A family member is living in Japan. They recently were here in the States and were prescribed a non-narcotic prescription drug. The prescription has many refills, and they want me to send it to them in Japan. What has your experience been on this type of issue? What do I need to lookout for? Thanks for your help.
by Yupperroo
3 comments
First, you need to look at US export regulations to find out if you’re allowed to send these drugs out of the country. Then, look at the list of Japanese medications (there’s a link in the wiki) and make sure the drug is legal here. Then, send it and _do not lie_ on the shipping label. Write exactly what you’re shipping, what the value is, and what the quantities are. Include official documents such as the prescription itself and the receipts from the pharmacy that provided the medication.
Assuming you can legally send the drug out of the US, and that it’s not a controlled substance in Japan, the rest is on your family member.
There’s an import form for medication that you can fill out
Is the drug listed on オオサカ堂? If so, your family member can buy it without needing a prescription.
It’s a little weird in Japan in that unlike the US, your family member can import prescription drugs from abroad legally using a store like オオサカ堂 via his/her “personal exemption”, as long as it’s for personal use.
That said, if she can go to a doctor like you said, getting the drug at a local pharmacy would be the cheaper and more convenient option.