightest clue where to start, so if anyone can provide even a place to look, it would be awesome.

I figured I should start figuring this stuff out ASAP, because of the long times required for switching BC medications (at least three months for each switch), and because it's may just take that long to figure these things out.

And, of course, if I don't get into JET or another program, none of it matters, anyway.

[羽之助]

I would suggest finding out what the nearest embassy/office in your area that administers the JET program, and ask them. They would be more likely to have the exact information regarding medicine, especially the injections.

I know in major cities they have expat hospitals. or clinics at least ... Tokyo has the British Clinic or something like that.

[Lisa M]

W00t, it's legal in Britain. So there is at least a small ray of hope.

[Pierrot le Fou]

Expat hospitals cater to the expat community but are still bound by Japanese law. I sincerely doubt that you will be able to get depo-provera. The pill has been approved, and there is a good chance that you can take in a three year supply or possibly have it shipped if you fill out the appropriate paperwork with the embassy. If you are truly concerned, discuss it with the Japanese consulate to see what the regulations and the like are, as they may be able to help you (and would be the people to talk to about taking medication in to Japan anyway).

[jindojim]

I dun know how it's been in past years, but the JET program application that I filled out has a section where you have to list any medications you're taking. I'm sorry to say, but I think that if any of them are difficult to obtain in Japan or are illegal, they might not accept you.

[erbiumfiber]

I import drugs not approved in Japan through the mail (International Pharmacy, I have to look up their address every time- actually I'm on automatic re-order so I rarely have to go). It's so cool- you don't even need a prescription! Before you all go running there, you can't get any cool drugs like benzodiazapemes (spelling?) or ambien or stuff with codeine- anything that's a controlled substance in the US.

They put a sticker on it that says "medication for personal use" and I don't even get hit with customs (although I DO have that problem if it comes FedEx, go figure).

In fact, I'm just about to go order some antibiotics for my daughter (acne control- her skin is beautiful when she takes them, she breaks out almost in a rash if she doesn't). I'll check for Depo-Provera on the website- I'm sure you can find someone to stick it in you if you can get it over here.

I'll be back in a minute...

OK, I'm back. It's available, pretty expensive:

http://internationalpharmacy.com/browse.aspx?search=depo

Just bring some with you- I don't think this site accepts insurance (I'm paying through the nose) and they cannot sell to you within the US.

I'm back again:

Copy of import restrictions for Japan:

RESTRICTIONS FOR: Japan
Prescription or import permit is not required for import of non-controlled prescription drugs intended for personal and not for commercial purposes. Prescription drugs should be limited to one month's supply per shipment. Non-prescription drugs should be no more than 5 pieces. Medicines mailed to Physicians, clinics, hospitals or any commercial address may require import permit.