FAQs

FAQs

Questions about the pills / levels

What are the practice pills made of?

The primary ingredient in the practice pills is dextrose made to pharmaceutical standards. Other ingredients used in the manufacture of the pills are nonactive substances. The pills are free of the top 8 allergens including wheat, peanut, egg, soy, milk, nut, fish, and shellfish. Additionally they are gluten free, gelatin free, vegan and do not include any form of red dye. 

Can you do more than one level per day?

It is recommended to try only one level per day. The kit is designed to build on positive experiences. When more than one level is attempted per day, there is a greater risk of failure and a negative experience.

What should you do if you run out of practice pills?

First, take any extra pills of the same pill size from a previously completed level. If you run out of those, take the same pill size from a future level. If you have another child practicing with the kit, you could take extra pills from their previously completed levels. While we have provided extra pills for practicing, in the unfortunate event that you are still without the pill size you need, you can order more from our website.

How many practice pills are included in the Pill Skills Beginner Kit?

The kit has a total of 190 practice pills with each level/size combination having 10 pills. Note that the kit includes extra practice pills used to help build confidence, therefore not all pills will be consumed.

Questions about completing a level / practice session

If you finish a level before the timer expires, should / can you move onto the next?

It is recommended to only attempt one level in a given day. We want the child to end with success and to avoid frustration if they weren’t to complete a level.

When does a practice session end?

A practice session ends in two ways. This first is if your child successfully completes the level, meaning they swallow two pills of each level consecutively. The other way a level ends is if the 10 minute timer expires.

In order to complete a level, do you need to finish all of the pills included before moving on?

No, the kit includes extra pills for unsuccessful attempts, if necessary, or if repeated practice is desired.

Questions about when to use the product

How old should my child be to use this product?

The intended age for this product is for children between the ages of 5-15 who have never learned how to swallow pills. However, anyone can give this product a try, you just may not have as much success.

Is a child too young to swallow pills at 5 years old?

A child is physically capable of swallowing pills once they reach 12 to 18 months of age. The size of the largest pill is smaller than the diameter of the throat, keeping the child from choking. Additionally, the practice pill is designed to dissolve after a short period of time

Can more than one child work on the kit at the same time?

It is recommended to complete the kit individually. We don't want siblings to cause distractions or to overwhelm one another if one child is having more success than the other.

What time of day is best to do the trial?

The time to do the kit will vary per person. You should do the kit at a time of day where there are minimal distractions. It is recommended not to attempt the kit before school, or while getting ready for bed.

If I currently struggle swallowing pills can I still use this kit?

Yes. However, the kit is designed for children between 5-15 who have never learned how to swallow pills. Those that have previously tried and struggled may not be able to complete the kit, but can still experience significant success. We are also developing a tool fit specifically for the population that struggles.

Questions about what to do if unsuccessful

Should my child use a new pill after a failed attempt?

It is typically recommended to start with a fresh pill if it feels like the previous one is dissolving. Otherwise, you can try again with the same pill.

What if my child does not complete a level?

It is okay if your child does not complete a level; it is all part of the process. However, if unsuccessful, they should repeat that same level the following day in the next practice session.

What do you do if you cannot reach level G of the Pill Skills Beginner Kit?

If level G cannot be reached, still recognize the success your child had and the progress made towards pill swallowing. Each level completed shows that you are improving and can swallow a variety of pill types. However, if extreme difficulties arise, consider consulting with a physician to see if there are any underlying medical conditions.

What should I do if my child has failed multiple days in a row?

If your child is struggling to complete a level, make sure you are trying the helpful hints. We suggest trying a specific helpful hint multiple times in a row before deeming it unsuccessful. If they still cannot pass a level, keep trying, as the repetition can make it easier. Reverting back to a previously passed level also helps build your child's confidence in learning this new skill. Also, make sure you are practicing the kit everyday; avoid missing days. Remember, this kit may not work for everyone, so after 30 days consider reaching out to your pediatrician.

Other

Can I just give the kit to my child to do alone?

We recommend that you do the kit with your child. This way you can help encourage them and give positive feedback while learning this new skill.

What should we do if we miss a day?

It is important to practice the kit everyday for maximum success. However, if you skip a day, you can just pick up where you left off at your next practice session. If you miss multiple days in a row, we suggest retrying the previous level, as success comes from repetition and built up confidence.

Do you have to drink water / another liquid when trying to swallow the pills, especially the smaller ones?

Yes. Your child should always drink when attempting to swallow the pills. The goal is to teach the child the process and to build confidence, which is why the kit starts with the smaller pills and works its way up to mimic real ones.

Pills or Levels

What are the practice pills made of?

The primary ingredient is sugar (dextrose) made to pharmaceutical standards. All ingredients used are inactive. The pills do not contain any of the top allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. Additionally they are gluten free, gelatin free, vegan and do not include any form of red dye.

What should I do if I run out of practice pills?

Take any extra pills of the same pill size from a previously completed level. If you run out of those, take the same pill size from a future level. In the unlikely circumstance that you still run out, you can order individual levels from our website.

How many practice pills are included in the Pill Skills Beginner Kit?

The kit has over 180 practice pills with each level/size combination having 8-10 pills. Note that the kit includes extra practice pills used to help build confidence, therefore not all pills will be consumed.

Can I attempt more than one level per day?

It is recommended to try only one level per day. The kit is designed to build upon positive experiences. When more than one level is attempted per day, there is a greater risk of failure and a negative experience.

Completing a Level or Practice Session

When does a practice session end?

A practice session ends in one of two ways. The first is if you successfully complete the level. The second is if the 10 minute timer expires prior to completion of the level.

If I finish a level before the 10 minute timer expires, should I move onto the next one?

It is recommended to attempt only one level per day. We want you to end with success. If you rush into the next level, you risk frustration from either too long of a practice session or by the inability to complete that next level.

In order to complete a level, do I need to finish all of the pills included?

No, in order to complete a level you must swallow 2 pills in a row of each size for that given level. Any pills remaining are there for extra practice or for unsuccessful attempts.

Intended Use of Product

What age is this product recommended for?

The product is intended for 3 years and older. However, if you think your child is ready, they can be taught sooner. Whether young or old, you can benefit from the Pill Skills Beginner Kit.

Can my child complete the kit alone?

We recommend that you sit alongside your child when completing the kit. That way you can encourage them and give positive feedback when learning this new skill.

Can a single Pill Skills Beginner Kit be shared with multiple people?

No. Each kit is designed with enough practice pills for only one user.

If I currently struggle swallowing pills can I still use the kit?

Yes, the kit is designed for anyone; although, those who have previously struggled may experience greater difficulty. However, people that had previous pill swallowing difficulties have seen improvement at swallowing pills and success in our kit.

Do you have to drink water/another liquid when trying to swallow the pills, especially the smaller ones?

Yes. You should always drink liquid when learning how to swallow the pills.

What To Do If Struggling

Should I use a new pill after a failed attempt?

It is recommended to start with a fresh pill if it feels like the previous one is dissolving. Otherwise, you can try again with the same pill.

What if I do not complete a level?

It is okay if you do not complete a level; it is all part of the learning process. However, if unsuccessful you should repeat that same level the following day during your next practice session. You can also try using a Helpful Hint.

What should I do if I have failed multiple days in a row?

If you are stuck on a level and have tried a variety of the Helpful Hints, try practicing an already completed level to build your confidence. We suggest trying the same helpful hint multiple times in a row before declaring it unsuccessful. Practice daily and avoid skipping days for best success.

What if I cannot reach level G of the Pill Skills Beginner Kit?

If level G cannot be reached, still recognize the success you had and the progress made towards pill swallowing. Each level completed shows that you are improving. However, if you experience extreme difficulties, consider consulting a physician to see if there are any underlying medical conditions.

General Pill Swallowing

Why should I teach my child how to swallow pills?

Children are taught how to tie their shoes, say their ABCs, and brush their teeth among many other common life skills. It is just as, if not more, important to teach your child how to swallow pills proactively in order to create a positive, stress-free learning environment. By doing so, they can avoid a negative experience, preventing them from becoming part of the 40% of adult Americans who struggle or cannot swallow pills.

Is it okay to cut, chew, crush, or mix my medication with food?

Depending on the type of medication, if cut, chewed, crushed or mixed with food, it can lead to decreased effectiveness. Time release or coated pills should not be broken apart. It can lead to a higher risk of side effects and potential overdose.

Why do I struggle to swallow pills?

You can struggle swallowing pills for a multitude of reasons. One-third of people who struggle experience gagging, choking, or vomiting. Another reason is a built up psychological barrier based on a fear of swallowing pills, often stemming from past negative experiences. In few cases, the inability to swallow pills can be linked to an anatomical barrier, such as dysphagia, or temporary conditions, like antibiotics or chemotherapy.

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