Spiriva is a brand-name inhaled drug that controls the symptoms of COPD. Spiriva’s active ingredient is tiatropium, a long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes and widens the lung’s airways. The Spiriva HandiHaler is one way to take Spiriva doses. The inhaler and medicine are sold separately. To take once-daily doses, patients load Spiriva Handihaler capsules into the inhaler and breathe in the powder in the capsules.
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Spiriva Handihaler overview
BRAND NAMES:
Spiriva Handihaler, Spiriva Respimat
Generic Names:
Tiotropium bromide
Uses:
Treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Therapeutic Classes:
Bronchodilator, anticholinergic
Forms:
Powder inhaler
How it’s taken:
Inhalation
What is Spiriva Handihaler used for?
Spiriva Handihaler provides maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), a disease that includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
What form(s) does Spiriva Handihaler come in
Capsules (for inhalation)
18 mcg tiotropium
What are common Spiriva Handihaler doses?
For the maintenance treatment of COPD: one 18 mcg capsule (two inhalations) once daily
Common Spiriva Handihaler prescriptions
Spiriva HandiHaler
18mcg capsule
How to take Spiriva Handihaler
Take this medicine as instructed.
Please read the Patient Information sheet and the Instructions for Use before using this medicine the first time.
Take doses 24 hours apart.
Spiriva HandiHaler capsules:
Spiriva HandiHaler consists of an inhalation device and capsules.
Each capsule contains one daily dose.
Spiriva capsules should only be used in the HandiHaler device.
Do not swallow the capsules.
Loading a capsule into the HandiHaler:
Open the Handihaler by removing the dust cap and opening the mouthpiece.
When ready to take a dose, remove one capsule blister from the blister pack.
Pull back the foil to uncover the entire capsule. Do not force the capsule through the foil.
If more than one capsule is exposed to the air, then throw away the capsule you are not going to use.
Remove the capsule gently.
Place it in the center of the HandiHaler.
Close the mouthpiece.
Push the green button as far as it will go to puncture the capsule.
Do not push the green button again.
Taking a dose:
To take the dose, you must inhale twice from the HandiHaler
Hold your head upright and breathe out completely away from the HandiHaler.
Close your lips around the HandiHaler’s mouthpiece. Do not cover the air vents.
Breathe in deeply.
When done, take the HandiHaler out of your mouth and hold your breath for a few seconds.
Breathe out.
Repeat the process a second time.
Throw away the capsule remains by opening the mouthpiece and tipping them out. Do not touch the remains of the capsule.
Store Spiriva capsules in their original package at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat and cold.
Do not freeze the capsule.
Never store capsules in the inhaler.
What to do if you miss a dose of Spiriva Handihaler
Take a missed dose as soon as you remember.
If a missed dose is taken, wait 24 hours before taking the next dose.
Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.
Spiriva Handihaler contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to tiotropium or ipratropium.
Spiriva Handihaler warnings
Keep all appointments with the prescribing healthcare professional.
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using Spiriva and other COPD treatments.
Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:
Kidney problems
Glaucoma
Prostate problems
Trouble urinating
Bladder blockage
Allergies to milk proteins
Spiriva can cause serious problems, including:
Trouble breathing (bronchospasm) after taking a dose
New or worsening narrow-angle glaucoma
New or worsening urinary retention
Dizziness or blurry vision are possible side effects of Spiriva. Be careful about driving or engaging in risky activities.
Do not let Spiriva powder get in the eyes. Immediately call the prescriber or other healthcare provider if this happens.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not improve or get worse.
Spiriva Handihaler interactions
Although Spiriva has only a limited number of drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all the drugs and supplements you use before using Spiriva HandiHaler.
Tell the prescriber if you are taking drugs called anticholinergics, particularly inhalants like ipratropium. Find a complete list of anticholinergic drugs here.
Spiriva Handihaler side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Eye pain or redness, pressure over the eye, extreme headache, blurred vision, extreme sensitivity to light
Sudden worsening of breathing
Trouble passing urine, infrequent urination, painful urination
Allergic reaction: hives, itching, rash, swelling in your face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing
Less serious side effects
Upper respiratory tract infection
Dry mouth
Sinus infection
Sore throat
Sources:
Spiriva HandiHaler drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
Spiriva HandiHaler tiotropium bromide capsule prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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