Nagoya

Comprehensive Guide to Pharmacies and Medications in Nagoya, Japan

Navigating the healthcare system in a foreign country can be daunting, but understanding how pharmacies work in Nagoya, Japan, will help you access the medications you need with ease. Below is a detailed guide covering all aspects of pharmacies and medications in Nagoya.

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1. Types of Pharmacies in Nagoya

Pharmacies in Japan are categorized into two main types:

a) Dispensing Pharmacies (調剤薬局, Chōzai Yakkyoku)

• These pharmacies primarily handle prescription medications.
• They are often located near hospitals or clinics.
• You will need a prescription (処方箋, Shohōsen) from a licensed doctor to purchase medications here.
• Pharmacists at these locations provide detailed instructions on how to take your medication and may ask about allergies or other health conditions.

b) Drugstores (ドラッグストア, Doraggu Sutoa)

• Drugstores sell over-the-counter (OTC) medications, health supplements, cosmetics, and daily necessities.
• Some larger chains, such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ), Sugi Pharmacy (スギ薬局), and Tsuruha Drug (ツルハドラッグ), also have sections for prescription medications.
• Common OTC medications for colds, headaches, and digestive issues are widely available.

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2. Operating Hours

• Dispensing Pharmacies: Typically open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Some may open on Saturdays but are usually closed on Sundays and public holidays.
• Drugstores: Many drugstores have extended hours, often from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and some are open 24/7 (e.g., Don Quijote stores with pharmacy sections).
• Emergency Pharmacies: A few pharmacies operate late at night or on holidays. Check with your local ward office (区役所, Kuyakusho) or hospital for a list of emergency pharmacies (夜間薬局, Yakan Yakkyoku).

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3. Costs of Medications

• Prescription Medications: Prices are regulated by the government. If you are enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) or Social Health Insurance (SHI), you will typically pay 30% of the total cost. Without insurance, you will need to pay the full price, which can be expensive.
• Over-the-Counter Medications: Prices vary depending on the brand and type of medication. For example:
  • Cold medicine: ¥1,000–¥2,000
  • Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen): ¥500–¥1,500
  • Digestive aids: ¥800–¥1,500

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4. Procedures for Purchasing Medications

a) Prescription Medications

1. Visit a doctor or clinic to obtain a prescription (処方箋, Shohōsen).
2. Take the prescription to a dispensing pharmacy (look for the sign 調剤薬局).
3. Hand over your prescription and health insurance card (if applicable).
4. The pharmacist will prepare your medication and explain how to use it.
5. Pay the required amount (30% with insurance or full price without).

b) Over-the-Counter Medications

1. Visit a drugstore and locate the medication section.
2. If you are unsure about which medication to buy, ask the staff for assistance. Use simple English or a translation app if needed.
3. Pay at the counter. No prescription or insurance is required.

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5. Language Support for Non-Japanese Speakers

• Pharmacists: While most pharmacists speak limited English, they are trained to provide clear instructions using visual aids or written materials. Some larger pharmacies in Nagoya may have English-speaking staff or multilingual support.
• Translation Apps: Apps like Google Translate or Pocketalk can be helpful for communication. Many pharmacies also have tablets with translation software.
• Medication Packaging: Instructions are usually in Japanese, but some medications have English labels or inserts. If not, ask the pharmacist to explain or write down the instructions in English.

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6. Cultural and Local Considerations

• Politeness: Pharmacists in Japan are highly professional and polite. It is customary to bow slightly when greeting or thanking them.
• Medication Names: Brand names for medications in Japan may differ from those in your home country. Bring a list of active ingredients (in English or Latin) to help the pharmacist identify an equivalent product.
• Self-Medication: Japanese people often rely on OTC medications for minor ailments. However, stronger medications (e.g., antibiotics) are only available with a prescription.
• Health Insurance: If you are a resident of Japan, ensure you are enrolled in the NHI or SHI system to reduce medical costs. Tourists should carry travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
• Drug Restrictions: Some medications that are common in other countries (e.g., certain cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine) are restricted or banned in Japan. Check Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website for a list of prohibited substances before bringing medications into the country.

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7. Emergency and After-Hours Options

• Emergency Pharmacies: If you need medication outside regular hours, contact the Nagoya Medical Information Center (名古屋医療情報センター) at 052-581-0300 for assistance in finding an open pharmacy.
• Hospitals: In case of a medical emergency, visit a hospital with an emergency department. They can provide prescriptions or immediate care.

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8. Useful Phrases

Here are some phrases to help you communicate at a pharmacy:

• "Do you have this medication?" – この薬はありますか？ (Kono kusuri wa arimasu ka?)
• "I have a prescription." – 処方箋があります。 (Shohōsen ga arimasu.)
• "I need medicine for a cold." – 風邪薬が欲しいです。 (Kaze gusuri ga hoshii desu.)
• "How do I take this medication?" – この薬はどうやって飲みますか？ (Kono kusuri wa dō yatte nomimasu ka?)
• "I am allergic to [substance]." – [Substance] にアレルギーがあります。 ([Substance] ni arerugī ga arimasu.)

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9. Key Pharmacy Chains in Nagoya

• Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ): Known for its wide selection of OTC medications and cosmetics.
• Sugi Pharmacy (スギ薬局): Offers prescription and OTC medications, often with multilingual support.
• Tsuruha Drug (ツルハドラッグ): A large chain with affordable prices and a variety of products.
• Welcia (ウエルシア): Known for its customer service and extended hours.

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10. Additional Resources

• Nagoya Medical Information Center: Provides multilingual support for medical inquiries. Phone: 052-581-0300
• Japan Visitor Hotline: A 24/7 helpline for tourists. Phone: 050-3816-2787
• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): Offers information on healthcare and pharmacies for visitors.

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By understanding the pharmacy system in Nagoya, you can confidently access the medications you need while respecting local customs and regulations. If you have further questions or specific concerns, feel free to ask!