What to Do If Your Child Runs Out of Medication During Travel | When to See a Doctor and How to Get a Prescription in Japan
■Symptoms
While traveling, your child may lose their regular medication or run out earlier than expected. This can be particularly concerning if your child needs ongoing treatment for conditions such as asthma, allergies, or epilepsy. Missing medication may cause symptoms to return or worsen.
Medications prescribed overseas may have different brand names, ingredients, or dosages in Japan. Therefore, it is important not to purchase or use a similar-looking medication without medical advice. When traveling internationally, carrying a copy of the prescription and information about the generic name (active ingredient) of each medication is recommended.
■Common situations
- Running out of medication that should not be interrupted, such as medication for asthma or epilepsy
- Losing medication or having it stolen
- Using more medication than expected and running out during the trip
- An extended stay due to a flight delay or other travel disruption
- Leaving medication at home or in checked baggage
Medication regulations and availability vary between countries. Japan also has specific rules regarding bringing medications into the country.
■When to Seek Medical Care
Seek Medical Attention Promptly If Your Child:
- Has difficulty breathing or severe wheezing
- Has a seizure or altered consciousness
- Develops a severe allergic reaction
- Develops rapidly worsening symptoms after running out of medication
- Cannot continue medication that is important for preventing serious symptoms or seizures
Even if your child currently has no symptoms, if an essential regular medication is running low, we recommend seeing a doctor as a precaution before it runs out.
■What to Do
- Check the medication box, container, prescription, or medication information sheet.
- Prepare photos of the medication or previous prescription records, if available.
- Confirm the generic name (active ingredient), dosage, and frequency.
- Do not reduce the dosage or stop the medication without medical advice.
- Do not give your child medication prescribed for another person.
Medication names, availability, and regulations vary between countries, so evaluation by a physician is important.
■What We Can Do at Our Clinic
We provide:
- English-speaking medical care
- Medical consultation and examination of your child by a physician
- Review of medications prescribed overseas and your child’s medication history
- Assessment and prescription of medications available in Japan when appropriate
- Referral to a pediatric specialist or pediatric medical facility when necessary
Please note that the exact same brand, active ingredient, or dosage prescribed overseas may not be available in Japan. After examining your child, the physician will assess their condition and determine which medications can be appropriately prescribed in Japan.
■Appointment
At International Clinic Osaka Shinsaibashi (ICOS) in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, we provide medical consultations for children who run out of medication while traveling in Japan. We offer same-day appointments and English-speaking medical services.
If your child has lost their medication or does not have enough medication for the rest of the trip, please prepare any available photos of the medication, prescriptions, or medication records and contact us by phone or email.
Address
4F Zenith Building, 1-13-25 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Phone
+81-6-6484-6392
Email
c.icos@international-clinic-osaka.com