Spiriva (Tiotropium Bromide)

Do’s

• Read the Patient Information Leaflet and instruction sheet provided by your pharmacist before using Spiriva. Learn how to use the inhaler properly.
• Consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions about using the inhaler.
• Use the special inhaler to inhale the powder in the capsules, as the capsules should not be swallowed.
• Inhale the medication by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily, inhaling two times per capsule to ensure you inhale all of the drugs.
• Wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication if using other inhalers simultaneously.
• Use this medication regularly at evenly spaced intervals, ideally at the same time each day, to get the most benefit from it.
• Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler to prevent dry mouth and throat irritation.
• Clean the inhaler at least once a month with water and allow it to air-dry fully before using it again.
• Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs).
• Ask your healthcare provider ahead of time what you should do if you experience new or worsening symptoms.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen while using Spiriva.

Don’ts

• Do not breathe out into the mouthpiece at any time, and avoid getting the medication into your eyes, as it may cause eye pain/irritation, temporary blurred vision, and other vision changes.
• Do not increase the dose, use the medication more often, or stop using it without consulting your healthcare provider.

Mild Side Effects:

• Sore throat
• Dry mouth
• Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• Sinusitis (swelling in the sinuses)
• Cough
• Headache
• Indigestion (upset stomach)
• Chest pain

Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reaction, which may include raised red patches on the skin (hives), itching, rash, and swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing

Additionally, individuals with a history of kidney problems should be aware that Spiriva can build up in the body and cause more side effects, such as dry mouth, blurry vision, fast heart rate, or constipation. If any of these symptoms are noticed while using Spiriva, inform a healthcare provider.

Seek medical advice if any side effects are experienced, and report any symptoms that do not improve or worsen while using Spiriva.

If you are allergic to Spiriva, any part of the medication, or any other drugs, foods, or substances, inform your healthcare provider about the allergy and any related signs experienced. 

If you take other drugs called anticholinergics, such as ipratropium or oxybutynin, consult your healthcare provider to ensure the safe use of Spiriva in conjunction with these medications.

Inform your healthcare providers about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems to ensure the safe use of Spiriva with all of your medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your healthcare provider

Spiriva is intended as a once-daily maintenance treatment for COPD and should not be used for relief of acute symptoms, i.e., as rescue therapy for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm.

Be aware of the potential for immediate hypersensitivity reactions and seek medical attention if any signs of allergic reactions are experienced.

Spiriva capsules are for use only in the HandiHaler device and should not be taken by mouth. Use only one capsule at a time and follow the specific instructions for use provided with the Spiriva HandiHaler to ensure proper administration and effectiveness of the medication.

The information provided here is a general guideline. For specific instructions and personalized advice on the use of Spiriva, consult the prescribing information or seek guidance from a healthcare provider.