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About Nigel Simmons
Expertise
I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised.
Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner.
I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question.
Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?
Experience
Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
Past/Present clients
Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Pharmacology > Pharmacy > lyrica
Expert: Nigel Simmons
Date: 1/30/2008
Subject: lyrica
Question
I am trying Lyrica for my fibromyalgia. I can only take half of the capsule due to side effects. I dump the capsule on foil and separate it into two piles, and take one. Can I carefully save the other one for the next day?
Answer
Janet
For professional reasons I cannot encourage splitting of capsules in the way that you describe, so any action is at your own risk as the manufacturers would deny any responsibility for adverse effects etc.
Lyrica is supplied in a wide range of strengths, so it may be worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist whether a lower strength can be prescribed. If there are cost issues, then again the decision to split doses has yo be your own.
According to the product information, there are no special additives to the formulation of the capsules, so dividing a dose is not a particular problem. However, it is advisable to stir or mix the powder a little before dividing it, as there is a possibility that the components may separate in storage and you will not get an equal division of the dose.
Other issues to address are that it would be better to do the dividing on plain white paper - ideally smoothe and glossy. Aluminium from the foil could react with the active drug and affects its effectiveness or increase side effects etc.
Finally, the second dose should be kept in a moisture proof container and protected from light (folding into the paper would be good). It should be used as soon as possible to prevent the drug decomposing due to atmospheric moisture or oxygen.
I hope this helps.
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