How to Save Money Using a Pill Splitter:
Buying bigger pills and cutting them in half with a pill splitter can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year.
Using a pill splitter is a deceptively simple way to save money on drugs, but few consumers or even doctors are aware that it's an option. Many drugs cost about the same per pill, regardless of the dosage. As a result, patients who buy a larger pill that contains twice the dose they need can cut it in half with a pill splitter and save as much as 50 percent.
Many drugs are flat priced, meaning they cost the same whether the dose is 50 milligrams or 100 milligrams. The result is a pricing loophole that gives patients a chance to dramatically cut their drug costs by using a pill splitter.
Some pills, such as capsules or extended-release tablets, can't be cut with a pill splitter. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before using a pill splitter. Only a doctor can prescribe a larger-dose pill, so patients must discuss using a pill splitter with a physician. To split pills evenly and safely, a person should use a pill splitter, rather than a knife.
Not every drug is flat-priced; some drugs do cost more in a larger dose. But even then, patients usually can save money by using a pill splitter. For example, the trademarked drug Vioxx costs $2.38 for a 25-milligram dose and $3.44 for a 50-milligram dose. Using a pill splitter to split the larger pill saves 28 percent, or about $240 a year.
One of our customers reported saving $900 per month with one of our inexpensive pill splitters.