Inner care with prescription medications
Oral beauty medication
What is oral beauty medication?
Oral beauty medication is a regimen of prescription drugs combined to address skin concerns such as pigmentation, melasma, and dullness from within. Unlike supplements, the ingredients used are available only at medical institutions and are prescribed under physician supervision.
Our clinic carries five prescription medications: Transamin®, Cinal® combination tablets, Juvela®, Hythiol®, and Tathion®. Patients can choose a combination of medications based on their concerns.
*The oral beauty medications prescribed at our clinic include uses outside of the conditions for which they are formally approved (off-label use). For details, please see the “Self-pay treatment / drug information” section at the bottom of this page.
WORRIES — Recommended for those who
・Concerned about pigmentation, dullness, or melasma
・Want to support a clearer skin impression
・Looking for care beyond what supplements can offer
・Want to continue inner care after laser or other treatments
・Want to perform daily inner care under physician supervision
・Concerned about open pores or breakouts
・Want to support your skin’s natural turnover
MEDICATIONS — Available drugs
Our clinic carries the following five prescription medications. Patients can choose the medications that suit their concerns.
| Medication | Main ingredient | Main actions | Suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transamin® 250mg | Tranexamic acid | Anti-inflammatory action; effects related to suppression of melanocyte activation | Those concerned about melasma or inflammatory dullness |
| Cinal® combination tablets | Ascorbic acid + calcium pantothenate | Vitamin C supplementation; antioxidant action; supports collagen production | Those considering pigmentation, dullness, or pore care |
| Juvela® 50mg | Tocopherol acetate | Vitamin E supplementation; antioxidant action; supports vitamin C | Those interested in antioxidant care or pairing with Cinal® |
| Hythiol® 80 | L-cysteine | Antioxidant action; effects on skin turnover are reported | Those concerned about dullness or rough-feeling skin |
| Tathion® 100mg | Glutathione | Antioxidant action; detoxifying action | Those wanting to support a clearer skin impression |
*The above medications include prescriptions for cosmetic purposes (melasma, pigmentation, dullness care, etc.) that differ from their original insurance-approved indications (pharyngitis, eczema, hyperpigmentation disorders, peripheral circulation disorders, detoxification, etc.). This is “off-label use.”
*Transamin® in particular cannot be prescribed to those taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin) or those with a history of thrombotic conditions such as myocardial infarction or stroke.
*If you are taking other medications, please be sure to inform us at consultation.
FEATURE — Characteristics
Prescription drugs under physician supervision
Rather than over-the-counter supplements, our clinic prescribes prescription drugs available only at medical institutions. After confirming your constitution, lifestyle, and current medications, the physician recommends a combination suited to you.
Choose from five — flexible combinations
Patients can freely combine 1, 3, or 5 medications based on their concerns and budget. Combinations such as “centered on Transamin® for melasma concerns” or “centered on vitamin C and E for pigmentation prevention” are all possible after consultation with the physician.
Combinations with other aesthetic treatments
Combining oral beauty medication with skin treatments such as Pico laser pigmentation removal, Pico toning, or Juvelook can support comprehensive inside-out skin care. Use it as inner support alongside post-treatment moisturization and sun protection.
Refills available at the front desk
The first visit requires a physician examination, but refills from the second visit onward are available at the reception desk (we do recommend a periodic re-examination). The system is designed to be easy to keep up with even for busy patients.
Important notes (risks, side effects, instructions for use)
| How to take | Each medication should be taken daily and continuously according to its dosage instructions. Details are explained at the time of prescription. |
|---|---|
| Duration | For melasma, about 3–4 months of continued use is the general guideline. For pigmentation/dullness prevention, longer-term continuation is also recommended. |
| Side effects | Common: gastrointestinal symptoms (loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach discomfort), rash, itching, and rarely allergic reactions. Transamin®-specific: a theoretical concern of thrombus formation. Risk may be elevated in those concurrently taking oral contraceptives or undergoing hormone replacement therapy, or during prolonged immobility (such as long-haul flights). Cinal®-specific: long-term high-dose use carries a reported risk of urinary tract stones. Juvela®-specific: has anticoagulant action, and concurrent use with antithrombotic medications may increase bleeding tendency. |
| Not suitable for | Transamin®: those taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin); those with a personal or family history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or thromboembolism; those with hypersensitivity to tranexamic acid Common: those who are pregnant or breastfeeding; those with allergies to any of the ingredients; those with severe renal or hepatic dysfunction; minors; those whom the physician judges should not be prescribed |
| Drug interactions | Those taking anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, hormonal medications, or other ongoing medications should bring their medication notebook to consultation, or report all medications they are taking. |
| When to discontinue | If a rash, severe gastrointestinal symptoms, shortness of breath, leg swelling/pain, or vision changes occur during use, discontinue immediately and seek medical care. |
*Results vary by individual.
*Please inform us at consultation of any medical history, current medications, or allergies.
*For long-term use, we recommend periodic physician examinations and blood tests as needed.
*Because the prescription is for an off-label purpose, it may not be covered by Japan’s drug side-effect relief system.
FLOW — Prescription process
We listen to your concerns, and the physician confirms your allergy history, medical history, and current medications. Based on your lifestyle and the state of any melasma or pigmentation, we recommend the most suitable combination of medications. We carefully explain the actions, side effects, and instructions for each.
After examination, choose your preferred combination — 1, 3, or 5 medications — based on your concerns and budget. We also explain any drug interactions and considerations relevant to the combination.
The prescribed medications are handed over at reception. We re-explain dosing instructions and important notes as needed.
From the second visit onward, refills are available at the reception desk. For long-term use, we recommend periodic physician examinations. Please feel free to consult us if you notice any changes in condition or are concerned about side effects.
Doctor’s note
About oral beauty medication
Oral beauty medication differs from supplements: it involves prescribing prescription drugs under physician supervision. Patients have access to ingredient amounts and combinations that are not available over the counter, under the physician’s judgment.
In melasma care in particular, research on tranexamic acid (Transamin®) has progressed in recent years regarding its anti-inflammatory action and effects on melanocyte activation. Combining oral therapy with external approaches such as Pico toning has been gaining attention. The combination of Cinal® (vitamin C) and Juvela® (vitamin E) is the basic foundation of antioxidant care, while Hythiol® (L-cysteine) and Tathion® (glutathione) play different roles in supporting turnover and detoxification.
What matters is understanding that this is “off-label use.” These medications were originally approved to treat pharyngitis, eczema, hyperpigmentation disorders, peripheral circulation disorders, detoxification, and other conditions. Prescription for cosmetic purposes (melasma, pigmentation, dullness care, etc.) is off-label and therefore self-pay rather than covered by health insurance.
Transamin® in particular cannot be prescribed to those taking anticoagulants or those with a history of thrombosis. When concurrently using oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, careful judgment is also needed in light of thrombus formation risk. Please bring your medication notebook to consultation, or be sure to report all medications you are currently taking.
Many patients begin to notice changes in their skin after 3–4 months or more of continued use. Rather than expecting immediate effects, please position oral beauty medication as inner care that gradually refines the skin alongside treatments such as lasers and Pico toning. If you are interested, please feel free to consult us.
Together Menu — Recommended pairings
Combining oral beauty medication with treatments aimed at pigmentation, melasma, or skin turnover supports comprehensive skin care from both inside and out.
Q&A (Frequently asked questions)
- How long should I keep taking the medication?
-
For melasma care, about 3–4 months of continued use is the general guideline. For pigmentation/dullness care or prevention, longer-term continuation is recommended. Conservative measures such as “avoid rubbing the skin” and “sun protection” are equally important.
- How is this different from supplements?
-
Supplements are classified as foods and are intended for general health maintenance. The drugs prescribed at our clinic are prescription medications available only at medical institutions, with different standards for ingredient amount, purity, and quality control. However, because the prescription is for “off-label use” outside of the originally approved insurance indications, it is provided as self-pay treatment.
- Is it more effective to take all five?
-
It is not necessary to combine all five. Taking your concerns, budget, and current medications into account, the physician will recommend a combination suited to you. Options range from “Transamin® + Cinal® + Juvela® for melasma-focused care” to “all five for comprehensive care.”
- I’m taking oral contraceptives — can I take Transamin®?
-
When concurrently using oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, the theoretical risk of thrombus formation may be elevated. Particular caution is needed before long-haul flights or during prolonged immobility. Please bring your medication notebook to consultation and discuss it with the physician. We will offer a recommendation after weighing risks and benefits.
- Can I take this with other medications?
-
Some medications — anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, and hormonal medications — require caution when combined. If you take any ongoing medications, please bring your medication notebook to consultation, or report all medications you are taking. The physician will confirm them and recommend a safe regimen.
- Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
-
Because safety has not been established, we ask patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to refrain from taking these medications for cosmetic purposes. If you are trying to conceive, please discuss it at consultation.
- What should I do if I experience side effects?
-
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms can sometimes be reduced by taking the medication after meals. If a rash, severe gastrointestinal symptoms, leg swelling, shortness of breath, or vision changes occur, discontinue immediately and contact our clinic or another medical institution.
- Should I combine this with laser treatment?
-
Combining inner care with external approaches such as Pico laser pigmentation removal or Pico toning supports comprehensive inside-out skin care. Use it as inner support alongside post-treatment moisturization and sun protection.
- Can male patients receive a prescription?
-
Yes, prescriptions for male patients are also available. Many male patients with concerns about pigmentation or dullness use this service. Please feel free to consult us.
- Is it really safe to refill without a re-examination from the second visit on?
-
Refills at the reception desk are available from the second visit onward, but for long-term use we recommend a physician examination roughly every 6–12 months. Please come in for an examination if you notice changes in condition, start a new medication, or have any symptoms of concern.
Why patients choose us
Where can I get oral beauty medication safely?
At our clinic, the physician personally explains oral beauty medication. We carefully review your medication notebook, medical history, current medications, and the possibility of side effects, then recommend a combination suited to you. It is also a good fit for patients who want to combine inner and outer care alongside treatments such as Pico laser pigmentation removal or Pico toning. If you are interested, please feel free to consult us.
Self-pay treatment / drug information (details here)
■ Self-pay treatment
This prescription is self-pay and not covered by Japanese national health insurance. All listed prices are tax-included. For pricing details, please refer to the “Pricing” page.
■ Medications used
Our clinic carries five prescription medications: Transamin® 250mg (tranexamic acid), Cinal® combination tablets (ascorbic acid + calcium pantothenate), Juvela® 50mg (tocopherol acetate), Hythiol® 80 (L-cysteine), and Tathion® 100mg (glutathione).
■ Off-label use
These medications include prescriptions for cosmetic purposes (melasma, pigmentation, dullness care, etc.) that differ from their original insurance-approved indications (pharyngitis, eczema, hyperpigmentation disorders, peripheral circulation disorders, detoxification, etc.). This is off-label use, and is provided as self-pay treatment outside of national health insurance coverage. Please consider treatment after fully understanding the risks and benefits.
■ Main risks and side effects
Common: gastrointestinal symptoms (loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach discomfort), rash, itching, and rarely allergic reactions.
Transamin®: a theoretical concern of thrombus formation. Risk may be elevated when concurrently using oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, or during prolonged immobility.
Cinal®: long-term high-dose use carries a reported risk of urinary tract stones.
Juvela®: has anticoagulant action, and concurrent use with antithrombotic medications may increase bleeding tendency.
If symptoms suggesting a serious side effect appear (severe gastrointestinal symptoms, leg swelling/pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, etc.), discontinue immediately and seek medical care.
■ Not suitable for
Transamin®: those taking anticoagulants; those with a personal or family history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or thromboembolism; those with hypersensitivity to tranexamic acid
Common: those who are pregnant or breastfeeding; those with allergies to any of the ingredients; those with severe renal or hepatic dysfunction; minors; those whom the physician judges should not be prescribed
■ Drug side-effect relief system
Because the prescription is for off-label use, it may not be covered by Japan’s Pharmaceutical Side Effects Relief System. Please understand this in advance.
Oral Beauty Medication
PRICE
*Prices have been revised in response to recent rises in raw-material costs. (2025.9)
| Oral Beauty Medication (30-day supply) | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 type (choose 1 from Synal, Juvela, Transamin, Hythiol, Tathion) | JPY 2,500 |
| 3 types (choose 3 from Synal, Juvela, Transamin, Hythiol, Tathion) | JPY 6,000 |
| 5 types (Synal, Juvela, Transamin, Hythiol, Tathion) | JPY 7,700 |
*All prices include tax
Our Doctors
Chief Medical Director / Aesthetic Surgeon
Yuki Takamido, MD
Specialties
Aesthetic surgery / Oculoplastic surgery
Career
2014: Graduated from Mie University School of Medicine
2015: Meitetsu Hospital
2017: Fujita Health University Hospital — Assistant Professor
2020: Founded Flamingo Aesthetic Clinic
2021: Branch director, Shiromoto Clinic Aesthetic Surgery
2021: Co-founded Viviage Clinic (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
2022: Ace Clinic (Ichibikai Medical Corporation)
2023: Director, Sakae Aesthetic Clinic — Sakae branch
Currently: VIVIAGE ZONNE CLINIC (Kokoukai Medical Corporation)
Areas of expertise
Hyaluronic acid filler, thread lift
Eyelid surgery (lower-eyelid fat removal for dark circles, transcutaneous & transconjunctival Hamra technique, midface lift, double-eyelid surgery, blepharoptosis surgery)
Aesthetic dermatology procedures
Society memberships
Japanese Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology
Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
Days available
Wednesday, Friday (10:00–17:30)
Every other Saturday (please call to confirm)
Director
Minoru Horisawa, MD
Book a Consultation / Contact Us
If you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Our consultation, including the doctor’s examination, is available free of charge.
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00–17:30 (Closed Thu, Sun)
T.O Building 4F, 3-33-30 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya — about a 4-minute walk from Yabacho Station