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Old 05-08-2017, 09:23 AM #1
winic1 winic1 is offline
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Default Extended release pyridostigmine?

Can someone tell me if the extended release version of pyridostigmine can be cut in half? My doctor doesn't know, and what I've been able to look up online isn't clear to me. If a pill is scored, then it can be cut in half, right?

I'm only using 15-30mg of medicine every 3 hours or so, so the extended release 60mg formulation is much more than I need so far, is why I am questioning cutting the pill in half.
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Old 05-08-2017, 10:11 AM #2
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Your best bet is to consult your pharmacist. It is a rare doctor who understands drugs overall. The printout given to you at the time you fill the prescription usually has information about cutting or crushing a dosage form.

There is information on the net, like this:
Mestinon Timespan (pyridostigmine) medical facts from Drugs.com

It is easier to find information using the brand name most times.

If a brand name drops its patent, the generic may not be exactly the same after that when made.
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AnnieB3 (05-08-2017)
Old 05-08-2017, 11:20 AM #3
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Hi Winic1,

You should ask your pharmacist or your doctor. Generally, timed-release tablets cannot be cut in half, but only they can tell you. They work differently than standard pills, and cutting them in half can often alter the way they work. Please consult your pharmacist or your doctor.

Take care,
Erin
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AnnieB3 (05-08-2017)
Old 05-08-2017, 07:36 PM #4
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NO, it cannot be split. Doing so would affect the dosing release of the drug. You wouldn't want 180 mg. of it all at once, right?

Mrs D already posted this, but I'm doing it again! This is not the only source that clearly states not to split the drug (or crush it).

Mestinon Timespan (pyridostigmine) medical facts from Drugs.com

If the Timespan is more than you need, then why are you taking it? To avoid the waking up every three hours needing more Mestinon (as I have to do)?

None of the Mestinon drugs can be put in a fridge, either. I know that humidity tends to crumble the Mestinon tablets, but putting them in a fridge reduces the potency of the drug.

Are you not doing well?

Annie
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File Type: pdf Mestinon_Suspension_60mg-Tablet_60-180mg_PI_May01.pdf (38.7 KB, 47 views)
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Old 05-10-2017, 08:26 PM #5
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You'll notice that the SR are scored in the middle that's for the Valeant Brand not sure about generics and I was told by my Pharmacist that YES you can break in half but to make sure not to CRUSH the pill, my Nuro has also confirmed me that it was okay​...SR can not be crushed, when I couldn't swallow I could only take the regular 60mg as they can be crushed...
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Old 05-10-2017, 08:36 PM #6
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Okay, then, Snoel. I guess they started scoring them. Seems a bit counterproductive. Why not just take the regular tablets then?!
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Old 05-10-2017, 08:50 PM #7
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It has a slower release, longer lasting I'm taking a full strength at bedtime, I tried taking half and it didn't give me enough reserve till morning...
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Old 06-01-2017, 03:35 AM #8
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When I ran out of the 60, I split the 180 mg in half to take in its place.

I don't like the time released Mestinon. They don't seem to work 24 hours, more like six hours in my body.

Personally, I like the 60 mg of Mestinon. They work for four hours in my body, but at least they are consistent in that they work for four hours.

My doctors said my body needs more Mestinon, and I need to take the 60 mg at each meal and the 180 at night.

That seemed to work for me for 9 months, but now, the doctor wants to put me on prednisone. I hate to swell up like a bean, so I've been resisting it.

Some days or better than most, but the majority of them prove I need to consider taking the prednisone.
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Old 06-02-2017, 05:26 AM #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poetist View Post
When I ran out of the 60, I split the 180 mg in half to take in its place.

I don't like the time released Mestinon. They don't seem to work 24 hours, more like six hours in my body.

Personally, I like the 60 mg of Mestinon. They work for four hours in my body, but at least they are consistent in that they work for four hours.

My doctors said my body needs more Mestinon, and I need to take the 60 mg at each meal and the 180 at night.

That seemed to work for me for 9 months, but now, the doctor wants to put me on prednisone. I hate to swell up like a bean, so I've been resisting it.

Some days or better than most, but the majority of them prove I need to consider taking the prednisone.
I hope you don't have to go on Predisone, l was on it for a little over a year and I really didn't like it all the side effects they're awful!!! I've been off now for a year and still having issues with side effects, are you on any type of immune surpressent of any kind like Imuran/Azathioprine, I'm taking 200mg a day plus Mestinon during daytime and 180 SR at bedtime and doing fairly good.

I'm sure others will Chime in to attest, sometimes you have no choice depending on situation, I don't want you contradicting you're Doctor I'm just sharing my experience from past...

Good luck.
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Old 06-03-2017, 02:28 AM #10
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Snoel, what's the next step after Mestinon other than prednisone? I would love to know, because if I can avoid it that would be great.

By the way, my mother was on prednisone for years, but it didn't seem to affect her. I don't know why she was on it, but she doesn't have MG.
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