Some people try to save money at the pharmacy by splitting pills. But how safe is it?

Splitting tablets of some medicines may provide the dosage that your physician recommends. But cutting pills does not work for every type of medicine. Some medicines have special coatings to protect the stomach. These should not be cut in half. Long-acting medicines also should not be split, because they could be absorbed too quickly.

You should always ask your physician or pharmacist before you split pills. If the medication is safe to split, you may be able to buy a pill cutter or ask the pharmacist to cut your tablets for you.

— Jeannette Novatski, Pharm.D., clinical pharmacist, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey