WEDNESDAY, Nov. 10, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs health system saved $46.5 million in 2003 by having eligible patients split tablets of the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin in half, a new report says.
The report said many drugs are available in higher-dose tablets that are the same price as lower-dose tablets. By splitting higher-dose tablets in half, patients can get their required dose for about half the cost and provide large savings for health systems that provide pharmacy benefits for patients.
In 2003, 86 percent of eligible simvastatin (Zocor) prescriptions in VA systems nationwide were split in half, which resulted in savings of $46.5 million, the report said.
It noted that tablet-splitting doesn't work with all pills, such as time-release tablets or pills with special coatings. And certain medical conditions, such as visual impairment or disabling arthritis, make it impossible for some patients to use tablet splitters.
Statins are good choices for tablet-splitting because the dose doesn't have to be as exact as some other kinds of drugs to be effective, the report said.
Patients should split tablets only with the approval of their doctor.
The report was presented Wednesday at the American Heart Association's scientific sessions in New Orleans.
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