Hi, I’m in the latter stages of a 3 week stay in Japan, and have made my last move From Osaka to Tokyo. However I forgot my insulin (I’m T1 diabetic) in the fridge at the place in Osaka. I have spoken to the owner and he says the cleaners didn’t see it there.
I have calculated that based on my current supply I’m just short of coverage for my insulin needs until my fight home. Essentially I need to acquire a small amount of fast acting insulin. I’m in contact with the owner of the airbnb but it appears likely that the insulin I left there is lost.
What can I do to acquire insulin here in Tokyo? Based on the information I found online I need a prescription made out by a Japanese doctor, but other than that all the info about actually getting a prescription has been vague or unhelpful, as I do not speak Japanese. What can I do?
Edit: Thanks for all your helpful replies, my issues have been resolved!
17 comments
It’s probably going to be impossible for you to get insulin as a tourist, especially within the time frame you need it. The doctors aren’t going to just hand it to you quickly. They’re going to want to do all the checks and balances. Chances are housekeeping threw it away without knowing what it was unfortunately. Maybe someone else has a more fast solution but I don’t foresee you getting what you need in time.
If I were you I would start seeing if you can cancel your hotels and schedule your flight out earlier than expected so that you can get your necessary medication.
Talk to your insurance.
If not go to any clinic that is open tomorrow and talk to the doctor.
They do speak English here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/N4Ey6CN1QZbaVT3Q8?g_st=ic
If the problem is life-threatening, the embassy may be able to refer you to a medical facility.
Alternatively, consult a hospital with a JMIP. https://matcha-jp.com/en/9910
Do you have a travel insurance you could contact?
If not then perhaps some emergency room?
Also if you’re staying in a hotel they could have access to a doctor for guests
If you can get somebody from your home to get the insulin for you, they may be able to priority ship it to you in time. Cost might be fairly high, especially if you need to maintain cold temperature. You cod send it in a cooler box with ice pack etc.
Other option is to slightly reduce your dose so it stretches out further to the end of your trip. You’ll need to adjust your diet to match.
If you’re now in the Tokyo area, try to get an appointment at [this clinic near Tokyo Tower.](https://maps.app.goo.gl/pQKkKjwM9vE3LsgP8?g_st=ic) They specialize in working with the foreign/English speaking community and the doctors there may have the best information/advice on if you can obtain more insulin in Japan.
Fellow T1D here. Sounds like trying to get an Rx from a PCP, internal medicine doc, or an emergency room is the move now, but may not be successful. If that isn’t possible, if you’re on MDI can you slightly increase your long-acting insulin to help reduce your rapid-acting insulin needs, or if you’re on a pump can you use a syringe to remove extra insulin from old pump sets/tubing/pods so it won’t be wasted? Reducing mealtime insulin needs through low carb may help stretch your insulin. Rationing insulin can get you in DKA or worse, so flying home early may be the safest bet if you can’t get more insulin.
US Embassy resources: https://japan2.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-doctors-tokyo.html
Old reddit posts you may have seen: https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/uomwkl/minor_emergency_i_need_insulin_within_2448_hours/
https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/14wk3b3/public_clinic_for_type_1_diabetes_in_tokyo/
Maybe ask your embassy if they have connections to some doctors or authorities that could make it possible for you to get some new stuff or at least a contact in case of emergency.
As a fellow T1D headed to Japan here shortly – please update us as to what you found / your story.
I’m super hyper careful with my insulin for just this reason – but shit happens.
Good luck to you. Maybe you can pan handle some with a sharpie and some cardboard. I know I’d help someone out if I saw that.
If you are able to get a scrip filled at home or have leftovers at home, have a family member overnight it to you. Your other option is an emergency hospital with English interpreters, which you luckily should be able to find in Tokyo, but this will be more red tape and likely as expensive if not more.
Fly home early? Doesn’t seem worth risking your life for an extra day or two.
Lots of good advice. I would fly home early, but if you are determined to stay until the end of your trip, a letter and your prescription from your doctor back in the US might just be enough to convince a local clinic to help you.
Tokyo Medical opposite Tokyo Tower. Call First thing Saturday Morning. 03-3436-3028. They WILL see you if you say it’s Emergency, they have a pharmacy also downstairs. Only open in mornings Saturday though.
Yes, you could go to a ER at hospital but you’ll be there ages and waste your day.
Way too many negative comments here, Changing tickets? Going home early? Way over too much over reaction.
I will be in Tokyo tomorrow and may have a spare Novorapid. Send me a message.
Please direct message me. My wife and I are in Tokyo and she is a Type 1 Diabetic and has extra insulin.
Himawari Medical Service — 03-5285-8181: daily 9:00 – 20:00 medical translation and referrals
Free to call and can direct you to the relevant English speaking service closest to you.
Following! Be safe, OP!