I stopped taking T in January because I was no longer able to self-inject, but now am looking to get back on it in the form of T patches. However, there is one slight problem: I'm moving to Japan at the end of the month (Fukuoka, specifically) and will be there for a minimum of a year. My Japanese is limited.

I know the whole process if I was doing injections, but I can't any information about patches at all. Can I bring them into the country? If not, how and where can I get them? Are they even available at all?

I really can't help you with the patches situation, and since I live in the US, I can only suggest something that might help.

Have you thought about gel?  I use Androgel, and my insurance lets me buy it three months at a time.  Maybe you can get a prescription for it for overseas.  Or maybe you can have it shipped to you by your insurance company.

No needles, you just rub it on your shoulders, it has a hand sanitizer consistency, and as long as you follow your doctor's advice as to how to use it, its really easy to use and to deal with when packing a suitcase.  Just put the containers in ziplock baggies, in case of accidental spillage, and you're more or less good to go.  Or maybe you can ship it.  I'd check with the post office as to the legalities behind mailing it, but because other companies mail meds, maybe you can as well. 

Here in the US, testosterone is highly regulated, (its a Schedule III medication), but maybe you can speak to your doctor about getting it and having it shipped.  Whenever I pick up my prescription, I have to show ID to prove I'm the recipient.   

Here is what a Schedule III drug is.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controlled_Substances_Act#Schedule_III_drugs

Hope this helps!

Ryuichi

Thanks. Looks like they have it in Japan (not covered by insurance) based on this I found: https://transinjapan.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/is-testogel-available-in-japan/

My doctor didn't mention it as an alternative though, so I'll ask about it.

Quote from: AliquidAce on September 05, 2018, 08:21:35 PM
Thanks. Looks like they have it in Japan (not covered by insurance) based on this I found: https://transinjapan.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/is-testogel-available-in-japan/

My doctor didn't mention it as an alternative though, so I'll ask about it.

Sometimes, they simply don't know.  Ask, hopefully they'll find out for you before you leave. 

Ryuichi