Over the counter medications - Japan Forum - Tripadvisor

Over the counter medications

Melbourne, Australia
Level Contributor
340 posts
95 reviews
44 helpful votes
Over the counter medications

Hi all, can someone advise if you can buy panadol osteo over the counter in Japan.

Also how strict are medication regulations.

I need to take panadol daily for my pmr and dont want to have to pack too many in my luggage. I will have a letter from my GP fir all my meds

5 replies to this topic
California
Destination Expert
for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Shinjuku, Japan, Nara
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43,593 posts
313 reviews
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1. Re: Over the counter medications

Tylenol タイレノール and acetaminophen アセトアミノフェン are common names for panadol in Japan. It is available OTC in Japan but they might not be as strong as what you are used to as Japanese OTC meds often have lower doses. It is better to bring yours so you know how much to take. You're allowed to bring 2 months' supply of OTC meds without any paperwork such as a note from your MD.

Melbourne, Australia
Level Contributor
340 posts
95 reviews
44 helpful votes
2. Re: Over the counter medications

Thanks so much for this information :)

Ormond-by-the-Sea...
Level Contributor
6,777 posts
69 reviews
40 helpful votes
3. Re: Over the counter medications

My wife forgot her Tylenol and we bought it in Japan. The pharmacy showed me a list of questions in English (are you pregnant etc) and wouldn't let me buy it with the sinus medicine she was advised to take because her ears were plugged from the flight. It was name brand but 325mg strength so no extra strength version.

Drug stores were more casual about it but I would still pack it.

Edited: 9:04 am, April 14, 2024
Melbourne, Australia
Level Contributor
340 posts
95 reviews
44 helpful votes
4. Re: Over the counter medications

Thanks

Level Contributor
692 posts
137 reviews
57 helpful votes
5. Re: Over the counter medications

Definitely bring sufficient from home. We were caught out in a snow resort area and had very limited Panadol left after everyone had had a string of mild colds, despite packing what we thought would be sufficient. We tried to get some at Sapporo station before heading off but couldn’t locate any. The store at the snow resort also didn’t stock it, and we were also told that none would be available via the medical services at the resort either (!!)

In short, none was available via the usual routes you’d expect if in Australia. No doubt it would be easier in a city, but you don’t want to be unexpectedly caught short.

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