Bringing Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Diabetes Medication to Japan
Planning to bring blood pressure medication to Japan, or a statin or diabetes medicine? Many of these long-term medicines, including lisinopril, atorvastatin and metformin, are ordinary prescription medicines in Japan. As a result, the main issues are quantity, dosage form and what happens when your supply runs out.
Quick answer
For an otherwise permitted prescription medicine, you can generally bring up to one month’s supply without Import Confirmation. Up to one month of an injectable medicine is also allowed when it is a pre-filled syringe or self-injection kit. For longer stays, plan to continue treatment with a doctor in Japan.
Not sure your exact product qualifies? Check the active ingredient, strength, form and quantity before you travel.
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Blood pressure medication to Japan: common tablets are marketed locally
These three are examples of long-term medicines that PMDA lists as current Japanese prescription products. That makes continuing treatment in Japan simpler; however, it does not change the quantity you can bring in.
Lisinopril リシノプリル
Blood pressure. PMDA lists lisinopril tablets in 5, 10 and 20 mg.
Atorvastatin アトルバスタチン
Cholesterol. PMDA lists Lipitor 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.
Metformin メトホルミン
Type 2 diabetes. PMDA lists Metgluco 250 mg and 500 mg tablets.
| What you carry | Without Import Confirmation (MHLW) |
|---|---|
| Prescription tablets or capsules | Up to one month’s supply |
| Injectable in a pre-filled syringe or self-injection kit | Up to one month’s supply |
| Non-prescription medicines | Up to two months’ supply |
The same rule covers blood pressure medication to Japan, cholesterol tablets and oral diabetes medicine alike. One month is counted against your prescribed dose, so carry your prescription or a doctor’s letter showing the dose. Above these limits, Import Confirmation may be required before you travel.
Injectable diabetes medicines: pens and pre-filled syringes
Insulin and other self-injected diabetes medicines are not automatically outside the personal-use allowance.
Current MHLW rule: up to one month of an otherwise permitted injectable medicine can be brought without Import Confirmation when it is a pre-filled syringe or self-injection kit.
In contrast, vials used with separate syringes, quantities above one month, or products with another regulatory issue can need additional procedures. Check the exact product before you fly.
Combination blood pressure medication to Japan: check the exact product
A tablet combining two active ingredients, for example metformin with another diabetes medicine or a blood pressure combination, should be checked as the actual product you carry.
Do not assume equivalence. Both ingredients being common in Japan does not mean your overseas combination product exists in Japan in the same strength or form.
Long stays: blood pressure medication to Japan and local refills
Internal medicine, diabetes and cardiovascular clinics routinely manage these conditions in Japan. Therefore, book a first appointment well before your imported supply ends.
Bring a recent treatment summary listing each active ingredient, strength and dose, plus relevant results such as HbA1c, kidney function, lipid results or blood pressure records.
Do not stop or ration diabetes, blood pressure or cholesterol medicine to stretch your supply. Instead, arrange continuity with your doctor.
Bringing long-term medicine to Japan?
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- Checks by active ingredient, strength and form
- Human-validated medical translation
- Price confirmed before work begins
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Frequently asked questions
Can I bring blood pressure medication to Japan?
Yes. Common blood pressure tablets such as lisinopril are ordinary prescription medicines in Japan. For an otherwise permitted product, you can generally bring up to one month's supply for personal use without Import Confirmation.
Can I bring metformin to Japan?
Metformin is a marketed prescription medicine in Japan. For an otherwise permitted product, you can generally bring up to one month's supply for personal use without Import Confirmation.
Are atorvastatin and lisinopril available in Japan?
Yes. PMDA lists current atorvastatin products, including Lipitor, and lisinopril tablets in 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg strengths. Availability of your exact brand and strength can still differ.
Can I bring insulin or GLP-1 pens to Japan?
Current MHLW guidance allows up to one month of an otherwise permitted injectable medicine without Import Confirmation when it is a pre-filled syringe or self-injection kit. Vials with separate syringes or larger quantities may need additional procedures.
Do combination tablets follow the same rules?
The quantity limit is the same, but check the exact combination product you carry. Do not assume an overseas combination tablet is approved in Japan in the same strength just because each ingredient is common.
What if I need more than one month of medicine?
Above the one-month limit for prescription medicine, Import Confirmation may be required before travel. For a longer stay, continuing treatment with a doctor in Japan is often more practical.
What should I bring to a Japanese doctor to continue treatment?
Bring a recent treatment summary listing each active ingredient, strength and dose, plus relevant results such as HbA1c, kidney function, lipid results or blood pressure records. A Japanese translation helps the clinic review them.
This article provides general information reviewed on 30 September 2026. It is not medical or legal advice and is not an official customs determination. Import limits and product approvals change, so confirm current requirements with MHLW or the competent Japanese authority before travel. Do not stop or change long-term medicine without your doctor’s guidance. MedicTranslate provides translation, information and coordination services and does not guarantee customs clearance.