Pharmacies, prescriptions and medication notebooks
When you receive medicine from a hospital, check the prescription deadline, how to choose a pharmacy and interactions between medicines. In Japan, hospitals and pharmacies are often separate.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Decision flow when unsure
Take it to a pharmacy that accepts prescriptions and consult a pharmacist
Do not use it on your own; contact the prescribing facility
Three things to remember
Check the issue date and validity period
Collect medicines and receive instructions
Helps check interactions and duplicate prescriptions
Check these first
1. How to collect prescribed medicine
Receive a prescription
Paper or electronic prescription.
Find a pharmacy
Check hours, language support and electronic-prescription compatibility.
Reception
Provide the prescription, insurance information and medication notebook.
Listen to the explanation
Confirm how to take the medicine, how often and precautions.
2. Prescription validity period
Both paper and electronic prescriptions are generally validfor four days including the issue date. Weekends and public holidays count.
Contact the prescribing medical facility again. For special circumstances such as travel, speak with the doctor when receiving the prescription.
3. Choosing a pharmacy
Important clarification:Prescriptions generally remain valid for four days including the issue date, counting weekends and holidays. However, in special circumstances such as long travel, a doctor or dentist may write a different validity period on the prescription. Consult before it is issued and never change the date yourself.
| What to check | Key points |
|---|---|
| Business hours | Can you visit within the prescription validity period? |
| Language support | Can you receive explanations in your preferred language? |
| Electronic prescriptions | If needed, does the pharmacy support them? |
| Stock | Some unusual medicines may not be stocked |
| Regular pharmacy | Using the same pharmacy helps consolidate medication history |
4. What is a medication notebook and why use it?
A medication notebookrecords the names, doses, instructions and prescribing/dispensing history of medicines you use. Showing it to doctors or pharmacists helps them share information across facilities. You can also record allergies and previous side effects.
Ask a pharmacy for a paper medication notebook. Smartphone-based electronic versions also exist. Show the same notebook at medical visits and pharmacies. If you visit several facilities, try to keep everything in one notebook or app. Tell pharmacists about over-the-counter medicines and supplements too.
Reference:Ministry of Health: electronic medication notebook。
5. What foreign residents should tell the pharmacist
6. Read next
Notes by residence and work situation
Check official sources
Follow your doctor’s and pharmacist’s instructions for specific doses and side effects.