How To Stay Safe When Splitting Pills

Splitting: The Safe Way

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Splitting pills may seem like a simple way to save money or make taking medication easier, and in some cases, it is! A score line is an easy indicator that it is ok to split a pill. This mark or notch going through the middle of the pill makes it easier to split pills cleanly in half. But not all pills are meant to be split. If you’ve ever wondered if it’s safe to split your pills, you’re not alone. It’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor or pharmacist first—let’s dive into when to cut pills, how to cut them safely, and which medications should stay whole. 

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Why Do People Split Pills?

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There are a number of reasons why patients split their medications. Some of the most common reasons are:

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• Cost savings: Higher-dose tablets sometimes cost the same as lower-dose ones. With your doctor’s approval, splitting the higher dose in half can cut costs.
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• Customized dosing: Finding the right dose can be hard. Your doctor might recommend a half-dose to ease into new medication or to adjust the strength based on your needs.
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• Easier to take: Smaller pills are often easier to swallow, especially if the tablet is large. 

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Before you reach for a pill cutter, make sure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if it’s safe to split your pills. The friendly pharmacists at Realo Drugs are always happy to help.

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Is It Safe To Cut Pills?

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Short answer: Sometimes, but it depends on the pill. Some medications are designed to release slowly over time (typically labeled ER or XR). Cutting them may cause the medication to be released all at once, which can lead to unwanted side effects or make the drug less effective.

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Other pills may have a special coating to protect the stomach or to help the medicine absorb properly. Splitting these may also impact their effectiveness. 

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Talk to your doctor or local Realo Drugs pharmacist about whether your medication is safe to split. 

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How To Split Pills Safely (And Easily)

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Once you have the green light from your healthcare provider, it’s important to know the safest and easiest way to split your medication. Here’s how to split the smart way:

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• Use a pill splitter: These inexpensive, handy tools give you a clean, even cut—much safer and more accurate than using a knife!
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• Split as needed: After pills have been split, it can be hard to identify what the pill is, so it’s always a good idea to split pills at the time of use. After splitting pills, they are also more likely to be affected by heat, humidity, and moisture, and may become less effective.
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• Store properly: If you do split ahead of time, keep the halves in a labeled, dry container. Learn more about how to properly store medication here.
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• Know what not to split: Use the guide below and always remember to ask your pharmacist or health care provider before splitting your pills.

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Pills Not To Split

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Not all pills are created equal (to split). Here’s a list of pills to avoid cutting:

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• Extended-release tablets (ER, XR): These pills are designed to release their effects over time. Examples include Metoprolol ER and OxyContin.
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• Enteric-coated pills: These medications have a special coating to protect your stomach or control absorption.
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• Capsules or gel pills: Although they can be large sometimes, these aren’t meant to be divided and often won’t split evenly.
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• Asymmetrical pills: tablets that are oddly shaped are difficult to split exactly in half and should not be cut.
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• Tiny tablets: It can often be difficult to split these precisely, putting you at risk of delivering unequal doses.

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If you’re unsure about which medications are safe to split, talk to one of our knowledgeable pharmacists at Realo Drugs.

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Ask Your Pharmacist

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At Realo Drugs, we’re here to help you make safe and informed decisions when it comes to your medication. If you’re thinking about splitting pills, have questions about customized dosages, or are interested in a more effective way to organize your medications, swing by your local Realo location. We’ll let you know if it’s safe — and help you find the right tools if it is.