I saw an article on the Good Rx website that raised the issue of pill splitting – is it okay, when is it okay, when is it not okay, etc. Here is how Dr. Sharon Orrange, MD MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California, and blogger for Good Rx broke it down….
Not all prescription pills can be split. In fact, the American Medical Association, and American Pharmacists Association and many pharmaceutical companies are not in favor of it. Increasingly though, many doctors and insurance companies are suggesting it. You can save up to 50% or more off the cost of your medication by splitting your pills. Drugs that can usually be split include Paxil, Zoloft, Klonopin, Synthroid, Lipitor, Zocor, Norvasc, Accupril, Glucophage, Zyprexa and Celexa. While Dr. Robbins says your triptans for migraines can usually be split as well, it’s important to check with your doctor before splitting your medications. Drugs that should not be split include capsules, chemotherapy drugs, birth control pills, seizure-related meds, and pills that have a coating or other controlled- or extended-release feature.
Pill splitters can be purchased at your pharmacy and are inexpensive. Only split the pill once. After that, it’s likely to be uneven, and may even crumble – which may affect the dose you are taking. Don’t split your pill with a knife – a pill splitter will give you a more accurate dose, and is a safer way of doing it. Splitting is not advised for people who have poor eyesight, memory problems, impaired thinking, or arthritis. It’s not a good idea to split pills in advance, as some pills can deteriorate after being split. If you are not sure about splitting a pill, check the package insert, or ask your doctor or pharmacist……. Good Rx 2/4/13