Spiriva general information

What is Spiriva used for?

Spiriva inhalation capsules are used for the long-term treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other obstructive airways disease, like chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Spiriva inhalation capsules contain a powder that when inhaled, using the HandiHaler device (which is especially designed for use with Spiriva capsules and can be obtained separately), relieves symptoms caused by bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways), such as shortness of breath, chronic cough with sputum production, tightness of the chest and wheezing. Spiriva inhalation capsules also reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life, but they do not cure COPD.

How does Spiriva work?

Spiriva inhalation capsules contain the bronchodilator tiotropium in powder form (bromide monohydrate), which is a long-acting anticholinergic that acts on specific muscarinic receptors in the bronchioles of the lung to inhibit the interaction of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger of the nervous system) with muscarinic receptors, preventing spasm of the airway wall caused by acetylcholine. Blocking the action of acetylcholine in the airways, causes the smooth muscle in the airway walls to relax and allows the airways to dilate (widen) which increases air flow into the lungs and relieves bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways). When inhaled tiotropium goes directly into the lungs and very little is absorbed into the blood circulation. Regular long-term use of Spiriva helps reduce symptoms of COPD such as shortness of breath, chronic cough with sputum production, tightness of the chest and wheezing.

What does Spiriva contain?

Each Spiriva inhalation capsules contain 22.5 mcg of the active ingredient tiotropium bromide monohydrate (powder), which is equivalent to 18 mcg of tiotropium, a long-acting bronchodilator used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Spiriva inhalation capsules also contain lactose monohydrate and the capsules are made of hard gelatine.

Treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with Spiriva

Spiriva inhalation capsules contain the bronchodilator tiotropium, which relaxes the muscles of the airways, reducing bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways) and increasing air flow into the lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive obstructive airways disease that usually gets worse with time, with symptoms similar to asthma caused by bronchospasm, including tightness of the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath, as well as chronic cough with sputum production because the lung tissues have become damaged. Spiriva inhalation capsules relieve symptoms of bronchospasm, reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life, but Spiriva capsules do not cure COPD.

What are the side effects of Spiriva?

The most common side effects reported when taking Spiriva inhalation capsules include: dry mouth and throat, cough, rapid heart beat (tachycardia), blurred vision, high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), oral candida (thrush), dizziness, nausea, constipation, upset stomach, stuffy nose, nosebleed.

When should Spiriva not be used?

You should not use Spiriva inhalation capsules if you:

• are allergic to tiotropium or any of the other ingredients in Spiriva capsules or powder
• have a history of hypersensitivity to atropine or its derivatives, (ipratropium or oxitropium)
• having an acute episode of bronchospasm Spiriva is not intended for rescue therapy
• have glaucoma, urinary problems, irregular heart beat, or prostate or kidney disease
• are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

How should Spiriva be taken?

You should take your Spiriva inhalation capsules every day for as long as your doctor recommends. Spiriva inhalation capsules contain an inhalation powder; they are not for oral use and should not be swallowed. You should only use your Spiriva capsules with the HandiHaler device, which is especially designed for use with Spiriva capsules. Inhale the contents of one capsule per day at the same time each day; following the instructions you have been given.

1. Open the dust cap and then the mouthpiece by pulling upwards.
2. Place one capsule in the chamber and close the mouthpiece until it clicks.
3. Press the piercing button once to release the powder when you breathe in.
4. Breathe out completely then place the mouthpiece in your mouth and inhale slowly until your lungs are full. You may need to repeat this step until you have inhaled all the powder, but remove the mouthpiece between each breath.
5. Remove the capsule and dispose.
6. Close the mouthpiece and dust cap

How long should you take Spiriva?

You should take your Spiriva inhalation capsules every day for as long as your doctor recommends.

Missed dose of Spiriva

If you miss a dose of Spiriva take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Spiriva be stored?

You should keep each Spiriva inhalation capsule in its blister pack until you are ready to place the capsule into the HandiHaler to inhale. Store Spiriva capsules in a cool dry place at room temperature, below 25°C and do not freeze.