Originally Posted By 1Gee1 Sorry for all the questions; I really appreciate your help. Here is another one: What about taking medications through customs into Japan. I'm not talking about anything narcotic, but just blood pressure med, Tylenol, Benedryl, etc. Is that a hassle? Should I get a doctor's letter or anything like that? Thanks!
Originally Posted By SuperDry You should have no problems bringing in non-narcotic OTC or prescription drugs. Just make sure prescription drugs are in their original container from the pharmacy. The one noted exception is that pseuduephedrine is strictly prohibited even in small OTC quantities. This is the active ingredient in Sudafed and many other cold medications. Actually, this stuff is now sold "behind the counter" in the US and requires you to show ID and get it from the pharmacist even though no prescription is required. Because of this, there are alternative formulas for Sudafed and similar that contain an alternate active ingredient, and those are okay in Japan as far as I know.
Originally Posted By SuperDry Also, you should note that OTC drugs in Japan suck, generally speaking. Bring whatever the maximum amount you think you'll need of simple things like Advil and so on. The last time I was there, my feet were sore because of all the walking and I ran out of Advil and was not happy.
Originally Posted By The Goddess Mara You won't find Advil or Aleve, but you can find Tylenol under the name Paracetamol. The Hilton has a well-stocked drugstore in the lobby which is very convenient. But SuperDry is right: bring everything you could possibly need and put it in your carry-on bags. Original bottles are a must for prescription meds. I carry Ambien for sleeping on heavy jetlag trips and you really do need it in the original bottle from the pharmacy.
Originally Posted By 1Gee1 So, OTC meds are okay to not be in original containers? My vitamins are from Costco and the "jug" that they come in is huge! Advil, etc.--are they okay on a pill case? I can understand that Ambien would have to be in the pharmacy container, but what about something like Tylenol PM? Thanks for the tip about Hilton's drug store!
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< So, OTC meds are okay to not be in original containers? My vitamins are from Costco and the "jug" that they come in is huge! Advil, etc.--are they okay on a pill case? I can understand that Ambien would have to be in the pharmacy container, but what about something like Tylenol PM? >>> You probably won't have any issue at Customs with medication. But if they do decide to inspect your bags and find pills in unlabeled containers, how are they supposed to know what they are? I'd buy smaller quantity containers just for travel if you want to be extra safe. But again, it most likely won't be an issue at all (unless of course, you're one of the lucky ones ).
