Japanese clinics give you a small booklet called an お薬手帳 (okusuri-techō) — a record of every medicine you take. Carry it to every visit. Here's why it matters more than it looks.

Why it matters

A doctor seeing you for the first time, in a short visit, can't always know what you already take — and some combinations are dangerous. Blood thinners like warfarin interact with many common drugs, and supplements count too: a patient once came in with frequent urination and memory changes that turned out to be high calcium caused by a vitamin D supplement. A medicine list makes these catches fast.

What to bring

• Your お薬手帳, or a clear list with generic (ingredient) names — not just brand names — and doses.
• Any supplements and over-the-counter medicines.
• If you have a referral letter, bring that too — it tells the new doctor your history and diagnoses.

If you don't have one yet

Ask any pharmacy to start an お薬手帳 for you — it's free, and apps exist too. Bringing your list turns a rushed visit into a safe one. Not sure how to set one up? Ask us on LINE.