Hi! It’s Sensei.
Living alone in Japan can make you very anxious when you get sick.
“It’s not bad enough to go to the hospital, but I feel heavy…”
In such cases, let’s buy medicine at a nearby Drugstore (Yakyoku / 薬局).
For those who don’t know which one to choose because of all the Kanji, I will introduce famous medicines where you “can’t go wrong!”
1. For Headaches or Fever (Painkiller)
When you have a Headache (Zutsu / 頭痛) or a Fever (Netsu / 熱), buy a “Painkiller (Itamidome / 痛み止め).”
These two are particularly famous in Japan.
① EVE (イブ)
The white box with blue letters is the mark. It’s said to work well for Headaches. The tablets are small and easy to swallow.
② BUFFERIN (バファリン)
This medicine is known for being “gentle on the stomach.” Choose this if you have a weak stomach and are worried about taking strong medicine.
Painkillers may contain ingredients that make you drowsy.
Be careful before work or driving. Also, consult a Pharmacist (Yakuzaishi / 薬剤師) if you have allergies.
2. For Colds (Cold Medicine)
Sore throat, runny nose, or chills. For such Cold (Kaze / 風邪) symptoms, a “General Cold Medicine (Sogo Kambo-yaku / 総合感冒薬)” is good.
③ Pabron (パブロン)
This might be the most famous cold medicine in Japan. The gold box is the mark. There are Powder (Konagusuri / 粉薬) and Tablet (Jozai / 錠剤) types, so pick the one you prefer.
3. For Stomachaches or Overeating (Stomach Medicine)
If Japanese food doesn’t agree with you or you eat too much, look for “Stomach Medicine (Ichyoyuaku / 胃腸薬).”
④ Ohta-Isan (太田胃散)
The powder medicine in a can is also famous. It has a refreshing scent and clears up stomach discomfort.
⑤ Cabagin (キャベジン)
The green box is the mark. This medicine regulates your stomach. It helps when you have no appetite or your stomach feels heavy.
If you can’t find the product in the shop, show the photo on this page to the staff.
Ask “Kore, arimasu ka? (Do you have this?)”, and they will guide you immediately.
4. “3 Items” You Should Keep in Your Room
It’s hard to run to a convenience store when you suddenly get a fever at night. Buy these three items on Amazon while you’re healthy and keep them in your room. You’ll feel much safer!
① Thermometer (Taionkei / 体温計)
It’s a problem when contacting your company if you don’t know if you have a fever. You can buy one for about 1,500 yen.
② Cooling Sheet (Hiepita / 冷えピタ)
It feels cool and great when applied to your forehead! An essential item when you have a fever.
③ Face Masks Box (Hako Masuku / 箱マスク)
You use them every day when you have a cold or during hay fever season, so buy them cheaply in a “Box” rather than at a convenience store.
Summary: Don’t Endure, Take Medicine
Japanese medicines are of very high quality, so you will often feel better quickly if taken correctly. However, if you don’t get better after taking medicine or if the pain is severe, don’t endure it and be sure to go to a Hospital (Byoin / 病院) or Clinic.
A healthy body is the most important thing!
