Split the Pill, Split Your BILL

Split the Pill, Split Your BILL
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I can participate in the Tablet-Splitting Program?
Discuss the program with your provider or local pharmacist. You may be able to participate in the
program if you take one of the following medications:
• Lipitor 10mg, 20mg or 40mg
• Crestor 5mg, 10mg or 20mg
• Simvastatin (generic Zocor) 5mg, 10mg, 20mg or 40mg
• Pravastatin (generic Pravachol) 10mg, 20mg or 40mg
• Lexapro 5mg or 10mg
• Lamictal 12.5mg, 50mg, 75mg or 100mg
• Benicar 10mg or 20mg
• Benicar HCT 10/6.25mg, 20/6.25mg or 20/12.5mg
Do I have to participate in the Tablet-Splitting Program?
No, the program is voluntary. You will just continue taking your medication as prescribed and pay your same
copayment. Nothing will change.
How do I participate in the Tablet-Splitting Program?
• You will need a new prescription from your provider OR your pharmacist may contact your
provider for a new prescription for you.
• The new prescription will include:
• A higher strength tablet
• Quantity of 15 for a 30-day supply
• New directions to take 1/2 tablet daily
• Tablet splitter
• Take the new prescription to your local pharmacy to be filled.
• Ask you pharmacist to submit a claim for an approved tablet splitter through your prescription
benefit for $0 copayment.
• You will pay 50% or half your usual copayment on your medication.
• Split your tablet in half with a tablet splitter and take as directed by your provider.
Is it safe to split the medications in the Tablet-Splitting Program?
Yes, the selected medications are safe and easy to split. It is common for one-half of the tablet to be
slightly larger than the other half. Small changes in dosage from day to day will not alter the
clinical results of these medications. It is best to split one tablet at a time.
How does tablet splitting save money?
Some medications, like the ones selected for this program, cost about the same for all the different
strengths. So, Lipitor 20mg costs the same per tablet as the higher strength Lipitor 40mg. Buying a quantity of
15 tablets at a higher strength provides 30 days worth of medication by splitting the tablets in half and decreases
the cost of the medication. FirstCarolinaCare is passing along the cost-savings by decreasing the cost of your
copayment in half or by 50%. For example, if you usually pay $35 per month, you will save 50% on your
copayment and pay $17.50 by participating in the Tablet-Splitting Program.
Split the Pill, Split Your BILL
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split all of my other medications and save money?
• No, the program is currently only available for Crestor, Lipitor, Simvastatin (generic Zocor), Pravastatin
(generic Pravachol), Lexapro, Lamictal, Benicar and Benicar HCT.
• Not all medications are safe to split. Always ask your provider or local pharmacist before
splitting your medications.
Should I split all of my tablets in half at the same time?
No, it is recommended to split 1 tablet at a time. This will help ensure constant drug levels and prevent the
medication from breaking down.
Can my pharmacist change my current prescription?
No, your pharmacist cannot change your current prescription without your provider’s approval.
Your pharmacist may contact your provider to inquire about participation in the program.
What if I break or lose my tablet splitter?
Ask you pharmacist to “fill” another approved tablet splitter for you at $0 copayment. FCC will pay for 2
approved tablet splitters per year. You will be responsible for any additional tablet splitters needed.
Are all tablet splitters covered?
No, only the selected tablet splitters below are covered:
• NDC #25715-0671-37 — Ezy Dose Pill Splitter
• NDC #02571-5670-15 — Ezy Dose Tablet Cutter
• NDC #02571-5674-01 — Ezy Dose Tablet Cutter
• NDC #25715-0670-15 — Ezy Dose Tablet Cutter
• NDC #02571-5678-56 — Ezy Dose Safety Shield Tablet Cutter
• NDC #02571-5678-20 — Ezy Dose Deluxe Safety Tablet Cutter
• NDC #02571-5677-67 — Ezy Dose Deluxe Tablet Cutter
• NDC #02571-5678-30 — Ezy Dose Adult-Lock Safety Tablet Cutter
• NDC #02571-5678-20 — Eckerd Adult-Lock Safety Tablet Cutter
• NDC #11917-0064-11 — Walgreens Safety-Shield Tablet Cutter
• NDC #49614-0125-94 — Pill Splitter
• NDC #73913-1541-33 — Pill Splitter
Is the Tablet-Splitting Program available through Mail Order or Choice90?
No, it is only available in a 30-day supply from your local pharmacy.
Split the Pill, Split Your BILL
Tablet Splitting Instructions
Step by step instructions on how to split the tablets.
Step 1: Place tablet splitter on flat surface.
Step 4: Steadily close the top of the tablet splitter
over the tablet and press down.
Step 2: Open tablet splitter.
Step 5: The tablet should be split in half.
The 2 halves may not be exactly the same, but that is
okay. Take the medication as directed by your
provider and place the other half in your medication
bottle for the next day’s dose.
Step 3: Place tablet in tablet splitter as shown in
diagram below for the shape of your specific
medication.
Step 6: Carefully wipe off the tablet splitter and
store in a safe place out of the reach of children.
Step 7: Repeat as needed.
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