For those coming from overseas | Frequently asked questions about purchasing GLP-1 diet pills
At Oshima Dermatology Clinic in front of Shibuya Station, we also provide consultations and prescribe GLP-1 diet medications to people visiting Japan from overseas, including those on short-term stays and vacations.
Many people may feel anxious because they do not understand the medical system in Japan or how to purchase medical care.
This article provides an easy-to-understand summary of the purchasing process and points to note in response to frequently asked questions from patients visiting from overseas.
Can international travelers purchase GLP-1 diet pills?
Yes, prescriptions can be issued to people living overseas or tourists on short stays.
GLP-1 diet drugs are covered by private medical insurance, so even those who are not covered by Japanese health insurance can use them.
There are no restrictions based on length of stay or nationality, and prescriptions will be issued only if a doctor has examined you and deemed it medically appropriate.
Can I purchase without a reservation?
Yes, you can come in for a consultation or purchase without making an appointment.
A doctor will examine you on the day you visit, and if there are no problems, you can purchase the product.
However, depending on the busy situation, you may have to wait, so please come with plenty of time.
What do I need to bring when purchasing?
Please bring the following with you when you visit the hospital:
<Items you need to bring when you visit the clinic>
- Identification document (passport, etc.)
- A smartphone with a translation app (or something that can translate)
- Cash (Japanese yen) / Credit card
*Our clinic does not accept QR code payments such as “AliPay” or electronic money.Credit cardPayment will be made by.Credit cards accepted include Master, Visa, JCB, American Express, and UnionPay.
Can I receive treatment even if I don’t speak Japanese?
Yes, you can receive treatment even if you do not speak Japanese. Our clinic can accommodate the following:
- Examination using a translation app
- Support in Japanese or English
The doctor will explain each step while checking the screen, so it’s no problem if you can’t have a perfect conversation.
Please feel free to contact us.
Can I get a prescription even if I don’t have a Japanese health insurance card?
Yes, you can get a prescription even if you do not have a Japanese health insurance card.
GLP-1 diet drugs are an elective medical treatment and are not covered by Japanese public health insurance.
Please bring your passport or other form of identification with you when you visit.
Can I pick up my medication on the day of my visit?
Yes, you can pick up your medication on the day of your appointment.
After your doctor examines you, if there are no problems, they will prescribe it.
For safety reasons, we do not sell products without a medical examination.
Even if you don’t have a Japanese mobile phone numberBuy OnlineCan you do it?
If you do not have a Japanese mobile phone number, you will not be able to use online consultations.
Our online consultations are conducted by phone. If you do not have a Japanese phone number,We are unable to contact you and are unable to provide a consultation.
Please note that delivery is only available to addresses within Japan.
Even if you do not have a Japanese mobile phone number, you can still come to our clinic in person for an examination and prescription.
Can I bring purchased medicines onto an airplane?
In most cases, you can bring it on board as carry-on luggage.
However, the final decision depends on the regulations of the airline and the destination country, so we recommend checking in advance.
<Points to note when bringing in>
- Do not put it in checked baggage, always carry it on board as carry-on baggage
Checked luggage may be frozen or hot, which could cause the quality of your medication to deteriorate.
- Bring the medicine in its original packaging without removing it so that it can be identified as medicine.
At security checkpoints, it will be easier if you let them know in advance that it is an injectable drug.
Depending on the airline and country, you may be asked to show documentation that the medication has been prescribed by a doctor.The necessity and content of documents will vary depending on travel conditions, so please check the information provided by each airline or relevant organization for details.
Other notes
For other precautions, please see below.
Please be aware of the immigration and customs rules of each country
The rules for bringing medicines, including GLP-1 diet pills, into your country of destination vary, and some countries may have restrictions on the amount you can bring in.
If you purchase a large amount, you may be required to declare it when entering the country, so be sure to check the rules of each country.
Carrying on ice packs
The handling of carrying refrigerants on board varies depending on the airline and route (domestic or international). However, if you need to carry injectable medication, you may be allowed to bring it on board if you declare it as a medicine.[1]
For basic guidelines on international and domestic flights, please refer to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s guidance.
Please note that you may be asked to provide the following information during security checks. It is a good idea to prepare the necessary information beforehand.
- Documents that show the prescription details
- Medicine instructions
- Confirmation of identity of the user
Costs
In addition to the cost of the needle, swabs, and medicine, a separate consultation fee is required. The consultation fee is the same whether you visit the clinic in person or receive online consultation.
| Consultation fee | ￥1,000 (tax included ￥1,100) |
For online consultations, the cost of the medicine (including needles and swabs) plus consultation fee and shipping fee will be charged. The shipping fee will not change even if you purchase in bulk. To maintain quality, the product will be shipped by refrigerated delivery.
| Shipping fee (refrigerated delivery to maintain quality) | ￥2,000 (tax included ￥2,200) |
Victoza Saxenda Praoves
All three have the same ingredients.
| Victoza medicine fee (including needles and one month’s supply of swabs) | |
| One month’s supply (when 0.6 mg is injected daily): 18 mg, 1 bottle | ￥15,800 (tax included ￥17,380) |
| Saxenda medication fee (including needles and one month’s supply of swabs) | |
| One month’s supply (when 0.6 mg is injected daily): 18 mg, 1 bottle | ￥13,800 (tax included ￥15,180) |
| Plaobes medicine fee (including needles and one month’s supply of sterilized cotton) | |
| One month’s supply (when 0.6 mg is injected daily): 18 mg, 1 bottle | ￥8,900 (tax included ￥9,790) |
Rybelsus
It has the same ingredients as Ozempic Ugoby.
| 1 to 3 months’ worth | |
| Rybelsus 3mg 30-day supply: 30 tablets | ￥4,100 (tax included ￥4,510) |
| Rybelsus 7mg 30-day supply: 30 tablets | ￥12,800 (tax included ￥14,080) |
| Rybelsus 14mg 30-day supply: 30 tablets | ￥16,100 (tax included ￥17,710) |
| From the 4th month (when buying in bulk) | |
| Rybelsus 3mg 30-day supply: 30 tablets | ¥3,900 (tax included ¥4,290) |
| Rybelsus 7mg 30-day supply: 30 tablets | ￥10,400 (tax included ￥11,440) |
Ozempic
It has the same ingredients as Rybersus Ugobi.
If you purchase Ozempic, you will need to purchase needles and swabs in addition to the medication.
| 2.0mg 1 bottle up to 3 bottles | ￥16,000(¥17,600 including tax) |
|---|---|
| 2.0mg 1 bottle 4th to 7th bottles | ￥13,400(¥14,740 including tax) |
| 2.0mg 1 bottle 8 bottles onwards*If you purchase 8 or more bottles at the same time, the first 3 bottles are 16,000 yen each, the 4th to 7th bottles are 13,400 yen each, and the 8th bottle and beyond are 12,200 yen each.Example: If you purchase 10 bottles, the total will be ¥16,000 x 3 bottles + ¥13,400 x 4 bottles + ¥12,200 x 3 bottles = ¥138,200 + tax. | ￥12,200(¥13,420 including tax) |
| Needles and swabs (enough for 8 doses) | ￥500(¥550 including tax) |
Ugobi
The Ugobi SD has a built-in needle, so there is no need to purchase a separate needle. Sterile cotton is also sold as a set.
It has the same ingredients as Rybelsus Ozempic.
| Ugobi 1.7mg SD 1 week supply/1 bottle | ￥13,800 (tax included ￥15,180) |
| Ugobi 2.4mg SD 1 week supply/1 bottle | ￥19,200 (tax included ￥21,120) |
Ugobi is administered subcutaneously, one vial once a week. For a one-month (four-week) course, four vials are required.
Manjaro
The Manjaro has a built-in needle, so there is no need to purchase a separate needle. Sterile cotton is also sold as a set.
| Manjaro 2.5mg | ￥17,400(¥19,140 including tax) |
| Manjaro 2.5mg*From the 3rd month (when buying in bulk)*If you purchase more than three months’ worth of Manjaro 2.5mg at the same time, the first two months are ¥17,400 per month, and from the third month onwards, the price is ¥12,700 per month.For example, if you purchase a 3-month supply, the total will be ¥17,400 x 2 months (8 bottles) + ¥12,700 x 1 month (4 bottles) = ¥47,500 in total. | ￥12,700(¥13,970 including tax) |
| Manjaro 5mg | ￥28,000(¥30,800 including tax) |
| Manjaro 5mg *From the 3rd month (when purchasing in bulk) | ￥21,000(¥23,100 including tax) |
| Manjaro 7.5mg | ￥31,700(¥34,870 including tax) |
| Manjaro 10mg | ￥40,800(¥44,880 including tax) |
| Manjaro 12.5mg | ￥49,500(¥54,450 including tax) |
| Manjaro 15mg | ￥58,500(¥64,350 including tax) |
Manjarois administered subcutaneously once a week, with four doses required for one month (four weeks).
Procedure
The procedure for prescribing GLP-1 diet drugs is as follows:
Even if you are coming from overseas, no special procedures are required.
① Visit or make a reservation
You can either come in person or book an appointment online.
*If you wish to receive online medical consultation, you will need a phone number within Japan.No appointment is required to visit the clinic.
② Identification confirmation
At receptionto, and check your identification such as passport.
3) Examination by a doctor
Your doctor will check your physical condition, medical history, and any medications you are taking.
Even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can receive treatment using a translation app.
Please rest assured that we will respond in Japanese or English and will check the details as we go along.
④ Payment and receipt of medicine
After the examination, if there are no problems, you will be asked to pay and we will give you the medicine.
For safety reasons, we do not prescribe medication without a consultation.
⑤ Follow-up after treatment
If you experience any changes in your physical condition or any concerns during treatment, please consult your doctor.
When you visit our clinic, we will provide you with information on what to do during your stay overseas and after you return to Japan, depending on the situation.
summary
Our clinic also provides consultations and prescriptions for GLP-1 diet medications to people visiting Japan from overseas. This applies even to those who are on a short-term stay or traveling and do not have a Japanese health insurance card.
Consultations are available in English, and you can use a translation app to help you.
The service is easy to use even during a limited stay, as the consultation, prescription, and medication collection can all be completed on the same day.
If you would like to receive online medical treatment,A Japanese phone number is required.Delivery is only available within Japan.Even if you don’t have a Japanese mobile phone number,If you come directly to the hospitalNo reservation required.Consultations and prescriptions are available.
Rules regarding purchases and takeaway may vary depending on the airline and destination country.MasuPlease check this information yourself beforehand, and if you have any concerns, please consult with us during your consultation.
From overseasEven if you come to our clinic, we will do our best to provide you with careful treatment so that you can receive treatment with peace of mind, so please feel free to consult us.
reference
Labeling of unapproved drugs
About Victoza
| Unapproved drugs, etc. (for use for different purposes) | Victoza is approved under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act for its efficacy and effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes.However, its use for the obesity treatment method used at our hospital has not been approved in Japan. |
| Acquisition route etc. | We source from domestic pharmaceutical wholesalers. |
| Availability of domestically approved drugs | The drug, whose generic name is liraglutide, has been approved in Japan for its efficacy in treating type 2 diabetes, but the approved efficacy, effects, usage, and dosage differ from the purpose and method of use at our hospital. |
| Information on safety in other countries | It has been approved by the US FDA and the EMA (European Medicines Agency) as a treatment for obesity. |
About Saxenda
| Unapproved drugs, etc. (for use for different purposes) | Saxenda is an unapproved drug that has not been approved in Japan under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. |
| Acquisition route etc. | The Saxenda we use at our hospital is manufactured by Novo Nordisk Pharma and is imported by our hospital. |
| Availability of domestically approved drugs | The drug, whose generic name is liraglutide, has been approved in Japan for its efficacy in treating type 2 diabetes, but the approved efficacy, effects, usage, and dosage differ from the purpose and method of use at our hospital. |
| Information on safety in other countries | It has been approved by the US FDA and the EMA (European Medicines Agency) as a treatment for obesity. |
About PlaoBes
| Unapproved drugs, etc. (for use for different purposes) | Plaobes is an unapproved drug that has not been approved under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. |
| Acquisition route etc. | The Plaoves we use in our clinic is manufactured by Cipla, a major Indian pharmaceutical company founded in 1935, and is imported by our clinic. |
| Availability of domestically approved drugs | The drug, whose generic name is liraglutide, has been approved in Japan for its efficacy in treating type 2 diabetes, but the approved efficacy, effects, usage, and dosage differ from the purpose and method of use at our hospital. |
| Information on safety in other countries | It has been approved by the US FDA as a treatment for obesity. |
About Rybelsus
| Unapproved drugs, etc. (for use for different purposes) | Rybelsus has been approved under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act for its efficacy and effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes.However, its use for the obesity treatment method used at our hospital has not been approved in Japan. |
| Acquisition route etc. | We source from domestic pharmaceutical wholesalers. |
| Availability of domestically approved drugs | Rybelsus contains the same active ingredient as Ugobi subcutaneous injection, which is approved in Japan for the treatment of obesity. The drug, whose generic name is semaglutide, is approved in Japan for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but the approved efficacy, effects, dosage, and administration differ from the intended use and method of use at our hospital. |
| Information on safety in other countries | An injectable formulation of a GLP-1 receptor agonist has been approved by the US FDA as a treatment for obesity. |
About Ozempic
| Unapproved drugs, etc. (for use for different purposes) | Ozempic is approved for the efficacy and effectiveness of type 2 diabetes under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act, but it has not been approved in Japan for use in obesity treatment, which is what we do at our hospital. |
| Acquisition route etc. | We source from domestic pharmaceutical wholesalers. |
| Availability of domestically approved drugs | Ozempic contains the same active ingredient as Ugovi subcutaneous injection, which is approved in Japan for the treatment of obesity. A drug with the generic name semaglutide is approved in Japan for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but the approved efficacy, effects, dosage, and administration differ from the intended use and method of use at our hospital. |
| Information on safety in other countries | An injectable formulation of a GLP-1 receptor agonist has been approved by the US FDA as a treatment for obesity. |
About Ugobi
| Unapproved drugs, etc. (for use for different purposes) | Ugobi is approved for its efficacy and effectiveness in treating obesity under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. However, its use for the purpose of treating obesity, which is what we do at our hospital, has not been approved in Japan. |
| Acquisition route etc. | We source from domestic pharmaceutical wholesalers. |
| Availability of domestically approved drugs | The drug, whose generic name is semaglutide, has been approved in Japan for its efficacy and effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, but the approved efficacy and effectiveness, usage and dosage differ from the purpose and method of use at our hospital. |
| Information on safety in other countries | An injectable formulation of a GLP-1 receptor agonist has been approved by the US FDA as a treatment for obesity. |
About Manjaro
| Unapproved drugs, etc. (for use for different purposes) | Manjaro has been approved under the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act for its efficacy and effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes.However, its use for the obesity treatment method used at our hospital has not been approved in Japan. |
| Acquisition route etc. | We purchase domestically approved drugs from domestic pharmaceutical wholesalers. |
| Availability of domestically approved drugs | Zepbound is a GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist drug that has been approved for manufacturing and marketing in Japan for its efficacy and effectiveness in treating obesity.In addition, Manjaro has been approved in Japan for its efficacy and effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes, but the approved efficacy and effects, usage and dosage differ from the purpose and method of use at our hospital. |
| Information on safety in other countries | U.S. FDA approves injectable GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity treatment |
