It's not easy to get medicine in Japan.
First, there's the language problem. A lot of medicines don't have English labels.
Next, drug stores in Japan are mostly-filled with Japanese medications. There are only a handful of well-known international medicine brand.
Lastly, over-the-counter-drugs in Japan have lower dosages when compared to other countries. You have to see a doctor and ask for a prescription. That's another difficulty.
I've been sick in Japan a couple of times. I tried going to the pharmacy and self-medicate but I still end up at the doctor's office asking for prescription. So, I suggest that when you're unwell and don't really know what Japanese medicine to take, do not self-medicate. Just go to the doctor's office. It will save you lots of time.
But there's one medicine that I need to take almost every month. It's Ibuprofen. Simple language: Pain killers. I usually suffer from menstrual cramps. I can't use that as an excuse for missing work so pain killers it is.
For pain killers, I use EveA. It's proven effective so far. So personally, I can recommend this pain killer should you need one.
I'm sharing posts of other bloggers for more information on over-the-counter drugs in Japan:
Eve A: Ibuprofen in Japan (blog: Kitty Does Japan)- This is more extensive and more informative post on Eve A.
Pain Medication in Japan (blog: Access J)- This post shows other alternative pain killers in Japan other than Eve A. It gives information on Buffering and Loxonin.
How To: Find Ibuprofen in Japan (blog: Surviving in Japan)- In this post, you'll learn how to actually buy, request and choose pain killers in a Japanese drug store.
Unmasking Meds: Allergies in Japan (site: Gaijinpot)- If you don't need pain killers but you need some medication for allergies, better read this helpful post. It listed some medicine brands that might be the one you're looking for.
Over the Counter Cold Medicines in Japan (blog: Japan Visitor Blog)- This post is for those who don't want to look like a ninja and wear a mask because of colds. The writer listed three possible medicine brands that can help with colds.
A Complaint about Japan's Puny Drugs (blog: Rurousha)- I've included to post to illustrate how hard it is get medication in Japan. It's a nice light read but informative as well.
