What is Spiriva?

Spiriva, known as the medication tiotropium is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles within the airways increasing the air flow to the lungs. It is used to prevent bronchospasm which is the narrowing of airways in the lungs of adults suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis and emphysema. Spiriva should be used regularly in order to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath. It does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. If you do begin wheezing or suffer sudden shortness of breath, use your quick-relief inhaler. Spiriva may also be used as a maintenance medicine to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children over 6 years old.

How to use Spiriva with HandiHaler

Tiotropium comes with capsules known as rotacaps and a specially designed inhaler. You should not take the capsule by mouth and should only use one capsule at a time. Insert the capsule into the handihaler device and then press the green button on the side of the handihaler. Breathe out fully and then close your lips around the device mouthpiece and breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth. Hold your breath as you remove the mouthpiece from your mouth and then breathe normally again. After you are finished remove the used capsule and discard it.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Always use the capsules known as rotacaps with the device. Do not take the capsule by mouth.
• Insert the capsule into the handihaler device and press the green button on the side.
• Breathe out fully before closing your lips around the mouthpiece of the handihaler. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your mouth and hold your breath as you remove the mouthpiece from your mouth. Then breathe normally again.
• Remove the used rotacap from the handihaler device and discard it.
• Do not store any used or unused capsules in the handihaler device.
• Rinse the handihaler mouthpiece with warm water and keep it dry.
• Use this medication regularly. Do not use a tiotroprium inhaler to treat sudden wheezing or shortness of breath.
• If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skipped your missed dose and continue as normal. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed one.
• Keep the medication in the container it came in. Store it at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Which other inhalers you currently use.
• If you have ever had glaucoma, urine problems, irregular heart-beat, kidney or prosate diseases.
• If you are currently using marijuana.
• If you are pregnant, planning on pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Also be aware that:

• You will receive a new inhaler with each 30 day supply of medication.
• Spiriva is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.
• This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision. Do not drive, use machinery or do anything else that requires alertness until you can do it safely.
• Limit your alcohol intake with this medication.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Dry mouth, sneezing or painful white patches in the mouth.
• Constipation, vomiting, indigestion or stomach and muscle pain.
• Nosebleeds or runny nose.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Hives, rashes or itching.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Swelling of the face, throat, hands, feet or other body parts.
• Sore throat, hoarseness, fever, chills or other signs of infection.
• Painful or difficult urination.
• Fast or irregular heart beat.
• Eye pain, blurred vision, red eyes or seeing colored images.

Q: When should I take Spiriva?

A: Spiriva should be taken regularly for the best effect. It should be taken once a day as it lasts 24 hours. It does not matter if you take it in the morning or night, but try to take it at the same time every day.

Q: Should I use Spiriva handihaler when I suffer wheezing or sudden shortness of breath?

A: No. If you suffer wheezing or shortness of breath, use your quick-relief inhaler. Spiriva handihaler should be used once a day at the same time each day to keep your airways open. It lasts for 24 hours and should not be taken more often than this.

Q: How do I take the Spiriva rotacap capsules?

A: Do not take the capsules orally. Insert one rotacap into your device and then press the green button. Breathe out deeply and then putting your mouth to the device mouthpiece breathe in slowly and deeply. Take your lips off the device and continue to breathe normally.

Q: What is the generic alternative to Spiriva with handihaler?
A: The generic alternative is called the tiotropium bromide inhaler and may offer you better savings. We stock both the brand and generic alternative in 18mcg strength.