Spiriva Handihaler (Tiotropium) from Maple Leaf Medications.

What is it used for?

Spiriva is an inhaled form of tiotropium bromide, a type of medication known as a bronchodilator. Spiriva is used to relax the muscles in the airways to the lungs, allowing people suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to breathe easier and ease their symptoms.

Spiriva is sometimes used as a maintenance treatment for asthma with other medications to improve the symptoms over time. As with COPD, Spiriva is not intended to cure or stop onset asthma attacks, and is only used as a long-term treatment to reduce the worsening of symptoms.

How does Spiriva work?

Tiotropium is an anticholinergic drug that works by inhibiting an enzyme that causes constriction in the smooth muscles in the airways. By administering the solution to the airways, the drug blocks their action, causing the muscles there to relax. This allows more airflow into the lungs, easing symptoms resulting from COPD and asthma.

Is Spiriva a steroid?

Spiriva is an anticholinergic drug, meaning it is not a steroid. Corticosteroids are steroidal medications that are commonly used to reduce the inflammation in the lungs and bronchial tubes that are a symptom of asthma or another breathing condition.

Who should not use this Inhaler?

If you are using Spiriva for asthma maintenance, you should be aware of all the precautions with taking this medication. You should always have your rescue inhaler on hand, and you are not to use this inhaler as a stand-in. It may be necessary to take this medication with a corticosteroid maintenance treatment.

If you have any conditions in the eyes, it may not be a good idea to take this medication. Narrow-angle glaucoma can be caused by using Spiriva.

Spiriva Side effects

Although it is not common to experience side effects, you may experience:

• Dizziness
• Hoarse voice
• Rash, itching
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Sore throat
• Sinus infection
• Inflammation of the mouth, gums and/or tongue
• Nosebleed
• Infections or ulcerations of the skin
• Dry skin

Get help only if these effects do not improve over time. Watch for serious side effects, including:

• Wheezing
• Choking
• Other respiratory problems after using this medicine
• Blurred vision
• Eye pain or redness
• Seeing halos around lights
• Sores or white spots on your lips, tongue, or mouth
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Little or no urinating.

Talk to your doctor or seek help from medical professionals as soon as possible if you encounter any serious side effects.

Spiriva Dosage and how to use

Spiriva is available in 18 mcg strength. Most people only need to take this medication twice a day. Take two puffs of one capsule around the same time each day.

Follow the instructions printed with your inhaler closely and ask your doctor if you have any questions about this medication.

1. Remove the clear base firmly while ensuring to keep the cap on

2. Insert the cartridge until it clicks into the inhaler

3, Put the base back on to secure the cartridge

4. Turn the base in the direction the arrows are pointing until it clicks into place.

5. Open the cap

6. Point the inhaler down away from anyone’s face

7. Press the release button

8. Repeat steps 4 to 6 until a thick cloud form

Note: this is to prime and must only be done for new inhalers or for inhalers that haven’t been used in over a week.

To use:

9. Repeat steps 4 and 5

10. Breathe out fully to prepare, then release a puff of medicine into your mouth as you

breathe in slowly and steadily. Hold for 10 seconds.

11. Repeat step 9 and 10 to take your second dose.

Storage

Keep out of children’s reach and sight.

Store this inhaler at room temperature. Do not store this medication in the freezer or refrigerator. Always check to make sure the expiry date hasn’t passed before you use this medication.