You’ll need a valid uniformed services ID card to pick up a prescription. This includes children aged 10 and older. Prescriptions not picked up will be returned to stock after
If you can’t pick up your prescription within this timeframe, please contact the pharmacy. If you’re picking up a prescription for another person, please bring that person’s valid uniformed services ID (or photocopy, digital picture).
Proper disposal of prescription drugs reduces the risk of unintentional poisoning, drug abuse, and environmental harm.
For safety and regulatory reasons, the above cannot go in the MedSafe bin. Dispose of sharps in designated sharps containers.
Controlled Substance Prescription Policy
Camp Zama pharmacy only dispenses a maximum of 30-day supply for most controlled substances. The only authorized exception is for controlled substances prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, which may be filled for up to a 90-day supply. Schedule III through V medications may be written for a 30-day supply, with up to five refills. Controlled Substance prescriptions are only valid for 180 days after they are written. Controlled substances are held to a 90% usage (3-day early fill limit).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my prescription is covered?
All military pharmacies follow the
TRICARE Formulary – a list of TRICARE-covered prescription drugs and supplies. The TRICARE Formulary lists:
- Which drugs are covered.
- Drug information and frequently asked questions.
- Cost details ($0 at a military pharmacy and out-of-pocket costs elsewhere).
- Medical necessity/prior-authorization requirements and link to forms.
- If a prior-authorization and/or medical necessity is required, your provider must submit the request to TRICARE before your prescription can be filled.
Can my network provider send controlled substances prescriptions electronically?
Yes! By regulations, all prescribers should send controlled substance prescriptions electronically.
Can I refill a prescription if the last fill was not at a military pharmacy?
Yes! Call our pharmacy line and ask to transfer the prescription FROM your current pharmacy. It’s helpful to have the prescription bottle available to give the us the pharmacy name, phone number, prescription number, and medication name and dates. NOTE: Pharmacy cannot guarantee transfer of prescriptions from stateside pharmacies due to the time zone difference. We also do not transfer prescriptions to and from host nation pharmacies.
Can I pick up medications for another person?
Yes! Please bring a valid uniformed services ID (or photocopy, digital pictures) for all patients getting prescriptions. Please note: Children 10 years of age or older must have their own ID card.
What is the difference between a new, refill, and renewal prescription?
A
new prescription is one a provider writes for a specific quantity and subsequent refills. It may require extra verification or prior authorization.
A
refill is an additional supply of your medication that your doctor authorized as part of your original prescription. This pre-approval allows the pharmacy to dispense more of your medication without requiring a new prescription from your doctor. For example, take one tablet daily, quantity 90 with 3 refills. This means the patient can call the pharmacy every 90 days to have medication for a year without seeing their doctor for a new prescription every 90 days.
A
renewal is for a medication you’ve already been prescribed but it has expired or run out of authorized refills.
What if I need a non-formulary or non-stocked medication?
If you’re prescribed a non-formulary medication, there are extra steps for your provider to complete. Non-formulary drugs are non-stocked medications at MTF pharmacies. For these drugs, expect a longer turnaround time for preparation and ordering, or you may have to use an alternative pharmacy option, such as the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery.
Does Camp Zama pharmacy offer over-the-counter (OTC) medications?
Camp Zama pharmacy offers a limited self-care dispensing program. Product selection varies based on current symptoms, patient age and individual health considerations. Pharmacists will conduct a self-care screening at the pharmacy. The list of OTC medications is available at the pharmacy.
What do I do if my medication is out of stock?
- Ask your provider if they can approve you to switch to an alternative medication.
- You can fill your prescription at a sister MTF or TRICARE Home Delivery. TRICARE copayments may apply.
- Be sure to ask for the expected resupply date so you know whether to wait or seek another option
I’m deploying. How can I fill my prescriptions?
Before deploying, MTF pharmacies can provide your initial deployment prescription in a quantity to support your deployment within legal requirements. You can fill prescriptions and get refills through the
Deployment Prescription Program once in theatre if the location is not restricted by foreign postal law.
Space-Available Pharmacy Services
- For prescriptions written by a Japanese provider, Space Available patients are encouraged to use the pharmacy recommended by the provider.
- Handwritten prescriptions from a stateside provider may be filled using mail-order pharmacy if the patient has an APO mailbox. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance company to determine which mail order pharmacy is covered under their plan.
- Decisions on which medications or prescription drugs can be brought into Japan are made solely by the Japanese Government and subject to control under Japan’s Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. It does not matter if you have a valid U.S. prescription for a medicine/drug which is illegal in Japan: if you bring it with you, you risk arrest and detention by the Japanese authorities.
- The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan do not maintain a comprehensive list of prohibited medications or ingredients. Comprehensive information is available only from the Japanese government and is subject to change without notice.
- Please visit: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html for more information about bringing medicines for personal use and procedures for bringing drugs, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, narcotics and psychotropics into Japan.
Helpful Medication Tips and Tricks
- Know the name(s) and dosage(s) of your medication as well as why you are taking them.
- Be familiar with your medications: look for changes in color, size, shape, markings, and smell. If you notice something unusual contact your pharmacist.
- Do not mix medications unless instructed by your physician. Inform your physician of all medications you take, including over-the-counter medications, herbal medications and dietary supplements.
- All medications can produce actions or effects other than those desired. Contact your physician and pharmacist if symptoms occur.
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, check with your physician and pharmacist before taking any medication.
- Do not mix different medications in the same container. Keep medications in childproof containers and out of reach of children.
- Always take your medication with you to your healthcare provider appointments
- When traveling, carry your medication with you, not in your luggage. Be sure to take enough medication to last through your trip.