Pill Splitting: Safe Ways to Cut Pills and Save Money

When you split a pill, you're not just cutting a tablet—you're making a decision that can save hundreds a year. pill splitting, the practice of dividing a scored medication into smaller doses. Also known as tablet splitting, it's a simple trick used by millions to stretch prescriptions, especially for high-cost drugs like blood pressure or cholesterol meds. But it’s not as simple as grabbing a knife and snapping it in half. The FDA approves some pills for splitting, but many aren’t designed for it—and cutting them wrong can lead to uneven doses, wasted medicine, or even dangerous side effects.

Not all pills are created equal. scored pills, tablets with a visible line down the middle are meant to be split, like many versions of Lipitor, Zoloft, or metoprolol. But extended-release capsules, enteric-coated pills, or those with a hard outer shell? Don’t touch them. Splitting those can ruin how the drug is absorbed, making it ineffective or too strong all at once. That’s why you need a proper pill cutter, a small, inexpensive device with a blade and holder. A good pill cutter keeps the tablet steady, cuts cleanly, and gives you two halves that are nearly identical. Kitchen knives, scissors, or your fingers? They’re risky. Studies show hand-split pills can vary by up to 30% in dose—enough to make your blood pressure swing or your mood unstable.

It’s not just about tools. It’s about timing and storage. Split pills lose potency faster, especially if they’re exposed to air or moisture. If you’re splitting a month’s supply at once, store the halves in a dry, cool place—like a sealed container in your medicine cabinet, not the bathroom. And never split pills you’re not sure about. Ask your pharmacist: they can tell you if your medication is safe to split and even show you how. Some pharmacies will split pills for you for free. Others stock pre-split generics at half the price. You don’t need to cut your own pills to save money—you just need to know what’s possible.

Why does this matter now? Because drug prices keep climbing, and generic versions aren’t always available in lower doses. A $200 monthly script for a 50mg tablet might drop to $80 if you buy the 100mg version and split it. That’s real savings. But only if you do it safely. The posts below show you exactly which medications are commonly split, what happens when you split the wrong ones, and how to avoid mistakes that could cost you more than money—like hospital visits or worse. You’ll find real examples from people who’ve cut their bills, and warnings from those who didn’t. This isn’t guesswork. It’s a guide built from real prescriptions, real risks, and real savings.