Uses: Spiriva (Tiotropium) is an anticholingeric medicine use to treat breathing conditions such asthma and COPD. It relaxes the smooth muscle within the lungs and increases airflow. It is not a rescue inhaler.

How to Use

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed. This medicine should be taken at regular intervals.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Do not take the capsule by mouth, use 1 capsule at a time, do not use this device for other medicines.

Keep the capsules in the blister pack until using it in the device, exposure to air can damage the capsules.

Spiriva Handihaler

The usual dose is 2 puffs once daily.

This is not a rescue inhaler.

1 capsule contains 2 puffs.

How to Use

- Open the device and the mouthpiece.

- Place the capsule into the device and close the mouthpiece until it clicks, press the button on the side to pierce and release the medicine.

- Inhale a breath and exhale away from the device (if you inhale at the device, it can blow some of the medicine away and reduce the dose).

- Move the unit to your lips and seal your lips around the mouthpiece, inhale deeply and slowly.

- Open the cap and the mouthpiece, empty the capsule into the trash.

Spiriva Respimat

- Press the safety catch while pulling off the clear base, do not touch the piercing element in bottom of the device.

- Write the discard by date ( 3 months from date cartridge is inserted).

- Remove the cartridge from its box, push the narrow end into the bottom of the inhaler, the base of the cartridge will not be flush ( 1/8 inch visible), you can push the bottom against a firm service to ensure it is in place.

- Put the clear base back onto the device.

- Hold the inhaler vertically with the cap closed.

- Turn the clear base a half a turn until it clicks.

- Flip the cap off to open.

- To prime, hold the mouthpiece away from your face and press the dose release button.

- Repeat the previous step until a spray is visible, then repeat 3 more times to ensure it is ready for use (after this it will be able to deliver 120 doses).

- If you haven’t used the device in 21 days, prime it again. If is has not been used in 3 days, spray it once away from the face to prime.

- Turn the clear base until it clicks, flip the cap off, exhale slowly and fully, wrap your lips around mouthpiece, press the dose release button and inhale slowly and deeply, hold your breath for 10 seconds, close the cap.

-When the pointer enters the red, you have 7 days lefts. At this time ensure that your refill will be ready.

Important Information:

Visit with your doctor regularly while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if your symptoms are not improving. If you feel your symptoms are getting worse, contact a healthcare provider right away.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that you are using the device properly.

It is okay if you feel that small pieces of the capsule are getting into your mouth and throat, continue to use.

Do not stop using this medication without consulting with your doctor.

Make sure that this medicine dose not contact your eyes, this could lead to pain and irritation.

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you. This is because this medicine can cause dizziness when first being initiated.

Stand and sit slowly when first starting this medication to avoid dizziness.

Read the patient information sheet carefully, clean the inhaler regularly.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Difficulty passing urine or other bladder conditions, kidney disease, prostate conditions, glaucoma, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, changes in vision, chest pain, heartbeat changes(increased heart rate),  flu like symptoms, infection symptoms, trouble passing urine, changes in the amount of urine being passed.

Other Side Effects

Constipation, cough, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, stomach upset.

Adult Dose

Asthma Maintenance Therapy

Spiriva® Respimat: 2 inhalations (1.25 mcg’s each) once per day.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD)

Spiriva® Handihaler: 2 inhalations(one capsule) once per day. Do not take the capsules by mouth.