Pill Splitting Gets Thumbs Down

[Guest guest]

By Maureen Salamon (HealthDay)

The common practice of pill-splitting — done by patients and health

professionals alike to save money or make medications easier to swallow — is

inaccurate and potentially dangerous, a new study suggests.

Belgian researchers found that nearly one-third of split pill fragments deviated

from recommended dosages by 15% or more. In the study, five volunteers divided

eight tablets of various sizes using three tools: a kitchen knife, scissors and

a pill-splitting device.

Another 14% of split tablets differed from recommended dosages by 25% or more,

according to the study. And even the most precise method (the splitting device)

caused a 15% to 25% error margin in 13% of cases. Each pill fragment was weighed

after splitting to determine how much they deviated from theoretical weight.

(More to article in website)

http://tinyurl.com/4t9r3ae

FYI,

Lottie Duthu

[Guest guest]

Lottie, I had this discussion with my pharmacist yesterday.  My dr. said I

could reduce the Crestor by half, and I had just received a 90 day supply of

20mg..  His nurse said yes, I could split them.  Yesterday while picking up my

coumadin, I asked him about splitting a pill that is not scored.  he said NO,

do not split it.  I argued that if I was taking 1/2 on day and the other half

the other day, would I not be getting the right dose anyway?  Crestor is

expensive, and there is only $3 difference in the 10mg and the 20.  I am going

to finish the 20 anyway, cut in half.  And at the price they get, I think I

will continue to order the 20, cut them and save the money.  When I get the

next cholesterol check I will know if it is not the right thing to do.  Either

that, or take a 20 every other day.

a ( Bobby ) Doyle, dob 12/17/29

DX 5/1995

Interferon 9 weeks/Hydroxyurea 5 years

02/2000 to 06/2002 Gleevec trial, OHSU

06/2002 Gleevec/Trisenox Trial, OHSU

06/2003 Gleevec/Zarnestra Trial, OHSU

04/2004 Sprycel Trial, MDACC, CCR in 10 months

04/2008 XL228 Trial, U of Mich.

01/2009 PCR 5.69

04/2009 Ariad Trial AP24534

09/2009 PCR 0.01

11/2009 PCR 0.034

02/2010 PCRU

#840 Zavie's Zero Club

From: Lottie Duthu <lotajam@...>

Subject: [ ] Pill Splitting Gets Thumbs Down

" CML " < >

Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 3:46 AM

By Maureen Salamon (HealthDay)

The common practice of pill-splitting — done by patients and health

professionals alike to save money or make medications easier to swallow — is

inaccurate and potentially dangerous, a new study suggests.

Belgian researchers found that nearly one-third of split pill fragments deviated

from recommended dosages by 15% or more. In the study, five volunteers divided

eight tablets of various sizes using three tools: a kitchen knife, scissors and

a pill-splitting device.

Another 14% of split tablets differed from recommended dosages by 25% or more,

according to the study. And even the most precise method (the splitting device)

caused a 15% to 25% error margin in 13% of cases. Each pill fragment was weighed

after splitting to determine how much they deviated from theoretical weight.

(More to article in website)

http://tinyurl.com/4t9r3ae

FYI,

Lottie Duthu

[Guest guest]

I have heard both sides of this discussion before. I have some friends that are

registered pharmisists and I would talk to the pharmisis where you pick up his

medicine. This is his specialty and he should be able to give you the correct

answer about pill splitting. The VA has me on 2 pills that I have to split and

it is a pain as one is pear shaped and is has no markings. I was told that was

the manufacturer's decision.

H.

>

> From: Lottie Duthu <lotajam@...>

> Subject: [ ] Pill Splitting Gets Thumbs Down

> " CML " < >

> Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011, 3:46 AM

>

> By Maureen Salamon (HealthDay)

> The common practice of pill-splitting †" done by patients and health

professionals alike to save money or make medications easier to swallow †" is

inaccurate and potentially dangerous, a new study suggests.

> Belgian researchers found that nearly one-third of split pill fragments

deviated from recommended dosages by 15% or more. In the study, five volunteers

divided eight tablets of various sizes using three tools: a kitchen knife,

scissors and a pill-splitting device.

>

> Another 14% of split tablets differed from recommended dosages by 25% or more,

according to the study. And even the most precise method (the splitting device)

caused a 15% to 25% error margin in 13% of cases. Each pill fragment was weighed

after splitting to determine how much they deviated from theoretical weight.

(More to article in website)

>

> http://tinyurl.com/4t9r3ae

>

> FYI,

>

> Lottie Duthu

>

>

>

>