As the cost of pharmaceuticals continues to rise, taking advantage of the way drugs are manufactured and priced can save you considerable amounts of money. Most of the cost of pharmaceuticals is wrapped up in research and marketing, not manufacturing. Many drugs are priced the same regardless of the dose because drug manufacturers don’t want cost to be a determining factor when doctor’s are deciding how much of a drug to prescribe. Therefore, a patient can order the larger pill that contains double the dose, split a pill in half and save up to 50%.
How does pill cutting work?
Quite simply put, you cut your double-strength tablet in half to yield two tablets. Each half tablet contains your required dosage. For instance, Doctor Solve sells a one-month supply of 20-mg Lipitor for $159.75. Doctor Solve also sells a one-month supply of 40-mg Lipitor for $185.00. So if you require a prescription of 20-mg Lipitor you could buy a month’s supply of the 40-mg pills, cut them in half, essentially getting an extra month’s supply of Lipitor for only $6.31.
Which drugs can be cut?
As a general guideline, the following drugs can be split:
- Cholesterol drugs (i.e., Lipitor)
- Blood pressure drugs (ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)
- Antidepressants (i.e., Zoloft)
- Valtrex (anti viral drug)
Is pill splitting safe?
You might wonder if cutting pills is safe. Despite the health concerns raised by drug manufacturers, recent studies show that pill cutting, when done correctly, is perfectly safe for many drugs. Correct pill cutting does not involve kitchen knives and a cutting board. Most pharmaceutical companies manufacture pill cutters designed to make pill cutting easier. Simply open the cutter, set the pill inside and close the cutter and a blade cuts through the pill. It is important to check the condition and orientation of the pill cutting blade. If the blade is loose or not level, your pills will not be cut evenly.
How much will a pill cutter cost?
Pill cutters normally range from $5-$15. Currently, Doctor Solve sells pill cutters for $5.35.
Is pill cutting right for you?
To determine if pill cutting is right for you, ask yourself these questions:
- Would you like to save money on your prescription costs?
- Are you taking Cholesterol drugs, Blood pressure drugs, Antidepressants, or Valtrex?
- Does your physician agree that pill-splitting is a viable option for you?
- Do you have the manual dexterity and vision to safely cut your pills?
It is important that you are comfortably able to split your pills. If you have an arthritic condition that prevents you from cutting your pills safely and effectively, pill cutting may not be a viable option.