ALPHARETTA, Ga., Jan. 27, 2026 — For people with Parkinson’s disease, taking medication isn’t always as simple as swallowing a pill. A new study reveals that many patients routinely split their carbidopa/levodopa tablets—a practice that becomes increasingly common, and frustratingly imprecise, as the disease progresses.
Splitting Pills: A Common, Yet Challenging, Parkinson’s Practice
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A recent survey highlights the difficulties patients face in achieving accurate medication dosages.
- A survey of 101 Parkinson’s patients and 120 neurologists found pill splitting is widespread.
- Only 27% of those splitting pills in half find the process easy, and just 18% feel accurate when dividing pills into smaller segments.
- Motor symptoms significantly impact quality of life, especially as Parkinson’s advances.
- Neurologists report growing dissatisfaction with current treatment options for later-stage Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s disease management often requires a delicate balance of medication to control motor symptoms. But what happens when achieving the right dose feels like a guessing game? Researchers, led by Drs. Ramon L. Rodriguez, Stuart H. Isaacson, Yasar Torres-Yaghi, Rajesh Pahwa, and Ahmad Al-Sabbagh, set out to understand the realities of medication management for those living with the condition.
The Burden of Pill Splitting
The study, published in Neurodegenerative Disease Management, surveyed 101 individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, alongside 120 neurologists specializing in movement disorders. The findings paint a clear picture: motor symptoms have a substantial impact on quality of life, particularly as the disease progresses. And, for many, splitting pills is a necessary, yet problematic, workaround.
Q: How common is pill splitting among Parkinson’s patients?
A: The study found that pill splitting is frequently reported, becoming more prevalent as the disease advances and motor fluctuations become harder to control. Nearly 45% of patients split tablets based on a doctor’s recommendation, while 22% do so independently.
Among patients with longer disease duration and more advanced symptoms, pill splitting was reported more often. However, the process isn’t easy. A mere 27% of those surveyed found splitting pills in half to be easy, and that number plummeted to 18% when patients attempted to divide pills into even smaller, more precise doses.1
Neurologists echoed these concerns, expressing growing dissatisfaction with available treatment options as Parkinson’s progresses. The study underscores the need for solutions that address dosing precision and reduce the burden on patients and caregivers.
A New Approach to Dosing
The challenges highlighted in the study have prompted the development of innovative solutions. DHIVY® (carbidopa and levodopa) tablets are designed to address the difficulties of precise dosing. These tablets are functionally scored, allowing them to be easily divided into smaller, more accurate segments without the need for traditional pill splitting.2-4
DHIVY is indicated for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Patients should take DHIVY exactly as prescribed.2
The findings emphasize the importance of ongoing collaboration between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to navigate the evolving treatment needs of Parkinson’s disease and improve quality of life.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
- DHIVY is contraindicated in patients currently taking a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, linezolid, and tranylcypromine) or have recently (within 2 weeks) taken a nonselective MAO inhibitor.
- DHIVY is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of DHIVY.
Taking DHIVY may cause you to fall asleep suddenly, even without warning. Avoid activities requiring alertness until you know how DHIVY affects you. Discuss any sleepiness with your doctor. Talk to your healthcare provider before changing your dose. Report any withdrawal symptoms immediately. If you have heart conditions, your heart function should be monitored. DHIVY may cause hallucinations or abnormal thoughts. It may also cause intense urges, such as gambling or overspending. Uncontrolled movements may occur or worsen. Inform your doctor if you have peptic ulcers or glaucoma. DHIVY may cause abnormal test results. Report any thoughts of suicide to your healthcare provider. Common side effects include uncontrolled movements and nausea.
Notify your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You may report side effects to Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-888-612-8466 or to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Click here for full Prescribing Information.
NP-4069-v1 (v1.2)
