What is Spiriva Respimat? Uses, warnings & side effects

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Check the medication to make sure you have the right dose. 

• Asthma patients will use the inhaler with the blue cap (1.25 mcg/actuation). 

• COPD patients will use the inhaler with the green cap (2.5 mcg/actuation).

Read and follow the Instructions for Use that come with the inhaler.

Take the dose at the same time each day.

Children using Spiriva Respimat should be helped by an adult.

The cartridge containing the medicine must first be inserted into the inhaler.

• Keep the cap closed on the inhaler.

• Press the safety catch and pull off the clear cartridge from the inhaler.

• Write the discard by date (three months after the cartridge is inserted).

• Insert the narrow end of the cartridge into the inhaler.

• With the inhaler on a firm surface, press down on the top until it clicks. The cartridge is now in place.

• Put the clear base back on the inhaler. Turn it in the direction of the arrows until it clicks.

Prime the inhaler after the cartridge has first been inserted.

• Follow the instructions in the Instructions for Use.

• If the inhaler isn’t used for 21 days or more, prime the inhaler again before use.

Watch the dose indicator.

• The dose indicator shows the number of puffs in the inhaler. Two puffs equal one dose.

• When the dose indicator is in the red zone, refill your prescription.

• When the dose indicator is at zero, the inhaler will stop working.

Take a dose.

• To take a dose, turn the clear base in the direction of the arrows until it clicks. One puff is now ready to take.

• Open the cap.

• Fully breathe out slowly.

• Completely close your lips around the mouthpiece, but don’t cover the air vents.

• Start breathing in slowly and deeply. While doing so, press the dose release button and keep inhaling.

• Hold your breath for 10 seconds.

• Turn the cartridge again in the direction of the arrows until it clicks. The second puff is now ready.

• Take the second puff as you did the first.

• Close the cap.

Clean the mouthpiece at least once weekly with a damp cloth or tissue.

Store Spiriva Respimat at room temperature. Do not freeze the cartridge or inhaler.

Throw away the inhaler three months after its first use.

A missed dose can be taken when remembered, but the next dose can’t be taken until 24 hours later. Ask the prescriber for advice on taking a missed dose.

Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to tiotropium or ipratropium.

The prescribing healthcare provider will need to check the effectiveness of Spiriva treatment at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using Spiriva and other inhaled medicines. 

Before starting Spiriva Respimat, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Kidney problems

• Glaucoma

• Enlarged prostate

• Trouble urinating

• Urinary blockage

Spiriva Respimat can cause serious problems, including:

• Asthma-like attacks (bronchospasm) that can be life-threatening

• Worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma

• Worsening of urinary retention

Do not get Spiriva Respimat in the eyes. Call a doctor if this happens.

Spiriva Respimat can cause dizziness or blurred vision. Be cautious when driving or engaging in any other potentially hazardous activity that requires attention and alertness.

Spiriva Respimat has only a limited number of drug interactions.

Even so, make sure to tell the prescriber about all the drugs and supplements you use before starting Spiriva, particularly medications called anticholinergics. A complete list of anticholinergic drugs can be found here.

Since many bronchodilators are anticholinergic drugs, make sure the prescriber knows about all the drugs you’re taking to treat asthma or COPD.