Ensuring Safe Medication Practices: Guidelines for Pill Splitting

Introduction:

As healthcare costs rise, patients often seek cost-saving measures, and one common strategy is pill splitting. United Healthcare's "Half Tablet Program" encourages members to split certain medications to reduce copays by up to 50%. However, the FDA considers pill splitting a "risky practice" and recommends caution. To ensure patients safely split pills, pharmacy staff can share four smart steps derived from a Consumer Reports analysis.

Guidelines for Safe Pill Splitting:

• Seek Pharmacist Approval:

Approximately 8% of consumers admit to splitting pills without consulting a pharmacist or physician. It is crucial to obtain approval before attempting pill splitting. Certain medications, such as lovastatin (Mevacor) and sertraline (Zoloft), can be split without compromising efficacy. However, drugs like oxycodone (Oxycontin), omeprazole (Prilosec), chemotherapy drugs, and contraceptives should never be split.

• Avoid Pills That Can't Be Divided Accurately:

Tablets with delayed or extended-release mechanisms, or those with protective coatings, should not be split. Attempting to divide such pills can be dangerous, potentially altering their intended effects. Drugs with hard coatings or capsules are best swallowed whole to prevent crumbling or uneven splitting.

• Use a Pill Splitter:

Studies indicate that pill splitters provide precise division, with as little as 2% variability between halves. Unlike improvised tools like knives or scissors, pill splitters ensure accurate splitting without compromising the drug's integrity. Pill splitters are readily available at pharmacies and discount stores, with some health insurers offering them as a member benefit.

• Split Pills One at a Time:

Certain prescription medications degrade when exposed to air, heat, or moisture after splitting. To maintain consistency in potency and dosage, it is recommended to split pills one at a time. This practice minimizes the risk of altered efficacy and ensures that each dose is accurate.

Conclusion:

While pill splitting can offer cost savings, patient safety must be the top priority. Pharmacists play a vital role in guiding patients on which medications can be safely split and how to do so accurately. By following these guidelines and seeking professional advice, patients can navigate pill splitting with confidence, ensuring both financial savings and effective treatment.