Hello, I am Dr. Hidenori Shimada of Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic in Osaka, Japan.
Regenerative medicine, particularly adipose-derived stem cell therapy, is gaining attention as a potential option for managing various health concerns. If you are considering this treatment in Japan, a common and crucial question may arise: “Can I continue my current medications?” This is a valid concern, as the interaction between medications and cell therapy is a key aspect of treatment safety and planning. This article explains how medical professionals in Japan manage concurrent medications to ensure patient safety.
The Short Answer: Consultation is Key
In most cases, it is possible to continue with necessary medications while undergoing adipose-derived stem cell therapy. However, this is not a decision to be made alone. A thorough evaluation by a physician is essential to create a safe and personalized treatment plan. Self-adjusting or stopping your prescribed medication without medical advice can be dangerous. The final decision always rests on a doctor’s professional judgment based on your specific health condition, the type of medication, and the details of the stem cell treatment protocol.
Why Your Medication History Matters in Stem Cell Therapy
Disclosing your full medication history is vital for several reasons. Certain drugs could potentially influence the treatment’s outcome or increase risks associated with the procedure. The main areas of consideration include:
- Procedural Safety: Some medications, like blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising during the fat collection process.
- Cell Function: Certain drugs, such as strong anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agents, might theoretically influence the behavior of the administered stem cells.
- Overall Health: Your physician needs a complete picture of your health to ensure the therapy is appropriate for you and to manage any underlying conditions effectively throughout the treatment period.
Common Medications That Require Discussion
While any medication should be reported, some categories typically require more detailed discussion with your doctor. The following are examples, not an exhaustive list. It is crucial to discuss every medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, with your physician.
- Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs (Blood Thinners): Medications like warfarin, heparin, or even daily aspirin may need to be temporarily paused or adjusted before the fat collection procedure to minimize bleeding risk. This must be done under strict medical supervision.
- Immunosuppressants: Drugs used to suppress the immune system (e.g., for autoimmune diseases or after an organ transplant) require careful evaluation, as they can affect the body’s response to therapy.
- Corticosteroids and NSAIDs: Strong or long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs may be reviewed by your doctor, as mesenchymal stem cells are known to have their own anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chemotherapy Agents: For patients with a history of cancer, a detailed review of past and current treatments is necessary to determine eligibility and ensure safety.
Safety Management at Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic
In Japan, regenerative medicine is provided under the Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine, which establishes a framework for ensuring safety. At our clinic, we adhere to these regulations and prioritize patient safety through a comprehensive process.
Our approach includes a detailed initial consultation where we review your complete medical history, current conditions, and all medications you are taking. Based on this information, our physicians will develop a personalized treatment plan. If necessary, we can also coordinate with your primary care physician to ensure seamless and safe management of your health. This careful planning allows us to integrate adipose stem cell therapy with your existing care.
Adipose-derived stem cell therapy is an uninsured, private medical service (jiyu-shinryo). A physician must determine your eligibility for this treatment. During your consultation, the doctor will explain the procedure, expected number of treatments, costs, and potential risks and side effects. For more details on our approach, please see our Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy page.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation
To ensure a productive and safe consultation, please come prepared. The more information you can provide, the better your doctor can assess your situation.
- Bring a Medication List: Prepare a complete list of all prescribed medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you take. In Japan, a medication record book (お薬手帳, Okusuri Techo) is very helpful.
- Detail Your Medical History: Be ready to discuss your past and present health conditions, including any allergies.
- Ask Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have about the therapy and your medications so you don’t forget to ask them.
Conclusion: A Partnership for Your Health
Navigating treatment options while managing existing health conditions can feel complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. The key to safely undergoing adipose-derived stem cell therapy alongside your current medications is open communication and partnership with your medical team. A thorough consultation with a knowledgeable physician is the essential first step to determine if this treatment is a suitable option for you. If you are in the Osaka area or considering treatment in Japan, we welcome you to schedule a consultation to discuss your personal health goals and concerns.
- Consult Your Doctor FirstDo not stop or change meds on your own
- Full Disclosure for SafetyCertain drugs can affect treatment safety
- Discuss Specific Medicationse.g., blood thinners, immunosuppressants
- Prepare for Your ConsultationBring your medication list (Okusuri Techo)
This diagram is a simplified summary of the information in this article
References
- PubMed: Engineering mesenchymal stem cells for premature ovarian failure: overcoming challenges and innovating therapeutic strategies. (2024)
- PubMed: Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review. (2023)
- PubMed: MSC-Derived Secretome and Exosomes in Dermatology: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Opportunities, and Scientific Challenges-A Narrative Review. (2026)
- PubMed: Trinity Evolution. (2010)
- PubMed: MSCs-cells with many sides. (2018)
- PMC: Post-marketing safety re-evaluation of placental peptide injection in China: a large-scale multicenter real-world study. (2025)
- PMC: Biomodulatory Treatment of Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Phase II Study of Imatinib with Pioglitazone, Etoricoxib, Dexamethasone and Low-Dose Treosulfan. (2015)
- PMC: Efficacy and safety of Lenzumestrocel (Neuronata-R® inj.) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALSUMMIT study): study protocol for a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, sham procedure-controlled, phase III trial. (2022)
- MHLW (Japan): Regenerative Medicine — Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan
Supervising Physician
Director, Medical Corporation Shimada Clinic
Head of Clinical Practice, Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic
Hidenori Shimada
Graduated from the University of Tokushima Faculty of Medicine in 2005. After his initial residency, he obtained U.S. medical certification (ECFMG) and trained as a sub-intern in general surgery at the University of Washington. After completing the doctoral program at Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine and working as a researcher at the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, he founded Shimada Clinic in 2013. At Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic (https://umekitaclinic.org), he is engaged in a wide range of care, from internal medicine and pediatrics to cell therapy and aesthetic medicine.
* The physician supervision of this article covers its academic content only and does not constitute a recommendation of any specific treatment or product.