Many people in Australia and around the world are cutting pills in half to save money on prescriptions. It sounds simple: buy a 40mg tablet instead of two 20mg ones, split it, and cut your bill nearly in half. But pill splitting isn’t as safe or straightforward as it looks. Done wrong, it can lead to dangerous overdoses, underdoses, or even hospitalization. Done right-with the right pills, the right tool, and the right guidance-it can be a smart, legal way to stretch your budget without risking your health.
Why Pill Splitting Saves Money
Pharmaceutical companies often price higher-dose pills cheaper per milligram than lower-dose ones. For example, a 40mg atorvastatin tablet might cost $4.27, while two 20mg tablets cost $3.48 total. Splitting the 40mg gives you two doses for less than buying two separate pills. That’s a 38% saving. Same with lisinopril: a 20mg tablet costs $4.00, but two 10mg tablets cost $4.50. Splitting saves you 11% right there. In the U.S., about 14.9% of Medicare Part D users split pills to save money, according to a 2022 Kaiser Family Foundation study. Seniors and low-income patients are the most likely to do it. In Australia, where prescription costs are lower thanks to the PBS, the practice is less common-but still happens, especially for people on fixed incomes or without full pharmaceutical coverage. The savings add up fast. One Reddit user reported saving $287 a month by splitting simvastatin 40mg tablets. Another saved $1,200 a year on blood pressure meds using a $7.49 pill splitter from Walgreens. That’s not just pocket change-it’s rent money, groceries, or fuel.Not All Pills Can Be Split
This is where most people go wrong. You can’t just split any pill. Some medications are designed to release slowly over hours. Splitting them destroys that design and floods your body with too much drug at once. Never split:- Extended-release (ER), sustained-release (SR), or controlled-release tablets
- Enteric-coated pills (like omeprazole or aspirin)
- Capsules or softgels
- Medications with a narrow therapeutic index
How to Split Pills Safely
If your doctor or pharmacist says it’s okay to split your pill, here’s how to do it right:- Get approval first. Never split without talking to your prescriber or pharmacist. Ask: "Is this medication approved for splitting? Is it safe for me?"
- Use a pill splitter. Not a knife. Not your teeth. Not a coin. Buy a dedicated pill splitter-it costs $3 to $10 at any pharmacy. It holds the pill steady and cuts cleanly with a sharp blade.
- Split one pill at a time. Don’t split a whole bottle ahead of time. Once cut, pills are exposed to air, moisture, and heat. That can break down the active ingredient, especially in humid climates like Brisbane. Use the split half immediately.
- Check the halves. If one side is crumbled, uneven, or dusty, throw it out. Don’t try to eat the smaller piece. You don’t know how much drug is left.
- Clean your splitter. Wash it with soap and water after each use. Dust from previous pills can contaminate your next dose.
What to Avoid
People get creative. They use kitchen knives, scissors, or even break pills with their fingers. One Reddit user split a time-release amlodipine tablet and ended up in the hospital with dangerously low blood pressure. Another split Synthroid and had to get emergency blood work because their TSH shot up. Here’s what not to do:- Don’t split pills that are not scored-unless your pharmacist confirms it’s safe.
- Don’t store split pills for more than 24 hours. Moisture ruins them.
- Don’t split pills you’re unsure about. If you’re guessing, you’re risking your health.
- Don’t assume a cheaper pill is always better. Sometimes, the 50mg version costs the same as two 25mg ones. Check pricing on GoodRx or your pharmacy’s website.
Alternatives to Pill Splitting
Before you split a pill, ask yourself: is there a safer way to save?- Pharmacy discount cards. GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver often offer prices lower than your co-pay-even for brand-name drugs.
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs. Many drug makers offer free or low-cost meds to people with low income. Check their websites directly.
- Generic alternatives. Is there a generic version of your drug? It might cost 80% less.
- Ask about lower-strength options. Sometimes, your doctor can prescribe a 10mg tablet instead of a 20mg one you’d have to split.
- Buy in bulk. Some pharmacies offer discounts for 90-day supplies.
When It’s Worth the Risk
Pill splitting isn’t ideal. But for some people, it’s the only option. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists says it’s acceptable as a last resort when:- The drug isn’t available in the dose you need
- You can’t afford the lower-dose version
- You’ve tried all other cost-saving options
Final Advice
Pill splitting can save you hundreds a year. But it’s not a DIY hack. It’s a medical decision. If you’re thinking about splitting pills:- Talk to your pharmacist first. They know your meds better than Google.
- Check the package insert. Look for "Do not split" or "Split only if directed by physician."
- Use a $5 pill splitter. It’s cheaper than a hospital visit.
- Split only what you need for the day.
- When in doubt, don’t split.
Can I split any pill with a score line?
No. A score line only means the pill was designed to be split during manufacturing-not that it’s safe for you to split at home. Always check the package insert or ask your pharmacist. Some scored pills, like extended-release tablets, can become dangerous if split.
Is it safe to split pills ahead of time?
No. Once split, pills are exposed to air, moisture, and heat, which can break down the active ingredient. Medications like levothyroxine or antibiotics can lose potency within 24-48 hours. Always split one pill at a time, right before you take it.
What’s the best tool to split pills?
A dedicated pill splitter with a V-shaped holder and retractable blade. These cost $3-$10 at pharmacies like Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, or Woolworths. Never use a knife, scissors, or your fingers-they create uneven, unsafe doses.
Which medications are safest to split?
Stable, non-coated, non-time-release tablets like atorvastatin, simvastatin, lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, and sertraline are generally safe to split-if approved by your doctor. Avoid splitting warfarin, digoxin, levothyroxine, or any extended-release or enteric-coated pills.
Can I save money by splitting pills in Australia?
Yes, but less dramatically than in countries without universal drug subsidies. If you’re on the PBS and pay the co-payment, splitting may not save much. But if you’re paying full price for brand-name drugs, or don’t qualify for PBS, splitting can still save 25-50% on certain medications like statins or blood pressure pills.
What if I accidentally split a pill that shouldn’t be split?
Stop taking it immediately. Contact your pharmacist or doctor. If you took a time-release or enteric-coated pill that was split, you may have received too much drug at once. Watch for side effects like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, or confusion. Don’t wait for symptoms-call for advice.
Are there free or low-cost alternatives to pill splitting?
Yes. Use pharmacy discount apps like GoodRx or SingleCare. Ask your doctor about generic alternatives. Apply for manufacturer patient assistance programs-many offer free meds to low-income patients. Some pharmacies offer 90-day discounts. These options are safer and often cheaper than splitting.
