THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Page 15 Pill Splitting: When it’s safe and when it isn’t Dear Savvy Senior, When is it safe, or not safe, to split pills? I have a cousin who cuts almost all her pills in half in order to save money, but I’m wondering if she’s going overboard. What can you tell me about this? Curious Cousin Dear Curious, Pill splitting – literally cutting them in half – has long been a popular way to save on medication costs, but your cousin, if she hasn’t already done so, needs to talk to her doctor or pharmacist because not all pills should be split. The reason pill splitting is such a money saver is because of the way drugs are manufactured and priced. A pill that’s twice as strong as another may not be twice the price. In fact, it’s usually about the same price. So, buying a double-strength dose and cutting it in half may allow you to get two months’ worth of medicine for the price of one. But is it safe? As long as your doctor agrees that splitting your pills is OK for you, you learn how to do it properly, and you split only pills that can be split, there’s really no danger. Ask Your Doctor If you’re interested in splitting your pills, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to fi nd out if any of the medicines you use can be safely split. It’s also important to find out whether splitting them will save you enough money to justify the hassle. The pills that are easiest to split are those with a score down the middle. However, not every pill that’s scored is meant to be split. Pills that are most commonly split are cholesterol lowering drugs, antidepressants and high blood pressure medicines. Use a Pill Splitter Having the right equipment is very important too. Don’t use a knife or scissors to cut your pills in half. This can cause you to split them unevenly resulting in two pieces with very different dosages, which can be dangerous. Purchase a proper pill cutter that has a cover and a V-shaped pill grip that holds the pill securely in place. You can fi nd them at most pharmacies for $5 to $10. For convenience, you might be tempted to split the whole bottle of pills at once. But it’s best to do the splitting on the day you take the fi rst half, and then take the other half on the second day or whenever you are scheduled to take your next dose. That will help keep the drugs from deteriorating due to exposure to heat, moisture, or air. It will also help ensure that any deviation in the size of one dose is compensated in the next. It’s also important to know that pills are only safely split in half, and never into smaller portions such as into thirds or quarters. Don’t Split These Drugs Some pills should never be split. Drugs that are time-released or long-lasting and tablets that contain a combination of drugs probably shouldn’t be split, because it’s diffi cult to ensure a proper amount of active ingredient in each half. Pills with a coating to protect your stomach, and pills that crumble easily or irritate your mouth shouldn’t be split either, along with chemotherapy drugs, anti-seizure medicines, birth control pills and capsules containing powders or gels. Again, your doctor or pharmacist will know which drugs can and cannot be split. If you’re taking a medicine that can be split, you’ll need to get a prescription from your doctor for twice the dosage you need. Then you can start splitting and saving, safely. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency offers winter storm safety tips What are winter storms? Winter storms can include large snow accumulation, extremely cold temperatures, coastal fl ooding, beach erosion and heavy, wet snow or ice. Why prepare? Extreme winter weather can shut down an entire region. It can lead to roof collapses, communications disruptions and power outages. Winter storms are associated with storm-related deaths caused by: • Automobile accidents • Heart attacks due to overexertion • Freezing to death • Carbon monoxide incidents To minimize the dangers associated with winter storms, take the proper safety precautions to protect yourself and your family. Winter storm watches and warnings The National Weather Service issues watches and warnings for winter storms and blizzards to alert the public of those potential weather events. It is important to understand the difference between these warnings so you know what to do to stay safe. Winter storm watches: It is likely that winter storm warning, blizzard warning, or ice storm warning criteria will be met due to the conditions of an upcoming storm. Winter storm warning: Six inches of snow or more in a 12-hour period (or 8" of snow or more in a 24-hour period) expected within next 12 to 36 hours. Blizzard warning: Sustained wind gusts greater than or equal to 35 miles per hour and considerable falling and/or blowing snow, resulting in reduced visibility of less than quarter-mile for at least three hours. Ice storm warning: Half inch or more of freezing rain. Before a winter storm • Be informed by receiving alerts, warnings and public safety information before, during and after emergencies. • Create and review your family emergency plan. • If you receive medical treatments or home health care services, work with your medical provider to determine how to maintain care and service if you are unable to leave your home for a period of time. • Assemble an emergency kit. Add seasonal supplies to your emergency kit, such as extra winter clothing and blankets. • Follow instructions from public safety offi cials. • Prepare for possible power outages. • Fully charge your cellphone, laptop and other electronic devices before a storm if power outages are expected. • Consider purchasing a generator to provide power during an outage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and before an outage learn how to use it safely. • Prepare your home for possible emergencies. • Remove dead or rotting trees and branches around your home that could fall and cause injury or damage. • Clear clogged rain gutters to allow water to fl ow away from your home. Melting snow and ice can build up if gutters are clogged with debris. • Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working and have fresh batteries. • Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. • Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation. • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel and consider safe backup heating options, such as a fi replace or woodstove. • Ensure your vehicle is ready for safe winter driving. Keep the gas tank at least half-full and have a winter emergency car kit in the trunk. During a winter storm • Minimize outdoor activities. Drive only if it is necessary. If you must drive, utilize the winter driving safety tips of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). • Keep your pets safe with MEMA’s Winter Pet Safety Tips. • Dress for the season to protect against the elements. Dress in several layers of loose-fi tting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. • During extreme cold weather, follow MEMA’s Extreme Cold Safety Tips. • Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. After a winter storm • Continue to monitor media for emergency information. • Follow instructions from public safety offi cials. • Call 911 to report emergencies, including downed power lines and gas leaks. • Check with your local authorities or call 211 to fi nd locations of warming centers or shelters near you or for other storm-related questions. • In the event of power outages during cold weather, you might need to go to a warming center or emergency shelter to stay warm. Report power outages to your utility company. • Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live. • Stay off streets and roads until they are clear of snow. • Use caution and take frequent breaks when shoveling snow to prevent overexertion. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter. • Clear exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnace systems to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working – it is a silent, odorless killer. • Clear snow from around vehicle exhaust pipes before starting the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. • Make sure emergency generators or secondary heating systems are well ventilated because their fumes contain carbon monoxide. See MEMA’s Generator Safety Tips. • Dig out fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood. • Clear snow from the sidewalk on your property, including nearby curb cuts, to allow access for wheelchair users. Regulations and requirements for homeowners and businesses to clear sidewalks vary by community, but even if not required, please clear sidewalks to make safe travel for all. • Property owners and businesses should clear snow from walkways, entrances and access ramps and handicapped parking spots and might be required to do so. • Check your roof and clear accumulated snow to avoid roof collapses. • Don’t park too close to corners so public safety vehicles and plows can maneuver safely. • Be aware of children playing in the streets, particularly climbing on or running out from behind large snowdrifts. Parents should remind their children to be aware of plowing operations and traffi c. • Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions and those who might need additional assistance.
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