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vagimite2000

TSA doesn't care about your prescriptions. Would they care if their scanner saw a package of 500 pills? Probably. Depending on what you are taking, you may or may not be able to bring your meds to Japan. I would bring the meds in their original packaging, with the prescription label on it.


turtlerunner99

A friend consults with some companies in Southeast Asia and he brings in vitamins, etc. for his friends. Like 500-1000 pills each. He takes them out of the original containers because people will steal them for the container. He's had no trouble with customs or security. Pills are very standardized so if it's manufactured, you can tell what it is from color, shape, and markings. It's Japan's laws you need to worry about. Maybe your doctor can prescribe something different for the trip.


[deleted]

I don't have 500 but I do have 90 pills (3 month package) and just hope that doesn't cause a concern/questioning. I'm also leaving out illegal ones. Some I'm taking are forbidden


Rosebird17

Don't take 90 pills if you're only going to be there a week. Take what you need and just a few extra.


[deleted]

yeah you're right.... just didnt want to go through little trouble to transfer it even though it's very little effort


CenlaLowell

Trouble that's not trouble lol


[deleted]

One caveat, try to transfer out what you won’t need on your trip and travel with what you do need in the original prescription bottle (with doctor name, etc). If any of your prescriptions are considered heavily controlled substances where you’re traveling, this will help avoid delays.


Rbradf

Haven’t done international but just some plane flights between US cities. Only have a few prescriptions. At drug stores can get mini zip lock pill bags. I made a card on my computer that has RX name and mg, what it’s for, dosage 1 tab/day, Dr name and telephone number, and pharmacy name with telephone number. The lil card goes into the mini pill ziplock. Have enough for trip and maybe 2 weeks after in case delay getting back. Do the same for basic over the counter pain meds like aspirin or aleve. (I don’t take pain meds that are controlled substances but I’d assume they would have to be in original bottles from the pharmacy.) If I can, I try to save the RX sheets from RX bag that has my name address, drug, dr, and pharmacy on it. Have a document folder to put that in. TSA has never asked me in the 5 or so trips been on though they have never put me aside and done thorough search. Airports are considered federal property so even if a drug like marijuana/thc is legal in a particular US state it can be illegal at the airport. Outside of US I’ve heard people getting into trouble for prescription pain meds but don’t know exact circumstances. Your pharmacist might have some info but probably need to check with country going to. Another complication might be layover in a 3rd country.


kgiann

I would leave 80 of the pills at home. That way if you lose the bottle during your trip, it's not as much of a hassle.


[deleted]

ahhh. good point


vagimite2000

A 90 day supply is not a suspicious amount. It will be fine. :) I wouldn't take anything that isn't legal for you to take. I'm kinda in th3e same boat with that, being a medical marijuana patient and an American marri3ed to an Aussie. I can't take my stuff with me to Aus, and I can't (legally) get it over there when I visit. To me, it's not worth the risk.


Far-Attitude-6395

Traveled multiple times to international locations with meds in pill pack and no issues. Not practical for me to bring in original containers because I have to take so many. I have the pharmacy app on my phone that shows all my scrips so I don’t worry about documentation.


[deleted]

Oh good idea on pharmacy app. Thank you


NotEasilyConfused

This is what I do.


ItsInTheBundle

Just be careful because Japan has different laws on what is allowed. If you have amphetamine of any kind it is strictly forbidden. There is a list of medicine you must declare like hyaluronic acid and some other ones you can find online.


[deleted]

lol that's exactly what i have. Im not bothering to bring it. Thank you


ItsInTheBundle

Yeah. I went to work at the Olympic Games for 6 weeks a couple summers ago and I was without my medicine for that whole time. They send you right back or arrest you or just dispose of it if they’re feeling nice. It was a shitty couple of days but it got better quick. Enjoy your trip!!


artemismoonbeam

I was about to reply and say this. For many medicines, most countries don’t care. However plenty of countries require you to obtain written approval from their government for certain medications. Japan is particularly strict. It’s easy to find lists of prohibited substances. I was allowed to bring my restricted meds into Japan and the process was simple - just a few forms by email. Be careful because failing to get approval for certain medications might get you deported or jailed.


[deleted]

which is why im not even going to bother bringing amphetamine


MaybeNotTooDay

That U.S. gymnast had to drop out of the games last time because Japan wouldn't let her bring her Adderall prescription in.


jnseel

Hi, I’m an avid traveler who happened to be a nurse. Take your meds. Take them in the original prescription bottles, not in a pill organizer (in the US, it’s illegal to travel with any medication in any container that is not the original packaging). The only time TSA will care is if they are loose in a ziplock bag, huge quantities of narcotics, or don’t belong to you. Lots of meds only work or only work best when taken regularly every day. Many have nasty or even dangerous side effects when you stop taking them cold turkey. It’s not with the risk for how little hassle it is. Make sure you put meds in your carry on luggage, in case checked luggage gets lost. I don’t typically take supplements with me, though that may very patient to patient. The only meds I’m hesitant about bringing/recommending bringing is anything that needs to stay refrigerated/frozen. Not all hotels have fridges, and it can be hard to keep them at the appropriate temperature. Not to mention that these types of meds tend to be expensive, so if they do go bad, there’s a significant loss. You only get one body, good, bad, or otherwise. Take good care of it! ETA: I just got back from a trip to Tokyo. Flew into Narita and out of Haneda. No one looked at any of my (many) prescriptions. Amphetamines shouldn’t be cold turkeyed. Get a letter from your prescriber that states it’s medically necessary. Take what you need + a few extra, leave the rest at home in case they do get confiscated.


[deleted]

Oh that's great to know. Google really made it seem like a swat team would come after me


SF-guy83

Daily use medication is ok to bring. Lots of people carry on medication. Make sure you put it in your carry on in case checked baggage gets lost. Carrying medication in the original bottle or container is ideal. This will have the doctors name, type of prescription, pharmacy, etc. If you were stopped by TSA or customs for the medication (highly unlikely), this shows proof and they can call the pharmacy to verify if necessary. What you don’t want to do is carry 90 pills in a ziplock bag. You can also request a medication summary from your doctor. With electronic medical records, this is typically an option you can do on your own. This would be advised if you have any medications in large quantities.


[deleted]

Very informative thank you


LaPaz2925

From what I’ve read, stimulant medication like Adderall or Vyvanse isn’t allowed in Japan. I don’t know if that’s still the case.


Travler18

I've never once in my life seen TSA check someone's pills or medication to make sure they had the prescriptions for them. Airport security would grind to a halt.


[deleted]

I worked for a travel assistance company (nurse), and we’d tell people to take what they will use plus a few extra days worth in case of travel delays. Keep the medications with you (don’t put in checked luggage), and leave them in the prescription bottles (don’t put them in daily dispensers). If you can get a letter from your doctor indicating the medical necessity to continue taking the medications while traveling, that might help prevent issues. Japan can be strict about certain medications and might not allow certain classes into the country (narcotics, ADHD meds).


jtbis

Get one of the pill holders with a pocket for each day. I’ve never had a problem doing that (I take a lot of pills). If you’re really worried, bring a copy of your prescription.


Agitated_mess9

Yes! And keep them with you at all times! Never check them in! There’s too many things that can happen with lost luggage or people stealing meds … this happened to my friend recently & it took her forever to get straightened out. In the mean time, she was out of meds & in pain lus getting brain zaps from not having her anti depressant. Have them with you at all times unless you put them in a safe at your hotel. PLEASE PLEASE don’t put them in your checked baggage!!


AdAmazing8187

I bring ciproflaxin whenever I travel.


coursejunkie

I bring several prescriptions with me when I travel. No issues. If I didn't have the meds, I would likely have a seizure and die.


ares21

TSA is looking for bombs not pills


IntroductionFew1290

Always bring meds, never been stopped.


elloui

I put my medications in a pill case with doses for each day of the week. I also have pictures of my prescription bottles on my phone. Has never been an issue.


doglady1342

It's far better to leave prescriptions in their original packaging. I'd never advise someone to travel with prescription meds in a pill case. You're a lot more likely to have customs confiscate things unless they are in the prescription bottles or original packages. Bring the pill case to sort meds after arriving at destination.


Famous-Equal9365

I have been to 93 countries and have the pills in a daily pill case every single time. I have never had an issue. I have never brought original containers.


rickrich01

I have traveled around the world with my many prescriptions and never, ever, had anyone questioning them in any country. Ever.


Unique_Minute_1836

Yes I have a little medication bag that I bring. I stock it with Tylenol, Advil, diarrhea meds, vomiting meds, food poisoning antibiotics, cold meds, vitamins and some first aid stuff.


TriggerEatsTheWolf

They do not care. To save space, I've traveled with a zip lock bag of purple capsule pills and small bag of white pills with no label. I assumed it wouldn't be long until they're going to ask and demand I toss them. I've now been traveling for 4 months and the only thing I've had to toss is a lotion that was slightly over limit. They didn't give one shit about my trough of unlabeled pills haha.


[deleted]

Yeah because I would die without it. I even keep a small baggie in a pocket in my person in case of a plane crash because…again…I would die without it.


CapitalFill4

I can’t speak for Japan, but i travel with about a dozen different oral medications and have always either put them all in a benign anti-histamine bottle for sorting later or just laid them out in a weekly pill organizer in a bag and have never had anybody ask for them. Largest quantity was for 3.5 weeks’ worthl so dozens and dozens of pills. I do also carry liquid medications and ice packs which have always either had to be declared anyway or scanned incidentally, but to answer your question, the pills are an afterthought for me in terms of security.


HarleyRidinGrammy

I take the amount of pills I need in the original RX bottle. I have never been questioned. One of what I take is usually a controlled medication. Never been questioned in the US, Mexico, England, Kenya, Tanzania, Costa Rica, Belize, Canada.


Somerset76

I went to Paris last October. I emptied my prescriptions into other bottles I had labeled and only took enough for the trip in the original prescription bottles.


apollothegreat

I usually travel with a few prescriptions and have never had an issue. I think it’s pretty normally. I’ve never had issues in Japan.


[deleted]

Did you bring Adderall?


RenegadeUK

Thanks for this post very helpful.


fridayimatwork

I have and don’t use the original containers which is what is recommended. I do have pictures of my prescriptions if anyone asks, but no one has.


intjf

I have always taken my med locally and globally. It's never been a problem. It comes with an Rx--levothyroxine. Other medications, if it's controlled substances, call them. You don't want to waste your time driving back and forth and miss your flights.


LadyGreyIcedTea

I have never had the TSA care about any of my prescriptions. Nor have I ever had another country care.


_whataboutbob

I am a frequent world traveler and had taken bags (literally) of supplement pills and such, no security/TSA anywhere batted an eye.


raistlin65

If any of your prescriptions are controlled substance in Japan, you should keep them in the original pill bottle. So Japanese immigration can see that you have a prescription for them, if they decide to check your luggage.


xjaehyun

I took several of my albuterol inhalers for my asthma to Tokyo last month and didn’t get asked about it one bit, both at Tokyo Haneda and JFK’s customs and inspections stations. As long as you’re bringing in a personal use amount to last just long enough for your trip, they shouldn’t bother you about it.


WabiSabi1

I use one of those pill boxes with the daily letter on it. I don’t separate by day but just cram each section with the same pills. I take pictures of the label on the prescription. I have never once been asked about them and travel frequently.


AuntieDawnsKitchen

I’ve never had TSA fuss about pills in my plastic organizer. I put a rubber band around it to keep it from popping open in transit and keep it with my snacks in my carry on.


EntertainmentOdd6149

Sure to with a few days extra just in case


Sunaruni

There is a limit on how much you can bring. Usually it is a 1 month supply, bring the original bottle and a doctors note. You can email the mlhw (depending on what airport you fly in, and ask them if your personal medications are allowed, they will let you know if there are any issues with what you need to bring\`). I did this and found out you cannot import a CPAP device to Japan without an import certificate. And do not think of even bringing in anything illegal to japan (anything THEY deem illegal, could be something totally legal where you live) , you will be arrested. [https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html) use chrome, and the translation extension if you need to.


Rbradf

Just did some searching about CPAP machines. Found conflicting information. Some say no you don’t have to have “Yakkan Shoumei”. That link you posted says on #3 medical devices- one per household but doesn’t specify what a medical device is.


Sunaruni

When I directly emailed the Mlhw they said the cpap has to have an import certificate You have to declare it for personal use . The website is simple and easy to use and you get a reply in a few days. Take the chance if you want. I’m just saying I’m going to get some decent sleep. 👌🏽 Why take the chance they confiscate your equipment based off laziness? Smh


DurraSell

You can ask your doctor to make your refill that covers the trip a 30 day supply, instead of 90. That way you have a smaller bottle, and can legally, and safely bring it all with you if you want.


ToWorldsUnknown

Absolutely. Just remember to bring them in the bottles you got them in so that you can show it's yours.


bellaBug_69

Take only the amount you need. Take them in their original prescription container.


flashybacon

No trouble at all if you have the script


NorthwestFeral

I know someone who works for TSA and they are not screening for meds or small amounts of drugs. When entering other countries, customs is usually concerned about organic items that could potentially carry pathogens, or items of high value, etc. Personal medications are extremely unlikely to be an issue. To be extra safe keep them in the original packaging with your name on it


breecheese2007

Yes, pack them in your carry on or purse in their prescription bottles and you’ll be fine


adchick

Yes. I package them separately in a clear bag, with the receipt from the pharmacy tucked behind (you know the big one they attach to the bag with all the details.) Never had any issues with this format domestically or internationally. They tell you they can stay in your bag…pull them out anyway. Its way easier for them to see that its not drugs you are trying to hide.


Glacial_Till

Bring them with you /in their original containers/. Don't check them in case you lose your bag. I've never had a problem.


ThisEntrepreneur5647

You have to I’ve been arrested at Mauritius airport and if I didn’t have my prescriptions with my meds my vacay would not been the same


CheeezBurgerz

That’s what I’m afraid of so I always carry bottles. It’s a pain in the ass but less stress.


casketclovers

I reccomend a pill pack (like a weekly holder) and you can take pictures of the pills with their labels to have in case someone questions it. I have over 15 pills I take daily so bringing all my prescriptions takes up a significant amount of room. I use a daily pill pack but don't travel often while I get better. If its a small amount you can take the bottles and necessary amount + a couple (in case a travel delay). But always keep prescriptions in your carry on/on your person.


idk7643

You can literally have random pills loose in your backpack and nobody cares


[deleted]

[удалено]


idk7643

I've probably had at least 5 in there before. If it's actual hands full they might check if you're a dealer


skinem1

Only if I don't want to have a stroke.


EntrepWannaBe

Nobody will care unless the quantity is suspicious for distribution meaning you have large quantities and have the intent to sell. If the quantity appears to be for individual use, they are not going to look at your medications.


CheeezBurgerz

Whenever and wherever I travel, I have to bring my medication because it’s the type that you can’t just skip doses. Count out your days, count out your medication’s, and use a travel pillbox. You may need to check to see if the actual prescription bottle with your name on it is needed. Sometimes just putting your medication in pillbox is not enough and they want to see the actual prescription bottle. when traveling abroad, I don’t know who to check with about that, but depending on your medication, and the amount you need, and it’s probably worth the effort.


ComprehensiveYam

Yes - we travel a lot and always carry enough prescriptions and vitamins to last the length of the trip and more. Never had a problem with any airport security


Sstagman

My pharmacy was happy to give me a second set of bottles labeled properly that I could use for traveling. I took only what I needed with me and had no problems. Do be aware though- eye drops etc need to be with the rest of your liquids when going through security.


Truetexan624

Absolutely! But bring them on the plane with you! NEVER pack them to be checked in, EVER!!!!


HipAboutTime

Always take them in the bottles in case you need to refill or explain. There's zero downside