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Any problem cutting tablets?

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My oncologist’s nurse indicates he may consider reducing my Sprycel dose from 50 to something lower, hopefully 20. I just filled my 30 days of 50 though. Would it be a problem to split those in half? I heard somewhere that is not advisable. Somewhere else I heard it’s okay. Anyone?? 

BMS will tell you that they should not be split in order to maintain correct dosing. The pill won't go stale or anything, but it is hard to exactly half a pill ... and you would also have to assume that the drug is distributed evenly throughout the tablet. They also do not recommend dasatinib comes into contact with your skin, which is of course hard with a split pill.

David.

I did it.  Nobody told me not to.  I got a pill-cutter box at the pharmacy and it was easy.  I did try hard to align each pill correctly in the box so as to make an exact half cut; I also made an effort to clean out any powder left, and wash my hands.  But, really, I don't think you need to worry at all.

I agree with you Kat, against the manufacturers guidance. Maybe the best way to do it would to be to make sure to take each half of a pill on consecutive days, ensuring you at least are getting the full dose over two days even if it isn't exactly equal each day to the mg.

David.

(Head nodding in agreement - good idea.)

I concur with David and Kat.  I've done it and lived to tell about it. smiley

I've even quartered 100mg tablets, but it takes patience to get them lined up just right in the pill splitter.

I remember Romo saying something about not getting the dust in your eyes, so be careful with that.

Romo, if you're still checking in once in a while, it would be good to hear how you're doing.

Kirk