Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Make sure you can cut the pills in half safely
• Part 2 of 3: Choosing the right pill cutter
• Tips
• Warnings

Cutting pills in half is quite a common practice and can easily be done with a regular pill cutter. Some doctors may prescribe pills for you to cut in half to get the correct dose, while in others it may be cheaper to cut pills twice the strength you need. It is possible to cut pills without a pill cutter, but it is always best to use one to make sure you are getting the correct dose of the drug.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Make sure you can cut the pills in half safely

1. Check if the pills have a marker. A pill that you can cut or break in half has a mark in the center that indicates the best place to cut or break the pill. If you want to know more, see the package leaflet or the packaging exactly how to use the medicine. The package or the leaflet should say whether you can cut or break the pills.
   • If you are allowed to cut or break the pills in half, then you can be sure that both halves of the pill contain about the same amount of the medicine.
2. Do not cut slow-release pills, long-acting pills, or pills containing different active ingredients in half. If your pills have these characteristics or have a protective coating on the outside to protect your stomach, you usually cannot safely cut them in half. Do not cut chemotherapy and blood thinners tablets in half.
   • If the pills pulverize easily, do not try to cut them. It may then be that you consume more or less of the active substance with a dose. If you have a crushed pill and the medicine is not very important, mix the pieces with applesauce or jam and eat half of it.
3. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can cut your pills safely. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the type of medications you are taking and how best to cut them in half. Sometimes your doctor can prescribe a pill that is twice as strong to cut the cost of the drug in half.
4. Stick to the prescribed dose. If you have pills that are twice the strength of the prescribed dose, make sure to cut them in half before taking them. It can be easy to forget how much to take when dealing with half doses, so make sure to only take the prescribed amount.
   • It can help to keep the pill cutter next to your medications as a visual reminder to cut your pills before taking them.
   • Consider putting a sticky note or label on the medicine package to remind yourself to cut the pills in half.

Part 2 of 3: Choosing the right pill cutter

1. Choose a universal pill cutter or one that can handle pills in different shapes to cut large pills or pills with an unusual shape. Most of these pill cutters have a movable round section with pockets of different sizes or individual parts with pockets of different sizes. This is a good option if you regularly need to cut different types of pills in half.
   • Some health insurance plans will reimburse the cost of a pill cutter or splitter. Call or check the reimbursement overview on the internet to see if the cost of a pill cutter will be reimbursed, especially if you have to use one regularly.
2. Remove half the pill from the pill cutter and take it according to your doctor's instructions. Keep the other half in the medicine package or in a medicine box. When you need the next dose, take the second half of the pill instead of cutting another pill in half.
   • Try to cut the pill in half just before taking it.

Tips

• Place the pill on a spoon and push another spoon on top to crush your pill without using a pulverizer or pill cutter.
• Ask your doctor if you can get a child dose if the regular dose is too much for you.
• Break a capsule in half, transfer the contents to another small food source and eat half of it.

Warnings

• Wash your hands before handling your medications.
• Follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions carefully to make sure you are getting the correct dose of your medicine.
• Always be careful when using a pill cutter and do not touch the sharp cutter blade.
• There is always a risk of not getting the right dose when you cut a pill in half.
• Double check that you can cut your pills in half safely and always ask your doctor for permission before cutting your pills in half.
• Clean your pill cutter with a cloth or paper towel if you want to use it for multiple medications.