What is Stiolto Respimat? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Stiolto Respimat

• Use this medication exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider. 

• Before the first use, remove the clear base and insert the narrow end of the cartridge. Then, replace the clear base. 

• The inhaler must be primed by pointing it toward the ground and pressing the dose-release button until a mist is seen. Repeat the priming process until four mists are seen. After priming, the inhaler is ready for use.

• Turn the clear base until it clicks to load the dose. Open the cap and breathe out away from the inhaler. While holding the inhaler upright, bring it to your mouth and close your lips around the mouthpiece. Take a slow, deep breath in through your mouth as you press the dose-release button, hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as comfortable, and then breathe out gently and slowly away from the inhaler.

• Close the cap until you use the inhaler again. Keeping the inhaler clean is important; only wipe the mouthpiece with a damp cloth if necessary.

• Store the inhaler at room temperature, away from extreme temperature and moisture.

What to do if you miss a dose of Stiolto Respimat

• If the next scheduled dose is near, skip the missed dose entirely.

• Do not take two doses close together. If it is almost time for the next dose, simply wait and take the regular dose at the usual time to avoid overdose.

• After a missed dose, continue with the next dose as planned without any changes to the routine.

• Consult a healthcare professional if there's any uncertainty about handling missed doses.

Stiolto Respimat contraindications - Who shouldn't take Stiolto Respimat?

• Stiolto contains a LABA, and using LABAs without an inhaled corticosteroid can worsen asthma. This medication should not be used in people with asthma. 

• If you have a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in Stiolto Respimat, including the active components tiotropium or olodaterol, avoid this medication.

Stiolto Respimat warnings

• Stiolto may cause serious allergic reactions. Symptoms can include rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing.

• This medication can lead to new or worsened urinary retention. Caution is advised for patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction.

• The drug may increase the risk of asthma-related death when used by asthma patients without a concurrent inhaled corticosteroid.

• Patients with cardiovascular disorders should use Stiolto with care, as it may cause palpitations, chest pain, increased heart rate, or blood pressure changes.

• Stiolto has been associated with the worsening of narrow-angle glaucoma. Users should report any eye pain or discomfort, visual halos, or colored images with red eyes.

• If patients experience sudden shortness of breath immediately after use, they should seek medical attention as it may be life-threatening.

• Do not use Stiolto for immediate relief of acute symptoms. Instead, short-acting beta-agonists may be used as needed.

• Overuse or simultaneous use of other medications containing LABA may lead to serious effects on the heart and could be fatal.

• Do not use Stiolto if symptoms of COPD are rapidly worsening.

• If life-threatening shortness of breath occurs after using Stiolto, discontinue its use and seek immediate medical help.

• This medication can cause low potassium levels, leading to leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, increased urination, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling.

• Stiolto may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Patients with diabetes or those at risk for diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely.

Stiolto Respimat interactions & what to avoid when taking Stiolto Respimat

• Combining Stiolto with other adrenaline-like medications called sympathomimetic drugs can raise the risk of cardiovascular side effects, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

• Using additional anticholinergic medications alongside Stiolto can intensify the anticholinergic effects, potentially leading to an increase in side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and difficulty urinating.

• Taking diuretics or steroids with Stiolto may worsen low potassium levels caused by olodaterol, which may require monitoring of potassium levels to prevent potential heart problems.

• Beta-blockers may reduce the effectiveness of Stiolto by counteracting the ability to widen the airways, which could worsen breathing issues.

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants may interact with Stiolto to increase the action of olodaterol, increasing the risk of cardiovascular side effects.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions involving Stiolto. Consult a healthcare provider for other potential drug interactions.