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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Deborah on November 13, 2000, at 8:42:56
My Mum has decided to reduce her medication by cutting her 10mg of Olanzapine (Zyprexa) in half, so she is taking 5 mg per day. Is there a problem with damaging the coating on the pill and does the body then start to dissolve the pill before it reaches the stomach? Can this cause reflux or problems for the oesophagus (if I spelt that word right it would be a miracle!!)
I have tried to do a search for this information but I can't refine it enough or something, and I really could do with some quick info if anyone can help. I could contact Mum's Doc but I don't want to at this stage as Mum would feel as though I am going behind her back. Tomorrow I will try our Pharmacist for info, but if anyone can help in the interim, I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Best wishes,
Deb.
Posted by danf on November 13, 2000, at 9:02:16
In reply to cutting pills in half -, posted by Deborah on November 13, 2000, at 8:42:56
This is not a problem with zyprexa.
it even has a form that is made to dissolve in the mouth.
Posted by Maniz on November 13, 2000, at 9:45:42
In reply to cutting pills in half -, posted by Deborah on November 13, 2000, at 8:42:56
Hi, I do not know in thi scase, but generaly pills coated that must be taken as whole are those that must pass the stomach to be absorbed by the intestines. The packet insert allways mention either "do not chew" or something.
If you find you can cut them, www.vitaminder.com has practical devices for that.
> My Mum has decided to reduce her medication by cutting her 10mg of Olanzapine (Zyprexa) in half, so she is taking 5 mg per day. Is there a problem with damaging the coating on the pill and does the body then start to dissolve the pill before it reaches the stomach? Can this cause reflux or problems for the oesophagus (if I spelt that word right it would be a miracle!!)
>
> I have tried to do a search for this information but I can't refine it enough or something, and I really could do with some quick info if anyone can help. I could contact Mum's Doc but I don't want to at this stage as Mum would feel as though I am going behind her back. Tomorrow I will try our Pharmacist for info, but if anyone can help in the interim, I would appreciate it.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Best wishes,
> Deb.
Posted by Cam W. on November 13, 2000, at 10:46:03
In reply to cutting pills in half -, posted by Deborah on November 13, 2000, at 8:42:56
Deb - Yes, you can cut Zyprexa in half, but be sure to use a sharp knife and watch your fingers. There are a couple of "need-to-knows" that you need to know when splitting Zyprexa. One is, the powder slowly begins to lose potency. Tablets should only be cut a few days ahead of time, because by the seventh day after splitting, the tablet should be thrown out. Only cut up what you need (ie a day or two at a time).
Zyprexa powder can be mixed into most liquids from water, to milk, to Coca-Cola. Actually, mixing the Zyprexa in a cola, increased the potency slightly (weird, huh).
Also, the powder is very caustic to sensitive membranes. If some sticks to Mum's fingers and she rubs her eye, it will hurt like hell. Tell her to wash her hands after touching a split tablets.
As for the heartburn (acid reflux); yes, it is very likely to occur when you split the tablets. Taking it with a meal may help.
Before her next prescription refill, your Mum should ask her chemist the price difference between 60 Zyprexa 5mg and 30 Zyprexa 10mg. If the difference isn't too much, she might want to get the 5mg tablets, to avoid the hassle of splitting the tabs and risking upset stomach. Pharmacists in Alberta are allowed to give lower strengths, with twice the quantity of most meds, without much questioning.
Also, it is important that your Mum call her doctor, to let him/her know she is decreasing her dosage. Everyone has to stay on the same page in therapy. The doc can monitor a reaction to a change in doasge better when he/she knows it has occured. A lower dose may be reasonable, but watch for any hints of a return of her symptoms.
I hope this helps - Cam
Posted by Deborah on November 15, 2000, at 2:44:12
In reply to Re: cutting pills in half - » Deborah, posted by Cam W. on November 13, 2000, at 10:46:03
Thanks to all of you for your rapid responses to my query....this is such a great site, filled with very helpful people. I only wish I could help some of you occasionally!
Best wishes and love from Deb R.
> Deb - Yes, you can cut Zyprexa in half, but be sure to use a sharp knife and watch your fingers. There are a couple of "need-to-knows" that you need to know when splitting Zyprexa. One is, the powder slowly begins to lose potency. Tablets should only be cut a few days ahead of time, because by the seventh day after splitting, the tablet should be thrown out. Only cut up what you need (ie a day or two at a time).
>
> Zyprexa powder can be mixed into most liquids from water, to milk, to Coca-Cola. Actually, mixing the Zyprexa in a cola, increased the potency slightly (weird, huh).
>
> Also, the powder is very caustic to sensitive membranes. If some sticks to Mum's fingers and she rubs her eye, it will hurt like hell. Tell her to wash her hands after touching a split tablets.
>
> As for the heartburn (acid reflux); yes, it is very likely to occur when you split the tablets. Taking it with a meal may help.
>
> Before her next prescription refill, your Mum should ask her chemist the price difference between 60 Zyprexa 5mg and 30 Zyprexa 10mg. If the difference isn't too much, she might want to get the 5mg tablets, to avoid the hassle of splitting the tabs and risking upset stomach. Pharmacists in Alberta are allowed to give lower strengths, with twice the quantity of most meds, without much questioning.
>
> Also, it is important that your Mum call her doctor, to let him/her know she is decreasing her dosage. Everyone has to stay on the same page in therapy. The doc can monitor a reaction to a change in doasge better when he/she knows it has occured. A lower dose may be reasonable, but watch for any hints of a return of her symptoms.
>
> I hope this helps - Cam
>
>
This is the end of the thread.
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