CLASSIFICATION
Anticholinergic Agent, Long-Acting
ACNE
No
WATER RETENTION
No
HBR
No
HEPATOTOXICITY
No
AROMATIZATION
No
MANUFACTURER
Boehringer
WAREHOUSE
International Warehouse 2
SUBSTANCE
Tiotropium bromide
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What is Spiriva?
Spiriva (tiotropium) is a bronchodilator designed to relax the muscles in the airways, which increases airflow to the lungs.
Spiriva is primarily used to prevent bronchospasm (the narrowing of airways in the lungs) in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes conditions like bronchitis and emphysema.
Spiriva Respimat is also prescribed to help prevent asthma attacks in adults and children who are at least 6 years old, but it is not approved for children under that age.
Important Information
A Spiriva capsule should only be used with the HandiHaler device and must not be taken orally. Only one capsule should be used at a time.
The Spiriva Respimat Inhalation Spray comes in a carton that includes one aluminum cartridge and one Respimat inhaler. The Spiriva Respimat cartridge is specifically meant for the Respimat device and should not be substituted with any other Respimat product. The Respimat inhaler is a cylindrical plastic device featuring a gray body and a transparent base that is removed to insert the cartridge. It also has a dose indicator.
Before using Spiriva, inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or bladder obstruction.
Spiriva is intended for the prevention of bronchospasm attacks and should not be used to treat an ongoing attack, as it doesn’t work quickly enough to alleviate symptoms. For an acute attack, a fast-acting inhalation medication should be utilized instead.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should avoid using Spiriva if you are allergic to tiotropium or ipratropium (Atrovent, Combivent, DuoNeb).
To ensure that Spiriva is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have a history of:
If you are pregnant, consult your doctor, as it is unknown whether tiotropium can harm an unborn baby. However, poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy can lead to issues such as premature birth or low birth weight, making the benefits of treating asthma potentially outweigh the risks.
Breastfeeding may not be safe while using this medication, so discuss any risks with your healthcare provider.
Spiriva Respimat is not recommended for individuals under 6 years old.
How Should I Use Spiriva?
Use Spiriva precisely as prescribed by your doctor. The typical dose is 2 inhalations via the mouth once daily. Follow all instructions on your prescription label, and do not use more or less of the medication, or for longer than recommended.
Spiriva is not a rescue medication and will not quickly address a COPD flare-up. Discuss with your doctor if it appears that your medications are not as effective.
Read all provided patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets thoroughly. Reach out to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Children using Spiriva Respimat should be supervised by an adult during use.
Spiriva HandiHaler is sold with capsules and a special inhaler device. Each time you use it, load one capsule into the device, close the mouthpiece, and press the button on the side to pierce the capsule and release the medication into the inhalation chamber. You will need 2 inhalations to complete the dose for a single capsule.
Do not take Spiriva capsules orally; they are exclusively for use with the HandiHaler device. Always dispose of any capsule not used right after removing it from the blister pack, as exposure to air can compromise the capsule.
Spiriva Respimat is supplied in a cartridge that fits into the inhaler device provided with the medication. Turn the base of the Respimat until it clicks to release the medication into the chamber. Two puffs are necessary to receive a full dose.
The Respimat inhaler will lock after 30 doses (or 60 puffs) have been dispensed, and an indicator on the inhaler will notify you when there are only 14 puffs (or about 7 days) left in the cartridge.
Regular testing of lung function will be necessary to ensure the medication is effective for your condition.
To maximize the benefits of this medicine, use it consistently and get your prescription refilled before you run out.
Store both the capsules and the Respimat inhaler at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze them, and do not keep capsules in the HandiHaler device.